We run our eye over the six youngsters you should keep an eye on during this month’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Omar Abdulrahman (UNITED ARAB EMRIRATES)
Abdulrahman is not only one of the best young players of the tournament, but probably one of the best playmakers in the whole tournament.
The 23-year-old has been linked to a host of European clubs, but has remained at Al Ain since making his debut at the Abu Dhabi club in 2008.
Massimo Luongo (AUSTRALIA)
Luongo somehow managed the slip though the cracks at youth level for Australia, but the Swindon Town man is poised to make a big impact on the tournament.
Technically superb with an eye for defence-splitting pass, Swindon won’t be able to hold onto the prodigious talent for too much longer.
Humam Tariq (IRAQ)
Nicknamed the ‘Iraqi Messi’, the attacking midfielder is an excitement machine, but his theatrics can get him on the wrong side of opposition players and fans.
The 18-year-old has been linked to a number of European clubs, so keep an eye out for him.
Wu Lei (CHINA)
Wu Lei quite simply is Chinese football’s great white hope.
The 21-year-old is technically gifted and dictates China’s play despite his tender years and has been linked to German Bundesliga side Hannover.
Yoshinori Muto (JAPAN)
The FC Tokyo prodigy can operate in both central and wide areas in the midfield and will play a key role in the Asian Cup for Japan.
Already a superstar at home due to his good looks, Muto is leading the new generation of Japanese stars.
Fahad Al Muwallad (Saudi Arabia)
The winger possesses searing pace and has had a number of big European clubs tracking him.
Al Muwallad will most likely play off the bench during the Asian Cup and will do plenty of damage to tiring defenders.