Ghoochannejhad one of the Five players to watch at Asian showpiece

FIFA – MELBOURNE, Five players to watch at the AFC Asian Cup, which starts in Melbourne on Friday.

The Iranian selected player is:

Reza Ghoochannejhad, Iran
Age: 27
Position: Winger/forward
Club: Charlton Athletic, England
Reza Ghoochannejhad, nicknamed “Gucci”, is one of Team Melli’s most popular and recognizable stars. After representing the Netherlands at youth level, Ghoochannejhad switched allegiance and made his debut for Iran in October 2012. The Mashhad-born flair player rose to international prominence at last summer’s World Cup when he bagged Iran’s only goal of the tournament, a consolation strike in the 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ghoochannejhad was already a hero in Persian eyes, scoring the winner against Korea Republic which sent the Iranians to Brazil. In August, the hitman signed a season-long loan deal with Kuwait SC after struggling to make an impact with Charlton Athletic in London. Ghoochannejhad moved from Iran to the Netherlands at the age of four and has also played for Heerenveen, Go Ahead Eagles, Emmen and Cambuur, as well as Belgian sides St Truiden and Standard Liege. Three-time winners Iran last lifted the Asian Cup in 1976, and they will look to Ghoochannejhad for goals if they are to end their drought.

and the rest:

Shinji Kagawa, Japan
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Club: Borussia Dortmund, Germany

Younis Mahmoud, Iraq
Age: 31
Position: Forward
Club: Unattached

Ali Al Habsi, Oman
Age: 33
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Wigan Athletic, England

Mile Jedinak, Australia
Age: 30
Position: Central midfield
Club: Crystal Palace, England