Asian Champions League 2011: Ten Players To Watch

Link:

Mauricio Molina
Club: FC Seoul
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 30

The Colombian midfielder was instrumental in Seongnam Ilhwa’s Asian Champions League triumph in 2010 and represents a huge coup for reigning K-League champions FC Seoul. A provider of goals as well as a scorer of them, the 30 year-old is the K-League’s best foreigner and one of the continent’s most dangerous players, a threat from outside the box and a wonderful dribbler and passer of a football.

Hong Jeong-Ho
Club: Jeju United
Position: Centre-back
Age: 21

This locally produced 21 year-old is set to shine on the bigger stage this year and is considered the successor to legendary South Korean defender Hong Myung-Bo. A consistent player who is strong in the air and always a threat from set pieces, he is about to have one of the busiest seasons of his life as he represents club and country on a number of fronts.

Yusef Ahmed
Club: Al-Sadd
Position: Striker
Age: 22

Burst onto the scene at the 2011 Asian Cup with his energetic performances for the Qatar national team, he re-joins Al Sadd for their Asian Champions League campaign after a loan spell with Qatar SC. Recently the subject of an official approach from Belgian club Standard Liege, the 22 year-old has a number of European suitors monitoring him. Possesses pace and a natural instinct in front of goal, as well as the capacity to do the unexpected.

Han Peng
Club: Shandong Luneng
Position: Striker
Age: 27

The towering striker netted 17 times last season in the Chinese Super League as his club lifted the league title and his return from a toe fracture on the eve of the Champions League is a welcome boost to Shandong Luneng. Will look to use his aerial prowess and tall frame in leading the line for the Chinese side. His job has been made all the more important given the retirement of usual striker partner Li Jinyu this year.

Nick Carle
Club: Sydney FC
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 29

Sydney FC’s marquee signing failed to light up the A-League this season, though he showed glimpses of the ability that has seen him hang round the fringes of the national team over the past few years. A big performance in the ACL will go some way to justifying his high wages. One of the most technically gifted Australian players of his generation, Carle will need to pull the strings as Sydney’s playmaker.

Carlos Hernandez
Club: Melbourne Victory
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 28

One of the A-League’s best players, Hernandez is virtually unplayable when at his best. Combines physical strength with guile, boasting a wonderful ability from distance as well as a cultured passing game. Always a danger from set-pieces, he is his team’s attacking talisman and their fortunes tend to be dependent on his form.

Takashi Usami
Club: Gamba Osaka
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker
Age: 18

An 18 year-old enfant terrible who has attracted the attention of Bayern Munich, Usami was named the J-League’s best young player last season and has a bright future ahead of him. An adept dribbler and passer, he will give another dimension to Gamba Osaka’s attack as they look to recapture the trophy that they won back in 2008.

Yasser Al-Qahtani
Club: Al Hilal
Position: Striker
Age: 28

It just wouldn’t be a complete list without the name of ‘The Sniper’, who has already netted ten times in the Saudi Pro League this season and helped Al Hilal open up an eight-point lead over the chasing pack. An incredibly prolific striker, he’ll be looking to bounce back after a low-key Asian Cup campaign by leading his club to continental glory. His aerial prowess and sharpness in front of goal mean he will be a constant menace to defenders.

Igor Castro
Club: Zobahan
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker
Age: 29

The Brazilian was a key figure in Zobahan’s memorable run to the final last season and tends to step up for the most important matches. Strong on the ball, he’s also an excellent finisher and intelligent player who takes up effective positions on the pitch. Will need to call upon all of his big-game experience in order to take his side deep into the competition again.

Hawar Mulla Mohammed
Club: Esteghlal
Position: Winger
Age: 29

A talented winger, he was part of the Iraq side that famously won the 2007 Asian Cup and again impressed as they reached the quarter-finals of this year’s tournament. His career high point was playing and scoring in the UEFA Champions League with Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, though he has never quite kicked on to make it big at club level. Provides Esteghlal with a real X-Factor for this tournament.