Summerville warned he may have to make way for returning Al-Dawsari at Al Hilal

Crysencio Summerville has been told he could lose his place in the Al Hilal starting XI to Salem Al-Dawsari after a frustrating first official appearance for the Saudi club.

The Netherlands winger started Al Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al Faisaly in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League. However, his debut was overshadowed by a second-half miss which drew strong criticism, despite Summerville having won a penalty during the match.

Former Al Hilal forward Nasser Al-Shamrani said the 24-year-old needed to improve his finishing and suggested he would become a substitute once Al-Dawsari returns from injury.

“Summerville does not finish chances in the ideal way, and I think he will sit on the bench for Salem Al-Dawsari when the latter returns from injury,” Al-Shamrani said on the television programme Dawrina Ghair.

The comments followed an eventful first competitive outing for Summerville, who joined Al Hilal as a new attacking option on the wing. Although he contributed to the side’s four-goal win by earning a penalty, he was unable to convert a clear opportunity in the second half.

Al-Shamrani contrasted Summerville’s performance with the qualities he believes Al-Dawsari brings in front of goal.

“Salem Al-Dawsari is a wonderful player and is very good at finishing in the best possible way,” he added. “I played with him when he was first being promoted to the first team. In this respect, he was similar to Summerville, but he continued working until he became excellent at finishing attacks.”

The former Al Hilal player concluded with a blunt assessment of the Dutchman’s missed opportunity.

“Summerville should have scored at least one chance, but he was extremely wasteful.”

Al-Dawsari’s absence through injury has given Summerville an early opportunity to establish himself in Al Hilal’s attack. But Al-Shamrani’s assessment suggests the competition for a starting role could become challenging when the Saudi international is available again.

Summerville’s first appearance came as Al Hilal began their Roshn Saudi League campaign with a high-scoring win over Al Faisaly. His involvement in the penalty decision provided one positive moment, but the missed chance has quickly become the main talking point surrounding his debut.

The criticism marks an early test for the new signing, who will now be expected to improve his efficiency in front of goal while Al-Dawsari works towards a return.