Tasnim - Ahead of the 2019 AFC Champions League group stage, the-AFC.com looks at 10 youngsters who could make the difference for their respective teams.
From Omar Abdulrahman to Wu Lei to Omar Khribin, some of the biggest stars in Asian football have announced themselves through the AFC Champions League over the years.
The Continent's prime club competition returns with the group stage of the 2019 edition starting next week. The-AFC.com looks at 10 players the age of 22 and under who could be the next big hit in this year's campaign.
Iran U-17 international Allahyar Sayyadmanesh was snapped up by Esteghlal from Saipa in June 2018 aged just 16, testament to the exceptional talent the forward possesses. His prowess was best on display in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup where he was Iran's top scorer with three goals, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.
Sayyadmanesh is an out-and-out striker, his biggest assets are his poacher instinct and intelligent movement off the ball. The 17-year-old's strength and heading ability inevitably prompted comparisons with Iran legend Ali Daei.
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With Morteza Tabrizi leading the line at Esteghlal and Godwin Mensha joining from archrival Persepolis, Sayyadmanesh might not be an automatic starter up front, but he will look to make an impact when given the opportunity in this year's AFC Champions League.