Crysencio Summerville started for the Netherlands against Germany last night in the Nations League. He played 83 minutes before being replaced by Ruben van Bommel in the 1-1 draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
The Dutch are now managed by Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi. He took over from Ronaldo Koeman after the World Cup last summer. Koeman had been very anti-Saudi Pro League during his tenure in charge of the Netherlands.
Koeman banished Steven Bergwijn from the national team when he left Ajax to join Al-Ittihad. In a press conference, Koeman said, "Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at age 26. It's clear that this has nothing to do with sportive ambition. His book with the Dutch National Team is closed. He probably knows what I would have said this."
Summerville was one of West Ham United's bright sparks in a difficult campaign last season. As the Hammers were relegated, Summerville scored five goals with four assists in 31 Premier League games.
Over the summer, Summerville was linked with European teams including Olympique de Marseille, AC Milan, AS Roma, Manchester United, Chelsea, Fulham, Aston Villa, and Galatasaray. However, he ended up joining Al-Hilal for £60 million.
Al-Hilal is also paying Summerville in the region of £10 million to £20 million a year. The 24-year-old is on a four-year contract, so his prime years are set to be spent in the Saudi Pro League. The riches of Saudi Arabia have been too tempting for many since Cristiano Ronaldo set the trend of playing in the country when he joined Al-Nassr in 2023.
Summerville has continued his good form in the Saudi Pro League
Summerville forms an impressive front three at Al-Hilal alongside Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli. Al-Hilal's squad also includes Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves, Théo Hernandez, and Sergej Milinković-Savić. They are also managed by ex-Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi.
Inzaghi's side are top of the Saudi Pro League, having one six out of their seven opening games of the season. Summerville has been in form, scoring twice and making three assists in these matches.
Summerville was not the only player from the Saudi Pro League selected to play against the Germans. Former Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is now with Al-Qadisiyah, also started last night.
If Koeman were still in charge, there would have been a very slim chance that Summerville and Reijnders would have featured. Koeman would probably have played either Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, or Van Bommel instead of Summerville. In midfield, the former manager could have played Quinten Timber, Joey Veerman, or Kenneth Taylor instead of Reijnders.
Xavi played and managed in the Middle East at the end of his career. He represented Al Sadd before starting his managerial career with the Qatari side. Therefore, Xavi has a lot more respect for football in the region than Koeman.
The Saudi Pro League is not on the same level as the top European leagues. It is also a shame not to see the likes of Summerville competing at the highest level. However, the Saudi Pro League is now attracting players in their prime as well as ageing ones looking for a final paycheck. More top national teams will likely have to continue to pick Saudi Pro League players in the future.
Add us as a preferred source on Google