ACL Quarter-finals: KEY PLAYERS: ADRIANO – FC Seoul

KEY PLAYERS: ADRIANO – FC Seoul

AFC Champions League Record
Appearances: 8
Goals: 11

PROFILE
Standing as he does just two strikes shy of Muriqui’s single tournament record of 13 goals after eight games, it’s fair to say that Brazilian striker Adriano has taken the AFC Champions League by storm.

With four goals in FC Seoul's Group Stage opener away at Buriram United, a hat-trick a week later at home to Sanfrecce Hiroshima before a brace against Shandong, the 28-year-old has been a revelation in the 2016 edition of the continental competition.

So it’s a surprise to note that Adriano’s first foray into the Asian game was a forgettable one. After being named top scorer in the 2011 Copa do Brasil, he earned a move to China and Dalian Shide but after two unsuccessful seasons returned homeward. 

His return to the continent in 2014, though, was anything but forgettable as he netted 35 times in 50 games for Dajeon Citizen before moving to FC Seoul a year later. His K-League exploits continue but his AFC Champions League debut campaign has been even more impressive.