Originally posted by Ando Teymourian
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OK boys, we have our final list - no use in saying where is X, who is Y. These are the group of boys going to Russia and they will play their socks off for the country. I think it's a good idea to say one positive quality about each and every one of these guys, whether they get a minute of playing time or not.
Alireza Beiranvand - He's got the great rise to glory, and now he is at the pinnacle of footballing tournaments. He's made big saves for PP and TM and I am sure he is prime to go if called upon. Maybe he will make headlines with another long throw assist!
Amir Abedzadeh - Quietly worked hard and made his way onto the team - looks like he's got the confidence of his father, which is a great feature. If called upon, I doubt the pressure of the WC would even phase him.
Rashid Mazaheri - Mr. Reflexes! Quietly went about his business for the last 2 seasons and showed himself as one of the best keepers of our league. If he gets the nod, I am sure he will answer the bell.
Majid Hosseini - What a season for Eses. The kid is an absolute rock, and looks as cold as ice on the pitch. Much like Abedzadeh, I don't think the pressure of the big stage will phase him. This will be a great experience for what I believe will be a TM CB for many years to come.
Milad Mohammadi - The speed of a cheetah, this guy will be a headache (or lung ache) for anyone trying to mark him. I think we are prime to see a few of his pin point crosses into opposing teams box.
Mohammad Khanzadeh - He has the tools for success. Height, strength, and good speed for his size. An intimidating force like him is who I want to see in our box when we are defending a lead this WC!
Morteza Pouraliganji - We first saw him make an immediate impact in his TM debut during the Asia Cup ... Something tells me we will see the same impact in his first WC as well. Can jump, pass, run, shoot, tackle, what else do you want!?
Pejman Montazeri - The man himself, Mr. Cool. Put him anywhere on the field and I will feel confident. Pejman is one of the TM unsung heroes of recent years, and he will be a great pillar of leadership for the young lads this WC.
Ramin Rezaeian - Speedy, athletic, confident, and a lethal cross. Get this man the ball on the wing and get into the box to receive a prime cross. The guy doesn't get tired and I think he'll be a pest for Ronaldo for 90 mins. He might also be the next Alireza Haghighi for the ladies across the globe
Roozbeh Cheshmi - Like Khanzadeh, he has tools to be successful. He's shown he can do it in Asia, and I am confident he will raise his game for the world stage. I know I wouldn't want to be going into tackles vs an intimidating guy like him!
Ehsan Hajsafi - The maestro in the midfield, this lad has been a staple of TM for years. He has played anywhere he's been asked and never made a fuss. LW, LB, and now at CM. Our link from Defenders to Attack will be through this guy, and I am sure we will see him threading the needle. Has vision, touch, ball control, and a sick left foot. One of TM's most underrated players, but he won't be underrated after this WC.
Karim Ansarifard - Has turned into a great utility player for TM. One thing we know about him is that he is not one to give up, and if he is on the pitch this WC, he'll show Spain that they gave up on him too quick. Can make something out of nothing, Karim's big TM moments are still ahead of him.
Masoud Shojaei - Who doesn't like this guy? Initially dubbed Ali Karimi 2.0 back when he started with TM, Masoud has evolved his game from a shifty dribbler to a playmaker who can pass in a phone booth. Has stood up for TM both on and off the field, he will be our first ever player to play in 3 World Cups. Something tells me he will make an impact in a way that will mark him down as one of the best Iranian players ever.
Mehdi Torabi - This young lad has the speed and energy to tire out any defender. This will be a big World Cup for him to make a name on the international stage and garner some interest from European clubs.
Omid Ebrahimi - A calming presence in the midfied, Ebrahimi never seems to be nervous on the ball. Doesn't do anything fancy, just makes the simple, smart play every time. Who knows, we might even see him score an absolute screamer if we have a freekick just outside the 18.
Saeid Ezzatolahi - He will be missed vs Morocco, but once we wrap up 3 points in the first game, he will be a stalwart in our midfield. This kid is our next Nekounam, and maybe Athletico will be waiting to bring him back home after this WC?
Alireza Jahanbakhsh - What can you say about our perfect professional? If he scores, assists, scores from long range, scores from a corner, assists from a cross, etc.... none of it will surprise me. ARJ will show the world that he has come to play.
Ashkan Dejagah - Started as a mysterious player that we weren't sure would play for us 5 years ago... From that debut game, he's shown that he's a factor on the pitch whenever he plays. Intimidating, technical, and a workhorse... the bulldog will strike fear into opponents!
