The way to win a football match is to score more goals than the opposing team. That is obvious, but there is a problem in modern Asian football that isn’t so apparent. Asian football teams need high-quality goal scorers, because the leagues and national teams around the continent are lacking them.
Asian football teams’ missing No. 9
Asian football teams are blessed with a number of very talented midfielders, wide players and defenders. However, there is a large depth at the striker possession. The classic No. 9 is missing at top clubs throughout Asia. Look at the top national teams in the confederation, Japan, South Korea and Australia, and the evidence of missing goal scorers is very clear.
When it comes to club football, it isn’t just the top teams who need quality No. 9s. Teams down the table in the various leagues need goals to compete and win. From Thailand and South Korea to Vietnam and Hong Kong, professional teams in Asia are on the look out for players that can put the “ball in the old onion bag”.
In November, it was discovered that across Asia’s biggest leagues in Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, only one player from the continent was on top of the goal scoring charts for 2017. The lack of goal scorers in these countries is proof more players from other parts of the world need to move to Asia.
A No. 9 scoring goals in their league in England, but can’t get a break with a professional team, should consider a change of scenery. Asia could be the breath of fresh air they need to become a full-time professional football player. In the end, it could just be the start of a long career.
How can players find an Asian club?
That question is often asked by players who are looking for a chance to play professionally. Some times, the possibility of playing in your own home country isn’t available. For example, Germany has a large number of skillful players, and although there are teams that offer contracts and salaries to players at all levels, getting one of these deals is difficult. Finding a club in Asia could be a chance to get a contract with a club. It is also a chance to put a professional club’s name on a football CV.
Asia Football Showcase works with football players from around the globe. AFS organises a trial in Bangkok, Thailand for prospective players to join. It is a chance for these players to be seen by top clubs around Asia, and many of these teams need a top-class No. 9.
AFS will be holding trials in January and March 2018. If you are looking for an opportunity to play professional football, this could be the best chance you will ever receive.
For more information on the AFS trials, please visit www.AsiaFootballShowcase.com.