5 young talents who exploded at the 2019 Asian Cup
FOX Sports Asia has just listed 5 stars who have shown breakthrough performances at the 2019 Asian Cup up to the time the final match between Japan and Qatar is about to take place.
5. Mohanad Ali (Iraq)
Many people were concerned about the Iraqi national team when they put their trust in an 18-year-old player. But Mohanad Ali quickly dispelled all doubts with his convincing performance. The young star of the Iraqi national team is one of the strikers who left the strongest impression with goals in the group stage, along with a positive performance in the round of 16. In the 3-2 victory over Vietnam, Mohanad Ali scored the first goal and left his personal mark on the second goal of the Iraqi national team. Fox Sports Asia said that it would not be surprising if the "number 10" of the Iraqi national team was targeted by European teams.
4. Tarek Salman (Qatar)
On Qatar’s journey to the final of the 2019 Asian Cup, one obvious reason is the success of youth development. Tarek Salman may rarely appear on the scoresheet, but his quiet contribution is as valuable as any star striker. The 21-year-old player is the main character behind Qatar’s clean sheet record since the beginning of the tournament, at the same time helping the team stand on the verge of becoming the 2019 Asian Cup champion.
3. Bassam Al Rawi (Qatar)
The 21-year-old has been a good partner for Tarek Salman, playing an important role in helping Qatar keep a clean sheet in the first 6 matches of the tournament. Not only that, Bassam Al Rawi also scored 2 important goals thanks to his ability to take direct free kicks. After being suspended for the semi-final, Bassam Al Rawi will return to help Qatar compete for the 2019 Asian Cup championship against Japan.
2. Ritsu Doan (Japan)
In the experienced squad of the Japanese national team, Ritsu Doan is an exception with the ability to play well with the senior players. In the absence of Yuya Osako, the 20-year-old striker is still able to carry the attack of the team that has won the championship four times. Ritsu Doan also showed his ability to withstand pressure well with a successful penalty kick in the quarter-final match against Vietnam.
1. Almoez Ali (Qatar)
Almoez Ali scored half of Qatar's 16 goals on the way to the final, the best scoring record by a player in an Asian Cup, and a surprise for a striker who is only 22 years old. Qatari fans are waiting for Almoez Ali to continue to shine in the final to lead the team to the championship for the first time, and set a new record for the 'Top scorer' title.
