With the Asian Cup less than a week away, The National examines five players expected to dominate the spotlight in Australia and five less-heralded names who could emerge as breakout performers at the continental showcase.
5 names you know and love
Zheng Zhi, Guangzhou Evergrande and China – The 2013 Asian player of the year will play a key role in midfield and as a leader, being the only player older than 30 in coach Alain Perrin’s squad. China enter the Asian Cup unbeaten in their past nine matches, albeit against middling opposition, and have a point to prove after qualifying for the tournament by a single goal as the best third-place team.
Shinji Okazaki, Mainz and Japan – Japan have long had a midfield capable of creating scoring chances and their dearth of strikers able to finish those chances is almost as long-lived. With Yoshito Okubo and Takashi Usami left out of the squad and the likes of Yu Kobayashi, Takashi Inui and Yohei Toyoda unproven at the international level, the onus is on Okazaki to lead the line.
Son Heung-min, Bayer Leverkusen and South Korea – A rare source of good news for a side who have been in flux since qualifying for last year's World Cup, Son has made his name providing timely goals for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and Uefa Champions League. Those skills will be essential as South Korea try to win their first Asian Cup since 1960, or at least reach their first final since 1988.
Server Djeparov, Seongnam and Uzbekistan – Djeparov, a two-time Asian player of the year, has been a constant for Uzbekistan since 2002. Capable of playing in midfield or as a second striker, he may have to provide much of his side’s attacking thrust in Australia after Maksim Shatskikh and Ulugbek Bakayev retired from international duty last May.
Bader Al Mutawa, Qadsia SC and Kuwait – Amassing an impressive 149 caps since 2003, Al Mutawa is no stranger to observers of Gulf football. UAE fans need only flash back to his stunning strike two months ago for a reminder of his considerable talent. Advancing past Australia, South Korea and Oman will be difficult, and whatever success Kuwait enjoy, Al Mutawa likely will be at the heart of it.
5 names you may not but likely will
Tom Oar, Utrecht and Australia – All eyes will be on Tim Cahill, who has scored eight of Australia's 12 goals under coach Ange Postecoglou, but someone has to take pressure off Mark Bresciano and get Cahill the ball. Oar could provide a welcome dose of width and penetration for a team stereotypically associated with direct, physical football.
Karim Ansarifard, Osasuna and Iran – One of Asia's brightest young prospects had many suitors in Europe before landing with Osasuna, who also employ venerable countryman Javad Nekounam. In Ansarifard and Sardar Azmoun, Iran appear to have two attacking talents who are worthy inheritors of the legacy left by the likes of Ali Daei and Khodadad Azizi.
Pak Kwang Ryong, Vaduz and North Korea – Pak is one of the few North Koreans playing outside their country, with their Asian Cup squad featuring two based in Switzerland and two in Japan. With more recognised strikers Jong Tae Se and Hong Yong Jo not among the travelling party to Australia, Pak may have to carry the scoring load for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup winners.
Munther Abu Amarah, Al Wehdat and Jordan – The Palestinian-born winger is making his case for a greater role with the senior team after enjoying a successful run with Jordan’s Under-22 team. He reportedly has drawn the interest of several clubs elsewhere in West Asia.
Yoshinori Muto, FC Tokyo and Japan – Muto came into his own in his first full season of professional football, leading FC Tokyo with 13 league goals and breaking into the national team at 22 years old. With Japan desperate for reliable striking options, Australia could be the stage for him to become a standout performer at the Asian Cup.
pfreelend@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
