Having demonstrated their quality in the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup and even at the FIFA World Cup, Asian players have attracted growing interest from European clubs. And as we look forward to January's AFC Asian Cup in the UAE, we cast an eye on six players who made the move to the old continent over the summer.

The Southeast Asian lost 4-3 to the United Arab Emirates in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, but the Vietnam U-23 squad and Park have received nothing but praise from their fans.

“We lost the bronze medal match in the penalty shoot-out but received much support and encouragement from the people of Vietnam,” said Park.

“Korea Republic also gave us a lot of attention, and I want to give my deep thanks to all.”

The 2018 Asian Games gold medalists, now led by new head coach Paulo Bento, will face Uruguay on October 12 and take on Panama three days later according to the Korea Football Association (KFA) on Tuesday. Both matches will be held at home.

The KFA added Korea Republic will meet Uzbekistan in Brisbane, Australia, on November 20, three days after they play against Australia at the same venue.

The latest announcement finalises the match schedule of Bento's Korea Republic before entering the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Korea Republic are in Group C alongside China PR, Kyrgyz Republic and the Philippines.

Almost all the 24 teams will be in action as they cast their eyes on UAE 2019 which is a mere 121 days away.

Defending champions Australia, however, will not be in action as new head coach Graham Arnold has opted to use the international break to gather his players for a training camp in Antalya, Turkey.

After a busy summer with five Asian nations participating in the FIFA World Cup and Korea Republic winning gold at the Asian Games, teams are now fully focused on preparing for the most prestigious continental showpiece, the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

And with the vast majority of the 24 participating teams taking part in friendly matches over the next ten days, the international break offers an opportunity for us to have a sneak peek into what's to come.

So, here are five things we can look out for in the upcoming series of friendlies.

The team is led by new head coach Scott Cooper, who hails from England and had prior coaching stints in Thailand and Indonesia. He is assisted by Chris Greatwich and Steve Marsella.

Midfielder Stephan Schrock returns to the squad. Defender Amani Aguinaldo and midfielder Luke Woodland also make their national team return after injury.

Ceres Negros FC forward Curt Dizon was also included in the squad, as well as midfielder Angel Guirado who was part of the team that participated in the CTFA International Tournament in December 2017.

Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was also selected for the friendlies, as he offers the experience of being the first Filipino to play in the English Premier League.

In the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the Azkals are making their debut at the Continental spectacle and were drawn alongside Korea Republic, China PR and Kyrgyz Republic in Group C.

The 2018 Asian Games' football competition saw Korea Republic defeat Japan 2-1 in extra-time in an exciting climax at Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong, and eyes now turn to the biggest event in the continental game: the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Here are six players who stood out in Indonesia and will aspire to rise to even greater heights for their countries in the UAE in January. Let us know in the poll below who you think will be the one to watch.