Mehdi Taremi - The kid from Bushehr is now playing in front of the whole world... Was in the Azadegan league until our Ali Daei brought him to the big show. The kid's got power, stamina, and is surprisingly technical for his size. If anyone takes him lightly, he might make a fool out of them and make a party out of the streets of Iran.
Reza Ghoochannejhad - Mr Clutch. If he finds the ball in the box, my gut (and the odds) tell me his gonna place it in the back of the net. Always at the right place at the right time... take yours eyes off him for a moment and you might be picking the ball out of the back of your net!
Saman Ghoddos - We are all thrilled he chose Team Melli, and it looks like his heart is on his sleeve for Iran. Could play the role of a secret weapon, as he hasn't had much TM minutes. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start, and orchestrate our attacks with his speed, skill and smarts.
Vahid Amiri - The humble, hard worker. Doesn't complain, doesn't draw any attention to himself... Just puts his head down and plays hard each and every game. Anyone attacking from his flank will be wondering how this guy doesn't even look tired after 90 mins.
Sardar Azmoun - Our wonder boy, our go-to striker. The guy just has a knack of showing up for big games on the national team. Well what is bigger than the WC? Doesn't need much to score, and I am going to call 3 goals in the group stage for the kid.
EDIT - I wanted to add a few of our coaching staff here as well - at least the ones I know of decently.
Markar Aghajanian - Been with CQ from the earlier days - does what every great assistant should do, especially one who is working with one of the great coaches of recent years. The players seem to be on great terms with him, and I'm sure he will use this experience for some head coaching work in the future.
Oceano Cruz - You can tell, like CQ, he really believes in this team and sees the potential in Iranian football. If I recall, he left the team for a short period of time, so it is great to see him back.
Aryan Ghassemi - Not a coach, but you gotta love this kid and the fire in his belly! IMO one of the best translators we've had in Iranian football, so a big damet garm to him! I'll never forget when we beat Korea in Ulsan in 2014 and he was right next to CQ giving the fist to Choi.
Carlos Queiroz - The man, the manager, and sometimes I feel like he's the godfather. He has built this team from scratch basically - and whether you like him or not, you cannot deny he has a passion for success and achieving his goals through different (sometimes unconventional) channels. He believes in his players, his players believe in his abilities.
If we have one X factor in this WC, it is that we have a great tactician on our side, and someone who truly understands the modern game. I can't wait to see what kind of tricks he's got up his sleeve.
#AllForTeamMelli
Alireza Beiranvand - He's got the great rise to glory, and now he is at the pinnacle of footballing tournaments. He's made big saves for PP and TM and I am sure he is prime to go if called upon. Maybe he will make headlines with another long throw assist!
Amir Abedzadeh - Quietly worked hard and made his way onto the team - looks like he's got the confidence of his father, which is a great feature. If called upon, I doubt the pressure of the WC would even phase him.
Rashid Mazaheri - Mr. Reflexes! Quietly went about his business for the last 2 seasons and showed himself as one of the best keepers of our league. If he gets the nod, I am sure he will answer the bell.
Majid Hosseini - What a season for Eses. The kid is an absolute rock, and looks as cold as ice on the pitch. Much like Abedzadeh, I don't think the pressure of the big stage will phase him. This will be a great experience for what I believe will be a TM CB for many years to come.
Milad Mohammadi - The speed of a cheetah, this guy will be a headache (or lung ache) for anyone trying to mark him. I think we are prime to see a few of his pin point crosses into opposing teams box.
Mohammad Khanzadeh - He has the tools for success. Height, strength, and good speed for his size. An intimidating force like him is who I want to see in our box when we are defending a lead this WC!
Morteza Pouraliganji - We first saw him make an immediate impact in his TM debut during the Asia Cup ... Something tells me we will see the same impact in his first WC as well. Can jump, pass, run, shoot, tackle, what else do you want!?
Pejman Montazeri - The man himself, Mr. Cool. Put him anywhere on the field and I will feel confident. Pejman is one of the TM unsung heroes of recent years, and he will be a great pillar of leadership for the young lads this WC.
Ramin Rezaeian - Speedy, athletic, confident, and a lethal cross. Get this man the ball on the wing and get into the box to receive a prime cross. The guy doesn't get tired and I think he'll be a pest for Ronaldo for 90 mins. He might also be the next Alireza Haghighi for the ladies across the globe
Roozbeh Cheshmi - Like Khanzadeh, he has tools to be successful. He's shown he can do it in Asia, and I am confident he will raise his game for the world stage. I know I wouldn't want to be going into tackles vs an intimidating guy like him!
