Forward Nguyen Tien Linh of Vietnam is one of players to watch in the Group D of the AFC U23 Championship. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

The AFC also picked an Emirati striker, a North Korean midfielder and a goalkeeper from Jordan as potential stars at the tournament in Thailand.

Linh has been mentioned as a young player who 'has already excelled at senior level'. The player of three-times V.League 1 champions Becamex Binh Duong was member of the national team which finished quarter-finalist at the last Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He also played key role in his club's appearance at the AFC Cup knockout stage.

He also scored a goal in a clash between Vietnam and the UAE during their 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Midfielder Ri Yong-gwon is the most impressive player in the North Korea side by the AFC.

The Asian football governing body says Ri played the captain's role to perfection as North Korea saw off stiff opposition to emerge top in Group G of the qualifiers.

"The East Asians will be hoping for more of the same from the Hwaebul FC midfielder in their attempt to navigate past the group stage."

Keeper Abdallah Al Fakhouri has represented Jordan since the U14 age group. He is also a regular face of the national team and 'excelled in helping his club side reach the AFC Cup knockout rounds earlier in the year'.

On the UAE side, forward Ali Saleh was the country's best young player for the 2018-19 league season. He is the youngest-ever player in the UAE Pro League but has already made his debut for the senior national side despite being just 19 years old.

Vietnam will play the first match at the tournament against the UAE on January 10 at the Buriram Stadium in Buriram Province, Thailand. The match will be live aired on VTV5 and VTV6 channels from 5pm. — VNS

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