Iran have no shortage of talent to replace Ali Daei

Persianleague
- Apr 30, 2004
Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive

FIFAworldcup - In an Iran squad boasting a plethora of solid strikers, old-timer Ali Daei is still the undisputed star. He recently scored two in Iran’s 7-0 drubbing of Laos in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier on 31 March, which brought his international tally to 87 -- a record for international goals. Iran coach Branco Ivankovic congratulated Daei on passing Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas in the record books, saying the striker was “irreplaceable.”

But at 35 years of age, the man who many consider the greatest scorer in Asian history will indeed have to be replaced in the not too distant future. Although he has appeared in both of Iran’s qualifying matches so far this year and has said, “I will retire when I feel it is necessary, but right now I think I’m in excellent shape,” it is by no means certain he will still be around for the Germany 2006 finals.

Ivankovic may not relish life after-Daei, but he is certainly spoiled for choice with Farhad Majidi, Ali Karimi, Vahid Hashemian, Kia, Faraidoon Zandi, Javad Kazimian, Eman Mobali, Moharram Navidkia, Ali-Reza Nikbakht and 2003 AFC Player of the Year Mehdi Mahdavikia all possibilities up front.

Hashemian in self-imposed exile
But for an unfortunate row which broke out in 2001, the most likely candidate to replace Daei would be Vahid Hashemian, who currently plays for Germany’s VfL Bochum. Hashemian’s 14 Bundesliga goals this season have helped the club to 5th place in the German table, and he has already signed on to play for giants Bayern Munich next season.

The 27-year-old Hashemian has height, surprising speed, and possesses exceptional ball control. His exceptional talent in the air has earned him the nickname hubschrauber (“helicopter”) among Bochum fans.

Hashemian played for Iran between the Asian Cup of 1998 and 2001. He last ran out for his country in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Thailand, a game which ended 0-0 and saw him heavily criticised. He has refused to play for the national team since, though Ivankovic has not given up on the helicopter: “Hashemian is a exceptional striker. It would be a pity if he did not return to play for Iran.”

Daei's favourites
Daei himself has told reporters that his personal favourites to replace him are Reza Enayati and Farhad Majidi.

Enayati is 28 years old and plays for Iran’s Esteghlal football club. He was the top scorer in the Iranian league in the 2001-2002 season, and he also scored two goals in the recent qualifier against Laos.

Farhad Majidi, another 28 year old, is amongst the top scorers for Al Wasl in the UAE. Former Senegal head coach and current coach of Al Ain (another UAE club), Frenchman Bruno Metsu, has also praised Majidi’s talent. In last year’s AFC Champion’s League semi-final, Metsu grafted Mijidi into the Al Ain line-up, and the Iranian did not disappoint, scoring a vital goal at the death for an 8-7 aggregate victory which saw Al Ain advance to the final. However, Majidi is currently preparing to be nationalized in the UAE, so he may well turn out for the Emirates in future.

Skilful options
Ali Karimi’s dazzling dribbling skills and ability to beat players have earned him quite a reputation in the Emirates where he plies his trade for Al Ahly. Also with good speed and a powerful shot, Karimi is currently drawing interest from teams in Italy and Spain.

With Daei entrenched up front, Karimi has been forced has had to settle with an attacking midfield role next to Mahdavikia in Iran’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

Iran’s youngest player, 19-year-old Hossein Kaebi, may also be the most promising talent of the lot. Kaebi, who travelled to England to train with the Premier League’s Wolverhampton Wanderers last year, currently runs out for the full national team and the U-23s and has caught the eye of supporters and media alike.

Full of typical Iranian skill and speed, Kaebi has repaid Ivankovic’s faith in him, turning in top-drawer performances in both Germany 2006 qualifiers so far in a more withdrawn role.
Top