Seven games into the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season and only Al Hilal remain unbeaten, sitting second in the table a point behind leaders Al Ittihad.
Such form would normally be a cause for optimism, instead the nagging sense is that Al Hilal are a team failing to function.
An exceptional summer of recruitment kicked off with the signing of Ruben Neves from Wolves and culminated in the purchase of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.
Both were signed for club and league record fees. While there was disappointment in the King Salman Cup – Hilal lost the final to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in extra time – the 'Blue Power' chalked up four wins in five league games before September's international break, including a famous comeback to defeat Al Ittihad 4-3 in the Saudi Clasico.