3️⃣ reasons why Al Hilal are dark horses to win the Club World Cup | OneFootball

Al Hilal are into the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup where they will face Brazilian side Fluminense.

With a place in the last four on the line, we detail three reasons why the Saudi giants could just go all the way.

Elite squad depth

📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors

Al Hilal have been transformed into a global powerhouse thanks to major investment and canny recruitment.

Key signings like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković‑Savić have brought Champions League‑tested pedigree alongside some stellar local names.

This European‑class nucleus has ensured one of the best defences anywhere in the world as well as true firepower up top.

Aleksandar Mitrović may have been this season's top scorer but his calf injury has paved the way for Marcos Leonardo to thrive in the Serbian's absence.

With Salem Al‑Dawsari and Malcom laying on the assists to boot, the Riyadh outfit are one of the most well-balanced sides left in the competition.

The taste for a giant-killing

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Al Hilal's record in the US has been pretty unassailable so far. The Saudi side drew with, and were impressive against, Real Madrid on matchday one before claiming a point against Salzburg. A must-win match against Pachuca on matchday three was managed with consummate ease as they beat the Mexicans 2-0 to reach the last 16.

There was just one goal conceded in the group stage, as they tied with Paris Saint-Germain and Monterrey for the best defensive record.

And then it was on to the last 16 against Manchester City where Al Hilal truly shone.

Simone Inzaghi's side overturned 3‑2 deficit to win 4‑3 after extra‑time, causing easily the biggest shock of the tournament so far. With that scalp already under their belt, Al Hilal will surely fancy their chances against anyone left in the competition.

A world class coach

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Simone Inzaghi's stock may not be as high as it was before May 31, but the Italian tactician is still one of the very best coaches in the game.

Inzaghi joined Al Hilal on a two-year deal last month and has immediately gone about making the Riyadh side one of the most attractive to watch at the Club World Cup.

That should come as no surprise to anyone who watched his Inter outfit over the past few years but the fact that Al Hilal were able to poach Inzaghi says much about the short-term memories of some in football.

The 49-year-old's Inter were totally dismantled by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final back in May, paving the way for his exit out of San Siro and his new position with Al Hilal.

How about some revenge against the European champions in this final?

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