Ivan Toney’s hat-trick has him top of the Saudi Pro League with 18 goals and an eight-game scoring streak, keeping him in England’s selector radar; punters may favour backing Toney as an anytime scorer or for Golden Boot markets and Al-Ahli in title bets while he remains this clinical and surrounded by high-quality teammates.
Toney Tops Saudi Scoring Charts After Stunner
Ivan Toney’s hat-trick last Thursday propelled him to the summit of the Saudi Pro League with 18 goals, two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Brentford striker has carried last season’s momentum into this campaign after lifting the Asian Champions League and finishing his debut Saudi season with 30 goals.
On a Mission to Force His Way Into England’s Plans
Toney is openly determined to remain in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup thinking. Despite being used for just a few minutes in England’s defeat to Senegal last year, he insists international call-ups are an honour and that forwards must always be ready to make an impact, however brief their outing.
Reaction to Limited England Minutes
“It is always an honour being called up. You have to respect the players that are playing in front of you… So whether I get two minutes or not, you have to be ready when you’re called upon,” Toney said, underlining his professionalism and hunger for opportunity.
Move to Saudi Arabia and the Critics
Priced out of a Premier League return by his former club, Toney chose Saudi Arabia and has faced criticism for it. He rejects the notion that the move was an “easy option,” pointing to the quality around him and his own work ethic as evidence the league should not be dismissed.
Quality Around Him
Toney highlighted teammates with big resumes — names with Champions League pedigree and international success — as one reason the standard is higher than critics suggest. “There are players in this league that could still play in the Premier League. The standard is high,” he said, claiming that if Al-Ahli were in the Premier League they would finish “quite high.”
Form and Finishing: A Striker in Rhythm
The 29-year-old’s scoring run stretches to eight consecutive games. Described by his former boss as “the best penalty taker in the world,” Toney credits anticipation and instincts rather than luck for his rich vein of form, saying strikers often bear the brunt of criticism when teams underperform.
Scoring Philosophy
“In the past year I’ve felt a real sense of anticipating where the ball could drop… Strikers have the hardest job in football because when a team doesn’t win, strikers are the ones automatically looked at,” he said, reflecting on the pressures of leading the line.
Life Abroad and Focus
Toney admits the move has come with sacrifices — limited face-to-face time with family — but says staying focused on his work makes reunions all the more special. The commitment to his routine and mentality has helped sustain his goalscoring levels.
Betting Angles and What Punters Should Watch
Toney’s red-hot form makes him an attractive proposition for short-term markets: anytime scorer bets, match-goal lines, and seasonal top-scorer markets in the Saudi Pro League.
Punters should monitor minutes and fixture congestion, but his consistency and role as Al-Ahli’s primary finisher make him a compelling selection while the run continues.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ivan Toney is outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League and having already fired Al-Ahli to the Asian Champions League, the ex-Brentford hitman is targeting England's World Cup squad
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