2019 Asian Cup: 10 youngsters to watch out for

#2 Khalifa Mubarak (UAE)

Mubarak is touted as the ‘Andres Iniesta of UAE’

The Emirati footballer is touted as the ‘Andres Iniesta of UAE’ by his passionate supporters. For the number of assists he provides in every match makes him one of the greatest weapon of his country.

Mubarak played almost all of his youth career for Al Ahli but didn’t get too many chances at the senior level. But he showed what he can do after joining Al Jazira.

Mubarak has played only 13 matches this season for his club. Despite this, he registered eight goals, including a hat-trick against Emirates Club to go with a staggering 11 assists, including all three against Al Fujairah SC.

UAE will be hoping to get Mubarak in his best form in the Asian Cup so that the country can reach new milestones as a host.

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#1 Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Dabbagh plays for West Bank Premier League champions Hilal Al-Quds

Along with talented young players from other countries, the spotlight will be on Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh too.

Dabbagh plays for West Bank Premier League champions Hilal Al-Quds. In a friendly against the Kyrgyz Republic, he marked his first international goal in a fashionable manner.

Dabbagh caught everyone’s eye with his performances in AFC U-23 Championship in China, where he scored in three consecutive matches against DPR Korea, Thailand and Qatar. That helped Palestine reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Palestine has been drawn in Group B against Australia, Jordan and Syria but with the confidence of Dabbagh and others, Palestine will be hoping for an upset.