Cutting the journey short in 90 minutes: Bergwijn chases his best numbers with Al-Ittihad

An exceptional start for the Dutch star

Steven Bergwijn stole the show as Al-Ittihad edged Al-Hazem 3-2 in a thriller. The Netherlands winger's hat-trick carried extra weight, marking the start of his goalscoring account this season.

According to Opta, Bergwijn opened his Professional League tally with three goals, claiming the first hat-trick of his career in the competition. He now sits just two goals shy of matching his entire haul from last season, when he managed five.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah noted that the Dutchman bagged his first hat-trick in an Al-Ittihad shirt against Al-Hazem, in the third round of the Saudi Roshn League on Monday evening.

He struck first from open play before wrapping up the treble with two penalties, driving Al-Ittihad to a precious win.

The 28-year-old's tally with Al-Ittihad now stands at 29 goals in 67 matches since he joined from Ajax in the summer of 2024.

Bergwijn had already scored twice for Al-Ittihad this season, both coming in the 4-1 win over the UAE's Al-Jazira in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off. His contract with the club runs until the summer of next year.

Last season told a leaner story. Bergwijn managed just five goals and four assists in the Saudi Roshn Professional League across 21 appearances.