AFC Champions League 2017: PGPL’s Rising Stars

AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, With the 2017 AFC Champions League Group Stage already making headlines across Asia, we take a look at 3 of the IPL’s hottest prospects aged 23 and under who look set to further enhance their growing reputations over the course of the coming months.

Farshid Esmaeili (Esteghlal) Age 22

A member of the Islamic Republic of Iran squad that reached the 2016 AFC U23 Championship Quarterfinals, midfielder Farhad Esmaeili joined Esteghlal in 2015 and has since become a key presence in the Tehran side’s starting eleven. Esmaeili’s fine start to 2017 has seen him score in both of Esteghlal’s most recent Iran Pro League matches – impressive wins over city rivals Persepolis and Zob Ahan – ahead of his AFC Champions League debut.

Mehran Derakhshanfar (Zob Ahan) Age 18

Comfortable down the left in both defence and midfield, Mehran Derakhshanfar made his Zob Ahan debut last year and the youngster already looks set to have a bright future ahead of him. Although yet to make his first AFC Champions League appearance, 2017 promises to be yet another breakthrough year as the talented Derakhshanfar aims to help the Iranian side advance to the knockout phase for the second year in succession.

Ali Alipour (Persepolis) Age 21

An impressive 2015 campaign saw Ali Alipour help Persepolis equal their best previous performance in the AFC Champions League by qualifying for the round of 16 before defeat to Al Hilal. The forward also became the youngest player, at 19, to score in the Tehran derby when he netted the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Esteghlal Tehran. Domestically, the 21-year-old has been part of a side that has opened up a clear lead at the top of the Iran Pro League as they chase their first title since 2008.