Ivan Toney’s Statement: Goals, England, and the Saudi Pro League
Ivan Toney is making a compelling case for an England recall, and he’s doing it by outscoring one of football’s all-time greats. The 29-year-old’s impressive form in the Saudi Pro League, where he now leads Cristiano Ronaldo in goals scored, is a clear signal of his ambition and ability.
Toney Overtakes Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
Toney’s recent brace in a 2-0 win over Al-Hazem not only propelled Al-Ahli to second in the league standings but also saw him surpass Cristiano Ronaldo as the Saudi Pro League’s top goalscorer with 19 goals in as many games. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Al-Ahli leapfrogged Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the process.
England Prospects and Tuchel’s Dilemma
With 27 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances across all competitions, Toney’s statistics rival those of Harry Kane, the only Three Lions player with superior numbers this season. This puts significant pressure on England manager Thomas Tuchel, who faces a difficult decision regarding his forward line. Currently, no other Englishman has reached double figures for league goals.
Toney’s limited playing time for England – just two minutes under Tuchel – is a surprising statistic given his prolific form. He has seven England caps, starting only one friendly match against Belgium in 2024, where he scored.
Rejecting Juventus for World Cup Ambitions
Despite interest from clubs like Juventus and potential Premier League returns, Toney turned down a move in January, prioritizing his chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup. He believes continuing to score goals in Saudi Arabia will strengthen his case for selection. He has lifted the Asian Champions League trophy and the Saudi Super Cup with Al-Ahli.
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FAQ
Q: Why did Ivan Toney reject a move to Juventus?
A: Toney believes staying at Al-Ahli and continuing to score goals will improve his chances of being selected for the 2026 World Cup.
Q: How does Ivan Toney’s goalscoring record compare to Harry Kane’s?
A: Harry Kane currently has more goals and assists than Toney, but Toney is a close second and is performing exceptionally well.
Q: Has Ivan Toney played much for England recently?
A: Toney has had limited playing time for England under Thomas Tuchel, appearing for just two minutes.
What are your thoughts on Toney’s chances of making the World Cup squad? Let us know in the comments below!
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