Helal became the first-ever Bahraini player to represent a top division European club when he joined Czech Republic side Bohemians 1905 in the summer. He has since impressed, becoming the team's top scorer with five league goals so far.

Nationality: Bahrain
Date of birth: 12/06/1993
Position: Forward
Current club: Bohemians 1905 (Czech Republic)
Previous clubs: East Riffa, Al Muharraq (Both Bahrain)

Although he has never played his club football abroad, Wu Lei is widely regarded as one of the top players to have emerged from China PR over the past decade. His two nominations of the AFC Player of the Year award - he finished third in both 2016 and 2017 - are testament to his status in Asian football.

Nationality: China PR
Date of birth: 19/11/1991
Position: Winger
Current club: Shanghai SIPG
Previous clubs: None

Having reached the quarter-finals in two of their previous three AFC Asian Cup campaigns, Jordan have big hopes for the 2019 edition, and 20-year-old Al Taamari is the poster boy for the nation's ambitions.

Nationality: Jordan Date of birth: 10/06/1997 Position: Winger Current club: APOEL (Cyprus) Previous clubs: Al Jazeera, Shabab Al Ordon (both in Jordan)

Despite being just 22, Akram Afif already has playing experience in Belgium and Spain, the Qatari midfielder will look to cement his status as one of Asia's top talents during January's AFC Asian Cup.

 

Nationality: Qatar
Date of birth: 18/11/1996
Position: Midfield
Current club: Al Sadd (Qatar)
Previous clubs: Eupen (Belgium), Villarreal, Sporting Gijon (both Spain)

Four years ago in Australia, Massimo Luongo was the pick of the bunch as the Socceroo was voted the MVP, while a 20-year-old Sardar Azmoun was twice on the scoresheet for the Islamic Republic of Iran. As the 2019 edition rapidly approaches, here’s a list of 10 more youngsters to keep an eye out for.

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In a wide-ranging interview with the-AFC.com, the globetrotting German boss discussed his return to football, his inside knowledge of Group B opponents Australia and the steely resolve of his playing group.

Stange has seen it all - and had seemingly seen enough when he decided to call time on his decorated career in July 2016 - but the veteran tactician simply couldn't shake his love affair with the game, coming out of retirement to lead Syria's campaign at UAE 2019.

The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) has set two friendly matches for the national team this month.

The first will be against Tajikistan on December 20, and the second against DPR Korea on December 29. Both matches will be played in Bahrain.