Football is a global game and there are so many quality players playing outside of the main view of the European game. Here’s four such players who should move to Europe’s major leagues.
Omar Abdulrahman
One of the most technically gifted players in the Asian game Omar Abdulrahman has all the makings of a La Liga player. The way he drifts across the park and dictates games with his slight frame and short stature is suited to the Spanish style. If he does move to Europe, there’s no doubt he will regarded as one of Asia’s best playmakers. Even in his cameo appearances on the world stage such as the Olympics, he has proved he can play among the best, which has also triggered interests from several English clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and others.
Furthermore, his influence off the field could be massive in terms of promoting the development of football in the Middle East. While many have complained about the Qatar World Cup and have factored in about the standard of football in the Middle East being generally poor. Omar Abdulrahman can become a player who can be synonymous with the development of football in the Middle East.
Ali Adnan
Dubbed as ‘Asia’s Gareth Bale’, Ali Adnan made real waves at the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup where his role as a marauding and free-kick full-back became known to football. It is from that tournament he earned a move to Turkish club Caykur Rizespor, where he is a regular.
The young Asian footballer of the year certainly has potential to move on to bigger things, given his ability to take a quality free-kick and his ability to attack with pace. He may convert to a winger if he does make the Europe to one of Europe’s big five.
Godfrey Oboabona
Also playing for Caykur Rizespor, Godfrey Oboabonna has earned himself a reputation as one of Africa’s best defenders in the heart of the Nigerian defence. With 30 caps to his name, he has become a regular in the squad and it was his performances in the African Cup of Nations that have earned him the plaudits over the past year.
If he does move to one of Europe’s leagues it will be interesting to see how he reacts considering he described his move to Turkey as a ‘dream come true’.
Yoichiro Kakitani
Currently playing for Shiji Kagawa’s old club Cerezo Osaka, Kakitani has earned himself a reputation as goal scoring midfielder with his impressive strike-rate of 36 goals in 121 appearances for the J-League club.
Such are the impressions he has made in Japan, he has been a part of the Japan team since last year and after scoring four goals in nine games for the national team, he seems certain for seat on the plane to Brazil.
And while he may not start games at the World Cup, he could be his influence from the bench that may force himself a move to one of Europe’s major leagues.