Al-Nassr head coach believes Cristiano Ronaldo can end the calendar year as the highest goalscorer in world football.
The Yellows put on another impressive display in the Saudi Pro League to overcome Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq 3-1 on Friday.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a few chances to score in the first half but was denied by Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Paulo Victor on several occasions.
However, it was former Manchester United teammate Alex Telles who fired Al-Nassr into the lead from a venomous long-range strike at the stroke of half-time.
The hosts doubled their lead through Marcelo Brozovic after the break before Ronaldo finally got his goal from a late penalty.
The 38-year-old’s spot-kick was enough to move his tally for the year to 51 goals to match Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
With two games left to play for Al-Nassr this year, Ronaldo has a golden opportunity to overtake Kane’s record as the Bundesliga is now on hold due to the German winter break.
“We were in complete control throughout the 90 minutes,” Castro said in the press conference after the game.
“It’s important to maintain this form because we still have crucial games coming up and we want to keep winning points.
“Cristiano? He’s a special player and always has an impact on games. He truly is a role model, and if he scores another goal, he will become top scorer in 2023.
“It’s a really exciting record to chase especially for a player of his age,” he added.