Rodgers backs Quinones to revive golden-boot charge as Ronaldo targets top spot

Al-Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers has tipped Julian Quinones to retain his Roshn Saudi League golden boot, despite the Mexican striker’s modest start to the new campaign and the continued threat posed by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Quinones finished as the competition’s leading scorer last season with 33 goals, ahead of Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney and Ronaldo. His prolific campaign established him as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league and earned him the confidence of Rodgers, who believes he can quickly rediscover that form.

“I expect Quinones to win the Saudi league’s top-scorer award again this season. He is a top-class goalscorer and we are delighted to have a player like him,” Rodgers said in comments to the media.

The Al-Qadsiah boss also rejected suggestions that the striker’s current numbers reflect a decline in his ability. Instead, Rodgers argued that Quinones has been unfortunate, pointing to goals that have been disallowed in recent matches.

“Everyone knows his value. He is still a star, but he has been unlucky so far. He scored a goal that was ruled out, and goals were also disallowed for him in previous matches,” Rodgers said.

Quinones has scored once in four Roshn Saudi League appearances this season. He failed to score or provide an assist in Al-Qadsiah’s 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly, a result which came as the forward faced criticism from some supporters and sections of the media.

Rodgers remains convinced that his striker’s slow start is only temporary and believes Quinones has the quality, experience and motivation required to return to the scoring race.

“I still trust Quinones. He is one of the best strikers I have worked with in my career. He was the top scorer last season without taking penalties, and he still has the same mentality. He just needs a little luck before he gets going again,” Rodgers added.

The manager’s comments come as Ronaldo and several other leading forwards continue to compete for the top position in the scoring charts. The Portugal captain, who leads Al-Nassr, was among the players Quinones surpassed last season, but remains one of the league’s most prominent contenders for the award.

Rodgers’ public backing offers a clear vote of confidence in Quinones as Al-Qadsiah look for their leading attacker to reproduce the form that brought him 33 league goals last season. For now, however, the Mexican has one goal from four matches and must improve his output if he is to challenge Ronaldo and the other leading scorers.

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