Uzbekistan 2022: Ones to Watch
Tashkent: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 campaign kicks off on Wednesday with 16 teams from across the continent battling it out to follow in the footsteps of former winners Iraq (2014), Japan (2016), Uzbekistan (2018) and Korea Republic (2020).
One of the biggest names in the tournament, let alone the Korea Republic squad, Lee Kang-in has long been tipped as one of the future stars of Asia, particularly after winning the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup’s Golden Ball award.
After a decade with La Liga’s Valencia that saw him go from academy to the first team, the now 21-year-old joined Mallorca ahead of the 2021-22 season and, having already made appearances in the senior Korea Republic side, he will look to stake a claim for a place in the squad for Qatar 2022.
Turki Al Ammar (Saudi Arabia)
Having already received several plaudits for his performances at AFC youth tournaments, Turki Al Ammar could well be the one to keep an eye on for Saudi Arabia with the skilful 22-year-old midfielder now a regular for club side Al Shabab.
Named MVP at the 2018 AFC U20 Asian Cup (then known as the AFC U-19 Championship), Al Ammar went on to be honoured with the 2018 AFC Young Player of the Year award and there any many in Saudi football who have high hopes for him to be the next Saudi football star.
Kuryu Matsuki (Japan)
Tipped by many to be the stand-out player in this youthful Japan side, Kuryu Matsuki - who only recently turned 19 years old - has already secured a regular place in the starting 11 for his club FC Tokyo this season, where he is mentored by Samurai Blue legend Yuto Nagatomo.
An all-action box-to-box midfielder who imposes himself on the pitch with his work rate and ability, Matsuki has already attracted interest from some of the biggest European sides and a strong showing at the AFC U23 Asian Cup could see them come calling once more.
Khusain Norchaev (Uzbekistan)
FC Nasaf striker Khusain Norchaev was one of the undisputed stars to emerge from the 2021 AFC Cup, scoring seven goals in just seven games to earn the top scorer award, before he seamlessly transitioned to the AFC Champions League stage where his goals helped Nasaf into the Round of 16.
The 20-year-old boasts excellent positioning, with the ability to lose his marker, and is a clinical finisher. Given his meteoric rise over the last two years that has already seen him earn a full senior appearance for Uzbekistan, the stage is set for him to shine on home turf at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Suphanat Mueanta (Thailand)
Given how early Suphanat Mueanta made his mark on Asian football, it seems hard to believe he is still only 19. The Buriram United striker made headlines when he scored in the 2019 AFC Champions League as a 16-year-old, and he since has scored at all levels for Thailand’s national team.
The younger brother of Supachok Sarachart, who has recently moved to the J1 League, there is no doubt that Suphanat has the ability and potential to join his sibling in a move overseas. A good showing at AFC U23 Asian Cup will only accelerate that opportunity.
Yasin Salmani (IR Iran)
IR Iran have endured a disappointing record at the AFC U23 Asian Cup so far, with their best performance coming in a quarter-final exit at the 2016 edition. However, the squads they have brought have always featured plenty of individual talents, Yasin Salmani is no exception.
The 20-year-old Sepahan attacker was the second-highest scorer in qualifying and has since gone on to feature at the 2022 AFC Champions League. He will have no shortage of role models in an AFC U23 Asian Cup alumni list that includes the likes of Mehdi Torabi, Kaveh Rezaei and Mehdi Ghayedi.
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