The 2023 Asian Cup is almost here. And yes, it’s still being called that, even if China’s withdrawal as hosts and its subsequent relocation to Qatar means it will now commence in January 2024, rather than the initially planned June 2023. Quirks of the calendar aside, however, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in international football, the second-oldest continental tournament behind only the Copa America and one rising in prestige and recognition as Asian football continues to grow.
Across the coming month, it’s an opportunity for the host nation Qatar to defend its crown from 2019 and invite those whose gaze is normally directed elsewhere to cast their attention to the best that Asia has to offer.
– Asian Cup: Home | Bracket | Groups | Team guide
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
There’s plenty to discover. For while notable figures such as Son Heung-Min, Wataru Endō, Mathew Ryan and Mehdi Taremi may have established themselves across the continent and players hailing from the AFC are an increasingly common site at some of the world’s biggest clubs, the Asian Cup will play host to a swathe of players mostly unknown to a global audience.
And while the modern age of instant information, communication and all manner of statistical breakdowns means that clubs not possessing the ability to properly scout the far-flung reaches of Asia (or the world, for that matter) is well and truly over, the Asian Cup will provide those within the game an opportunity to run their eyes over talent in a new setting, outside of their normal opposition, to see how they adapt and, potentially, how they can fit into their plans.
Indeed, given that the tournament will be taking place smack bang in the middle of the January transfer window, players will inevitably be working in something of an oversized shop window even in comparison to the one that normally exists for major international tournaments. It’s something that coaches and players may even need to manage mid-tournament, with Australian defender Miloš Degenek transferring from Serbian outfit Red Star Belgrade to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for €3 million in the middle of the 2019 iteration of the tournament. Certainly, the concentration of talent, representatives, and potential suitors in one location can also serve to quicken proceedings.
Here are five players playing their club football outside of Europe to keep an eye on in the month ahead.
