This week’s list of contenders features players from six different AFC nations, all of whom have excelled for clubs outside of the continent over the last week.
Saeid Ezatolahi (Vejle BK, Iran)
90 minutes, 25 duels won, 12 interceptions, 6 clearances (0-0 v AGF)
A thoroughly commanding central midfield performance from Team Melli’s Ezatolahi saw him deliver an exceptional statistic output, and earn Player of the Match honours, in Denmark.
Ali Gholizadeh (RSC Charleroi, Iran)
77 minutes, 1 goal, 83% pass accuracy, 11 duels won (3-1 v KV Kortrijk)
Latching onto a pass from countryman Kaveh Rezaei, Gholizadeh poked home his sixth goal of the season as one-time title challengers Charleroi ended a horror run of six games without a win with victory against Kortrijk.
Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto, Iran)
90 minutes, 1 goal, 5 recoveries in opposition half (2-0 Gil Vicente)
81 minutes, 1 assist (2-0 v Rio Ave)
Taremi’s exceptional form once again lands him among Asia’s best performers of the week, this time adding a superb, chipped goal against Gil Vicente, as well as a brilliant assist against former club Rio Ave.