The UAE national team begin the three-day King’s Cup against Jordan on Friday, with coach Mahdi Ali leaving his star names behind to assess other options. Here are some of the most promising.
Mohammed Al Akberi (Al Wahda)
Big things are expected from the pacey forward, 20, who excelled last season for the capital club to such an extent that he was named the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League young player of the year. Featured 24 times as Wahda finished third, typically impressing from out wide. Already off the mark for the national team, scoring last summer on his second appearance.
Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
One of a number of hopefuls from the 2016 President’s Cup winners, a list that includes talented striker Ahmed Al Attas. However, Mubarak, 21, is arguably the standout, with the prodigious playmaker possessing the tricks to gazump opponents and an eye for a pass, too. Likened in style to UAE golden boy Omar Abdulrahman, which conveys his potential.
Ahmed Barman (Al Ain)
It was a difficult season for the Al Ain central midfielder, whose swift rise was checked by the club’s acquisition of Fellipe Bastos last summer and a loss of form. Previously, Barman, 22, had shone for the Garden City side in the Asian Champions League. A tough tackling midfielder with a strong engine, he could proffer from Majed Hassan’s long-term injury.
Salem Saleh (Al Nasr)
The in-form striker will look build on his early performances for the national team. Saleh, 25, is a fine finisher, as evidenced by his three goals for Nasr in the Asian Champions League last-16. Has scored four times for the UAE — perform again and he can secure his spot as first deputy to frontmen Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil.
Abdullah Kazim (Al Wasl)
Already impressive for various age-group sides, the Wasl winger featured more regularly for his club last season. Provides an outlet out wide, where his pace and ability to beat an opponent make him a constant threat. Kazim, 19, may struggle to force his way into a midfield crammed with talent, but offers a different option to what Mahdi Ali has at his disposal.
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