Doha: The AFC website has named Qatar national team star Akram Afif (pictured) among Asia’s best 11 midfielders who appeared in the AFC Champions League 2020.
Also in the list is Afif’s Al Sadd team-mate Santi Cazorla and Iraqi Bashar Resan who plays for Qatar Sports Cub.
The trio is part of open-to-public vote launched by the AFC to select the best three midfield players in the best squad for the 2020 AFC Champions League.
According to the AFC website, the top three players will be chosen from among the 11 players nominated as the best midfielders based on their statistics during matches and according to the fans’ vote, which continues until January 22.
Former Swiss footballer Diego Benaglio draws FC Bayern Muenchen during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Draw in Zurich, yesterday. Pic: FIFA
The awards will be announced on January 26. Afif, Asia’s Best Player in 2019, has been on the pitch for 527 minutes with Al Sadd in the tournament, and he created 13 assists for his team-mates during the six matches that Afif participated at. Overall Afif scored three goals and assisted in 1.
Cazorla despite Al Sadd's early exit also impressed with his four outings. He averaged 71.25 passes per game, which was the highest average among his squad.
The former Spain international also created nine chances for his team, assisting in two goals. Resan also displayed his individual talent, completing 13 dribbles and had an 80% passing accuracy.
