Al Fateh and Saudi Arabia striker Firas Al Buraikan just keeps getting better in Saudi Pro League
With all the famous foreign strikers that come to Saudi Pro League, it can be hard for locals to stand out.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Odion Ighala, Talisca and Abderrazak Hamdallah have scored goals at the top levels of the beautiful game and command the attention of headline writers around the world.
Yet, it only needs a quick look near the top of the current goal-scoring standings for Roshn Saudi League to reveal the name of Firas Al Buraikan.
It is not a surprise the World Cup 2022 star is excelling. Last season, the 22-year-old was the only Saudi Arabian in the top-10 goal scorers as he found the net eight times.
Already this term, he has matched his tally from 2021/22 and, assuming he stays fit, 15 Roshn Saudi League goals is not out of the question. That would be a sensational return.
At the moment, only Al Nassr’s Talisca, Carlos Jr of Al Shabab and Al Ittihad’s Hamdallah have scored more. What is more impressive for Al Buraikan is that he does not play for a title-chasing team, but leads the line for Al Fateh, a club sitting sixth.
It is testament to the mentality of Al-Buraikan that he left Al Nassr in 2021 where he was struggling for playing time, heading east to Al Fateh.
Al Buraikan has always been a hard-working striker, a handful for defenders and willing to run all day. But regular playing time with Al Fateh has resulted in more composure to his finishing, plus improved anticipation and movement.
Take his two goals in the come-from-behind, 2-1 win at the high-flying Al Taawoun on February 9.
For the opener, there was a cross from the left but Al Buraikan had already found space in the area, running between two defenders to jump into the air and guide the ball into the net.
Then, with just a minute remaining, the striker stayed in the area while a cross from the other side came in. Defenders then moved around to try and clear the danger, giving him space to head the ball home for a dramatic winner.
They were goals of a player full of confidence. The national team has also benefited.
Al Buraikan was one of the stars during the successful World Cup qualification campaign and contributed vital goals to help take the Green Falcons to Qatar. The winning strikes against Oman, China and especially in that 1-0 win over Japan will live long in the memory.
And, as he is just in his early twenties, he could get better and better.