Ehsan Hajsafi - The maestro in the midfield, this lad has been a staple of TM for years. He has played anywhere he's been asked and never made a fuss. LW, LB, and now at CM. Our link from Defenders to Attack will be through this guy, and I am sure we will see him threading the needle. Has vision, touch, ball control, and a sick left foot. One of TM's most underrated players, but he won't be underrated after this WC.
Karim Ansarifard - Has turned into a great utility player for TM. One thing we know about him is that he is not one to give up, and if he is on the pitch this WC, he'll show Spain that they gave up on him too quick. Can make something out of nothing, Karim's big TM moments are still ahead of him.
Masoud Shojaei - Who doesn't like this guy? Initially dubbed Ali Karimi 2.0 back when he started with TM, Masoud has evolved his game from a shifty dribbler to a playmaker who can pass in a phone booth. Has stood up for TM both on and off the field, he will be our first ever player to play in 3 World Cups. Something tells me he will make an impact in a way that will mark him down as one of the best Iranian players ever.
Mehdi Torabi - This young lad has the speed and energy to tire out any defender. This will be a big World Cup for him to make a name on the international stage and garner some interest from European clubs.
Omid Ebrahimi - A calming presence in the midfied, Ebrahimi never seems to be nervous on the ball. Doesn't do anything fancy, just makes the simple, smart play every time. Who knows, we might even see him score an absolute screamer if we have a freekick just outside the 18.
Saeid Ezzatolahi - He will be missed vs Morocco, but once we wrap up 3 points in the first game, he will be a stalwart in our midfield. This kid is our next Nekounam, and maybe Athletico will be waiting to bring him back home after this WC?
Alireza Jahanbakhsh - What can you say about our perfect professional? If he scores, assists, scores from long range, scores from a corner, assists from a cross, etc.... none of it will surprise me. ARJ will show the world that he has come to play.
Ashkan Dejagah - Started as a mysterious player that we weren't sure would play for us 5 years ago... From that debut game, he's shown that he's a factor on the pitch whenever he plays. Intimidating, technical, and a workhorse... the bulldog will strike fear into opponents!
Mehdi Taremi - The kid from Bushehr is now playing in front of the whole world... Was in the Azadegan league until our Ali Daei brought him to the big show. The kid's got power, stamina, and is surprisingly technical for his size. If anyone takes him lightly, he might make a fool out of them and make a party out of the streets of Iran.
Reza Ghoochannejhad - Mr Clutch. If he finds the ball in the box, my gut (and the odds) tell me his gonna place it in the back of the net. Always at the right place at the right time... take yours eyes off him for a moment and you might be picking the ball out of the back of your net!
Saman Ghoddos - We are all thrilled he chose Team Melli, and it looks like his heart is on his sleeve for Iran. Could play the role of a secret weapon, as he hasn't had much TM minutes. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start, and orchestrate our attacks with his speed, skill and smarts.
Vahid Amiri - The humble, hard worker. Doesn't complain, doesn't draw any attention to himself... Just puts his head down and plays hard each and every game. Anyone attacking from his flank will be wondering how this guy doesn't even look tired after 90 mins.
Sardar Azmoun - Our wonder boy, our go-to striker. The guy just has a knack of showing up for big games on the national team. Well what is bigger than the WC? Doesn't need much to score, and I am going to call 3 goals in the group stage for the kid.
EDIT - I wanted to add a few of our coaching staff here as well - at least the ones I know of decently.
Markar Aghajanian - Been with CQ from the earlier days - does what every great assistant should do, especially one who is working with one of the great coaches of recent years. The players seem to be on great terms with him, and I'm sure he will use this experience for some head coaching work in the future.
Oceano Cruz - You can tell, like CQ, he really believes in this team and sees the potential in Iranian football. If I recall, he left the team for a short period of time, so it is great to see him back.
Aryan Ghassemi - Not a coach, but you gotta love this kid and the fire in his belly! IMO one of the best translators we've had in Iranian football, so a big damet garm to him! I'll never forget when we beat Korea in Ulsan in 2014 and he was right next to CQ giving the fist to Choi.
Carlos Queiroz - The man, the manager, and sometimes I feel like he's the godfather. He has built this team from scratch basically - and whether you like him or not, you cannot deny he has a passion for success and achieving his goals through different (sometimes unconventional) channels. He believes in his players, his players believe in his abilities.
If we have one X factor in this WC, it is that we have a great tactician on our side, and someone who truly understands the modern game. I can't wait to see what kind of tricks he's got up his sleeve.
#AllForTeamMelli
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