At just 21 years old and in his first season in the Roshn Saudi League, Robert Renan has displayed remarkable maturity by mentoring a fellow Brazilian newcomer at Al Shabab.
The defender, on loan from Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg, has been a standout performer in his debut Saudi campaign, missing only two league matches. Renan has integrated perfectly into the team, becoming essential to Al Shabab’s pursuit of a top-four finish. With seven rounds remaining, Fatih Terim’s side currently sits sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Al Ahli.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Renan has taken on another important role. When Al Shabab signed 20-year-old Brazilian Leandrinho during the winter transfer window on loan from Vasco da Gama, the center-back stepped up to help his compatriot adjust to life in Saudi Arabia.
Leandrinho has clearly valued this support. “I like being here; this is a very good experience for me,” the full-back tells the SPL. “The city is great. I like Robert’s friendship; he helped me a lot in the beginning when I first arrived.”
Renan is pleased with his countryman’s progress: “I believe that he adapted well to the group; everyone welcomed him very well. Now, he must keep developing this way.”
Leandrinho appears to be heeding this advice. Since making his debut in the 2-1 victory against Al Raed in Matchweek 22, nearly a month after signing, he has appeared in five more league matches. Despite being thrust into Al Shabab’s push for continental qualification, he seems to be handling the pressure admirably.
“The Brazilian league can be more intense than the Saudi league,” Leandrinho observes. “Here, the teams are more mature, they know where to attack, when to control the ball – this is the main difference.”
Renan, who started his professional career at prestigious Corinthians, has had more time to evaluate the RSL and notes its growing popularity in Brazil. “The league is evolving more every day. The games are already broadcast in Brazil, so it just needs to keep developing this way and it will work out. The Brazilian fans of [RSL] must keep loving it, keep following us. I think there are a lot of Vasco fans cheering for Leandrinho and a lot of Corinthians fans cheering for me.”
His attachment to Al Shabab is evident: “I like being here a lot. If I could, I would stay 10 years in Al Shabab.”
Looking ahead, both Brazilians share similar ambitions for the season’s conclusion. Leandrinho promises that Al Shabab will “give everything to qualify for next year’s Champions League.”
Renan sounds equally confident. A win against Al Okhdood on Thursday could temporarily elevate Al Shabab above Al Ahli into that coveted fourth position. “I think that, with a lot of dedication until the end of the season, we could end up in the top four,” he states. “We must keep this winning streak and, thank God, we will make it happen.”
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