Saud Abdulhamid has emerged as one of the standout performers among full-backs in Europe this season, with statistical analysis placing the Saudi defender ahead of several established names, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, in terms of attacking efficiency.
The Lens right-back has delivered a season that is drawing increasing attention across Europe’s top leagues, not just for his total goal contributions, but for the speed at which he produces them. His output has positioned him at the top of the rankings for goal involvement per minute among full-backs, averaging a direct contribution every 163.3 minutes.
This places him ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson, who averages a contribution every 175.1 minutes, and Bayern Munich’s Konrad Laimer at 206.5 minutes. Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the most attacking full-backs in world football, sits fourth in this specific metric at 240.8 minutes per contribution.
The analysis highlights a shift in how full-back performance is being assessed, with emphasis moving beyond total goals and assists to efficiency and impact over playing time. On this measure, Abdulhamid has emerged as the most productive in Europe’s elite leagues this season.
In overall contributions, Abdulhamid also features prominently. He is ranked among the top full-backs across Europe’s major competitions, with 11 goal contributions in Ligue 1, matching Hakimi’s tally in the French league. However, the Saudi defender achieved this output in significantly fewer minutes—1622 compared to Hakimi’s 2409—strengthening the case for his efficiency advantage.
Across Europe, other full-backs also stand out statistically. Ryerson leads in Germany with 16 contributions, while Laimer has recorded 14 in 2892 minutes. In England, Arsenal’s Joren Timber has reached 10 contributions, while in Spain, Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente leads his position group with nine. In Italy, Napoli’s Matteo Politano has recorded eight.
Abdulhamid’s attacking profile has become increasingly defined this season, with his ability to combine speed, positioning, and final-third decision-making contributing to his growing influence. His performances suggest a shift from a traditionally defensive role into a more decisive attacking presence on the flank.
According to data from Transfermarkt, Abdulhamid has played 28 matches for Lens across all competitions this season, including 23 league appearances and five in cup competitions. He has scored three goals and provided eight assists during that period.
The 26-year-old’s rise has been built on a steady career progression. He developed through the ranks at Al-Ittihad before breaking into the senior side, later moving to Al-Hilal in 2022, where he won six titles in 51 appearances.
A move to Roma in 2024 marked his first experience in European football, where he became the first Saudi player to provide a goal in Serie A and also scored in the Europa League. Despite limited opportunities, he made notable contributions.
His transfer to Lens in 2025 has provided consistent playing time, allowing him to translate potential into measurable output. This season’s numbers indicate a player entering a new phase of maturity, with performances that now place him alongside Europe’s most recognised full-backs in statistical comparison.
