Asian Cup 2019: Khalfan Mubarak leads list of youngsters to watch out for

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  • Khalfan Mubarak

    The future is bright judging by the promising talents on show at Asian Cup 2019.

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

    From Europe-based rookies to domestic gems, here are our choices for young players – aged 23 or under – to watch:

    Khalfan Mubarak

    A coming of age has been experienced by Mubarak, 23, in 2018/19. The joyous Al Jazira playmaker has notched a leading 10 Arabian Gulf League assists this term, meaning Whites boss Alberto Zaccheroni could no longer ignore his claims. This form became especially pertinent when Amoory succumbed to a serious knee injury. But the apprentice’s quest to become a master got off to a false start when hooked early in the 1-1 draw with Bahrain.

    Musa Al Taamari

    All eyes were on the prodigiously gifted winger, 21, when Jordan kicked-off against Australia on January 6. A burgeoning reputation has been earned by a stellar opening at APOEL, where seven goals have been struck in 10 Cypriot First Division games. Tentative shouts about the ‘next Mohamed Salah’ have appeared. Although these appeared premature after a poor display in victory against the Socceroos.

    Kim Min-jae

    A bright future is guaranteed for the 22-year-old Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors centre-back. The issue now is where that will be. A lucrative move to Beijing Guoan is yet to be sealed, leaving the possibility of a European switch still – slightly – open. Kim has it all; strong in the tackle, nimble in possession and quick in the transition. A big tournament beckons.

    Nguyen Quang Hai

    Quang Hai is at the vanguard of a youthful Vietnam side challenging all perceptions about them. The 21-year-old midfielder was the lifeblood of this month’s AFF Suzuki Cup success, being named Most Valuable Player after the fight back in the finals against Malaysia. With so much pace, poise and perception, this is a prospect to watch – at the Asian Cup and beyond.

    Majid Hosseini

    Hosseini was on the periphery for Iran, before injury to first-choice centre-back Rouzbeh Cheshmi propelled him into the starting XI at World Cup 2018. Since the near miss for the round of 16 in Russia, he’s become a rock for both Team Melli and new employers Trabzonspor of Turkey. With composure on the ball that belies his 22 years, he boasts a rare talent. This calm, however, did not extend to a thunderous challenge in the 5-0 victory against Yemen from which he should have been dismissed.

    Ritsu Doan

    Football’s next great left footer could come from the Land of the Rising Sun. Doan represents a starlet ready to burst into supernova. For Dutch employers Groningen – who’ve already batted aside Manchester City’s approach – and Japan, the 21-year-old provides a lethal threat when cutting inside. The similarities to Netherlands icon Arjen Robben are obvious, yet still apt. His deflected effort proved to be the eventual winner in the rollercoaster 3-2 triumph against Turkmenistan.

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