10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Emiliano Tade (Auckland City)

The Argentine forward, 29, has an unrivalled record in New Zealand, scoring 91 goals in 159 appearances since signing from Team Wellington. Appearing in sixth Club World Cup.

Achraf Bencharki (Wydad Casablanca)

The Moroccan striker, 23, joined Wydad last year and went on to score five goals and register two assists to help his club clinch the CAF Champions League.

Rafael Silva (Urawa Red Diamonds)

The Brazilian striker, 25, has been in breathtaking form since joining Urawa earlier this year. Scored nine goals in the club’s Asian Champions League-winning run.

Mbark Boussoufa (Al Jazira)

The Moroccan midfielder, 33, shone for Jazira last season as they captured a second UAE top-flight title. Helped his national team reach next year’s World Cup.

Yosuke Kashiwagi (Urawa Red Diamonds)

The Japanese midfielder, 29, was instrumental in Urawa’s Asian Champions League success, recording five assists and one goal. Has five goals and 11 assists in this year’s J1 League, too.

Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira)

The UAE striker, 27, displayed his ability by securing the Golden Boot at the 2015 Asian Cup. Scored 33 goals in 25 AGL matches last season – a pro-era record.

Keisuke Honda (Pachuca)

The Japanese playmaker, 31, represented CSKA Moscow and AC Milan before joining Pachuca this summer. Already shown his set-piece prowess and ability to score from distance.

Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

The midfielder, 21, has been long identified as one of Spain’s best talents and lived up to that last season, scoring important goals in Madrid’s dominant domestic and European campaigns.

Arthur Melo (Gremio)

The Brazilian midfielder, 21, has been linked to a €50 million (Dh217.7m) transfer to Barcelona. Rose to prominence this year, helping Gremio win the Copa Libertadores.

Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid)

The Moroccan right-back, 19, has enjoyed a remarkable rise since replacing the injured Dani Carvajal this season. Performances have earned him a recent call-up to his national team.