Vote for your best player of UAE 2019 Group Stage!
19th January 2019
Abu Dhabi: The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 has seen its share of standout performances from the established stars of Asian football to the emergence of a new generation of talent.
But just who has been the best performer overall?
We want you to have your say, vote in our poll below to decide which of the following 10 players you think has been the best performer of the group stage.
Salem Al Dawsari (Saudi Arabia)
While he was rested from Saudi Arabia’s final match against Qatar, in his first two performances against DPR Korea and Lebanon the dynamic midfielder showed all his guile and class as he controlled the midfield and linked up perfectly with those in front of him to create a plethora of chances for his side.
Almoez Ali (Qatar)
With seven goals in three matches at this AFC Asian Cup, Almoez Ali has announced himself as a genuine star of Asian football.
His four goals against DPR Korea put him in rarefied air as one of only five players to ever score four goals in a single match at the AFC Asian Cup, while his brace against Saudi Arabia ensured Qatar finished top of Group E.
Ashkan Dejagah (Islamic Republic of Iran)
The 32-year-old midfielder has wound back the clock with a series of superb performances in midfield for one of the tournament favourites.
Using all his experience in an advanced midfield position, he has been key to Iran’s attack, with his set piece delivery in particular a highlight, which was on full display with a wonderful free-kick goal in their 5-0 win over Yemen.
Yasen Bakheet (Jordan)
Jordan have been one of the surprise packets of this tournament, defeating Australia and finishing top of Group B, and one of the keys to their success has been lively winger Yasen Bakheet.
One of the highlights of the group stage has been seeing the 29-year-old in full flight, running directly at defenders and weaving his way past those that stand in his way.
Nguyen Quang Hai (Vietnam)
The talent of Nguyen Quang Hai has been well known to fans in Southeast Asia for some time, but now the AFF Cup 2018 MVP has put his talent on display for all of Asia to see as the Golden Stars have progressed to the Round of 16.
The attacking midfielder has been instrumental for Vietnam and it’s his incisiveness that has created the best of Vietnam’s chances.
Kim Min-jae (Korea Republic)
Given the attacking talent they possess it’s somewhat of a surprise that Korea Republic’s leading scorer is defender Kim Min-jae.
But the strongly build 22-year-old has proven his worth, not just in defence - three clean sheets - but in attack, with two headed goals from set-pieces.
7) Mohanad Ali (Iraq)
One of the most exciting talents to emerge from Iraq in some time, 18-year-old Mohanad Ali has announced himself as a future star with goals against Vietnam and Yemen.
It was his solo effort against Yemen, when he skipped and glided past a mesmerised Yemeni defence, that made everyone sit up and take notice.
Awer Mabil (Australia)
After their opening loss to Jordan, Graham Arnold made a number of changes for the match against Palestine and one of the beneficiaries has been dynamic winger Awer Mabil.
The former refugee has scored two goals in as many matches and his spectacular left-footed curling effort against Syria is a contender for the Goal of the Group Stage.
9) Yuto Nagatomo (Japan)
While Japan look to develop a new generation of talent, some things never change and the performance of Yuto Nagatomo is one of those.
At 32 he’s one of the oldest players in the Japanese squad, but age is no barrier for the flying full-back who has belied his age by turning in typically vibrant displays down the left.
10) Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan)
The Russian-based striker is another young star to emerge from the group stage, with goals in all three group stage games against Oman, Turkmenistan and Japan and four goals in total.
Tall and athletic, the 23-year-old has shown a composure in front of goal and is the goal-scoring threat the White Wolves have been looking for.
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Which player is your favourite?
Salem Al Dawsari
Almoez Ali
Ashkan Dejagah
Yasen Bakheet
Nguyen Quang Hai
Kim Min-jae
Mohanad Ali
Awer Mabil
Yuto Nagatomo
Eldor Shomurodov
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Source: the-afc.com