Asian Cup 2019: Son Heung-min and other players to look out for

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  • Asia’s finest footballers have been brought together in the UAE for Asian Cup 2019.

    From the landmark 24 teams that are competing in the biggest-ever edition from January 5-February 1, several players stand out.

    From Europe-based superstars to domestic gems, here are our choices for players to watch:

    Maya Yoshida

    A changing of the guard has taken place for Japan, but a familiar face remains at centre-back. Yoshida offers a wealth of experience, as a veteran of two Olympics, two World Cups and two Asian Cups – helping lift the 2011 edition. Alongside fellow experienced head, Tomoaki Makino, he should provide a solid base for the likes of Ritsu Doan to flourish.

    Son Heung-min

    Forget just being Asia’s deadliest attacker, Son comes into this tournament – belatedly thanks to an agreement with Tottenham – as one of the world’s in-form players. Surprisingly, this is not always a side that the Korean public have seen. But his image was rehabilitated with success at the summer’s Asian Games and he’ll be expected to carry the dreams of an expectant nation.

    Ali Mabkhout

    Mabkhout was a revelation four years ago. The Al Jazira striker’s sixth – and final – goal of the tournament secured him the Golden Boot and the UAE an incredible third place. Fast forward to the present and he carries the hopes of the hosts, thanks to the injury suffered by superstar playmaker Omar Abdulrahman. Worryingly, while he remains prolific domestically, he’s struck just twice in his last nine internationals. There was one glaring miss, in particular, in the opening 1-1 draw with Bahrain.

    Salem Al Dawsari

    Al Dawsari was, for so long, the trusted back-up winger for Al Hilal and Saudi Arabia. Nawaf Al Abed’s injury induced misery, however, has granted him space to flourish. The 27-year-old lit up a poor World Cup, notching the late winner versus Egypt. Back at Hilal after his loan at Villarreal, he’s struck up a bond with Bafetimbi Gomis. His quest to reinforce his status as one of Asia’s best began with a goal in the 4-0 rout of North Korea.

    Tom Rogic

    Forget the bleatings of empty vessel Chris Sutton, Rogic is now with the holders and is eager to impress after their shock 1-0 loss to Jordan. With Aaron Mooy and Daniel Arzani out injured, everything will have to run through the Celtic playmaker. New boss Graham Arnold’s system should also bring out the best in the graceful creator. At 26-years old, this tournament should be Rogic’s to make his own.

    Wu Lei

    Shanghai SIPG’s surge to the Chinese Super League title was less about Oscar and Hulk, and more about the prolific Wu. His 27 goals in 29 top-flight matches saw him become top scorer for the champions – not bad work. Strangely, he remains something of a mystery to China boss Marcello Lippi. Thrust across the attacking line, he is still to bring the best out of him. The Asian Cup would be a good place to start.

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