Top 10 biggest stars to watch out for at AFC Asian Cup 2023

South Korea skipper Son Heung-Min is also the current captain of Tottenham Hotspur and one of the top players in this AFC Asian Cup edition.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is nearly upon us. From 12 January onwards, 24 teams will take part in what is assured to be a highly competitive battle among Asia’s best teams for the crown. Defending champions Qatar will be hosting the tournament and will be aiming to retain the championship.

However, they face stiff competition from teams like South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia – who all boast pretty strong squads heading into the competition. With Asian football on the rise and Asian footballers playing prominently all over the world, there will be some major players that will be taking part in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Here we look at 10 big stars that have been called up for the tournament.

10. Sunil Chhetri

India national team captain Sunil Chhetri is actually the oldest player picked by any team in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and will spearhead the forward line for India at the age of 39. He still remains the biggest goal-scoring threat for the Blue Tigers, possessing more finishing acumen than anyone else in the squad.

Chhetri, who is the third-highest active goal-scorer in international football with 93 goals, will be determined to add more to his tally and help his side defy the odds in a tough group.

9. Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi has plenty of experience in playing in major competitions like the AFC Asian Cup and will be looking to inspire Iran to fight for the championship. The 31-year-old FC Porto striker has been having an iffy season with just three goals in 15 league games, after scoring 22 in 33 appearances last time out.

However, Taremi is still a decisive forward who possesses some deft finishing skills and clever movements to torment defender. He has scored 41 goals in 74 appearances for Iran and can be a thorn for any defender.

8. Mathew Ryan

The former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper will be captaining Australia this time around and needs to be at his best under the sticks. Ryan is the most experienced member of the Socceroos squad with 86 international caps in his belt and 35 clean-sheets as well.

He is an expert shot-stopper who possesses swift reflexes and is a commanding figure in his box. He’ll need to produce clutch saves to inspire his players to be confident and get them far into the tournament.

7. Hwang-Hee Chan

Recently called as ‘The Korean Guy’ by Pep Guardiola earlier this season, Hwang-Hee Chan has been an explosive figure in the Premier League for Wolves. He has scored 10 goals in 20 games, including some against Manchester City, Newcastle United and Liverpool!

The 27-year-old’s versatility means he can play anywhere across the frontline for South Korea and has already scored 12 goals in 59 appearances for them. He’ll be one to watch and can be the trump card for the Korean side in the Asian Cup.

6. Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo might’ve had a difficult start at Liverpool after joining them last year, but became a regular as the season wore on. He has impressed in recent performances against Arsenal and Manchester United, proving his qualities as an excellent ball-winner and showcasing positive energy.

Endo is the Japan national team captain as well and will play a pivotal role in helping them win the AFC Asian Cup. The Samurai Blue have destroyed their opponents en route to the Asian Cup and Endo will play a key role in helping them maintain that momentum and be an inspired leader by winning battles and roaring them forward.

5. Kim Min-jae

The South Korean centre-back is considered as one of the best defenders in the world after joining Bayern Munich from Napoli last year. He has helped his side keep seven clean-sheets in 15 Bundesliga appearances and put in some dominant performances.

Kim is a physical, yet quite rapid centre-back who will need to hold together a strong defensive line for South Korea. He’ll look to bully forwards with his proactive defensive style and help maintain composure in his side’s backline, giving the forwards more freedom to roam up ahead and cause havoc.

4. Takefusa Kubo

Takefusa Kubo has been a revelation in La Liga this season and one of the biggest reasons behind Real Sociedad’s success. With six goals and three assists in 18 appearances, he has given defenders nightmares with his brilliant dribbling ability, pace and efficiency in the final third.

Kubo will be an inspired attacking player for Japan and be responsible for creating the magic in the final third. The 22-year-old will be dependent on getting the ball into the final third and put his deft finishing to good use in scoring classy goals and also helping up chances with his clever final delivery.

3. Sardar Azmoun

The AS Roma star has not been having the most eventful campaign under Jose Mourinho, only scoring one goal in Serie A. However, Azmoun is an experienced forward who loves playing for his national team. The 29-year-old has scored 49 goals in 75 appearances for Iran and is a lethal forward in the box.

Azmoun has the ability to finish off chances from a number of different scenarios and also tends to time his movement perfectly to catch defenders off guard. He will look to rejuvenate his form in the AFC Asian Cup and finish off chances emphatically for Iran.

2. Kaoru Mitoma

Kaoru Mitoma has quickly earned the reputation for being one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League. The Japanese winger is blessed with an amazing dribbling ability, as well as a tendency to time his final product to perfection.

Mitoma will be a key player for Japan if he recovers early from his recent injury and look to cause trouble with his incisive dribbles through that left wing. Mitoma can easily light up the Samurai Blue’s game with his brilliant forward runs and can run riot against any opponent in the AFC Asian Cup if able to tap into his utmost potential.

1. Son Heung-Min

Arguably the biggest star to feature in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Son Heung-Min’s inclusion automatically propels South Korea to being one of the major favourites to win the tournament. The Tottenham Hotspur captain is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world and arguably the best Asian footballer to play in England.

Son has scored 12 goals in 20 Premier League games for Spurs this season and is oozing with confidence. He can sprint with the ball, get past defenders easily and is devastating with his finishing. Son needs to bring his club form into the AFC Asian Cup to help South Korea blow away teams and dominate their way to lifting the trophy.

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