Stars who have shone at the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers: Sardar Azmoun

AFC -KUALA LUMPUR, The best young talents in Asia will be looking to take their first steps to international glory when the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers begin on Tuesday, with 42 teams spread across 10 groups.

Islamic Republic of Iran striker Sardar Azmoun is rather unique for the young Asian players who have joined European clubs in recent years, in that he made the move before making his debut for the senior national team.

Azmoun’s talent was first noticed after his displays for Iran’s U-19 teams in various competitions with his fine form earning him a move to Russia’s Rubin Kazan at the age of just 18.

During the qualifiers for the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship, Azmoun was particularly impressive in the 6-1 win over Lebanon as he scored twice and registered an assist.

Since then, Azmoun’s rise has been meteoric, with the 22-year-old boasting 22 goals in 28 matches for the senior national team after making his debut in 2014.