Regardless of where you're from, the major European leagues have become the go-to destination for players. Several Iranian players have spread their wings and are now plying their trade across the continent. Over the next few years, it will be interesting to see if these key players can help their national side become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Saman Ghoddos
Iran manager Dragan Skocic has used Ghoddos in a few different roles since he switched international allegiances from Sweden in 2017. In his club career, Ghoddos has played for teams in Sweden and France and is now in the Premier League at Brentford. He played 27 times in The Bees' successful promotion campaign in 2020/2021. They are a side that are constantly improving, and Ghoddos could play a part in this.
The results for Brentford show there is a lot to improve on. Despite giving most clubs a decent game this season, the latest Premier League odds to win the league don't have them as a contender now, but with odds of 14/1 to finish in the top half of the league, there is still plenty to play for. But then again, nobody saw Leicester City as a contender a year before they won it. Can Ghoddos help Brentford perform a miracle next season?
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
The attacking midfielder is now a key element of Feyenoord's team, after spells at AZ Alkmaar and Brighton & Hove Albion. During his time with AZ, he became the first Asian player to become the top scorer in a major European league. His 21 goals helped his side finish in a credible 3rd place in the Eredivisie. Jahanbakhsh has also represented his country at several international tournaments. This includes the World Cup in 2014 and 2018.
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Sardar Azmoun
Azmoun is a forward that has just signed for Bayer Leverkusen. Before moving to the Bundesliga, he had a spell at Zenit Saint Petersburg. It was here where he made a name for himself. He scored 62 goals in 104 appearances and was integral in Zenit winning successive league titles. His 39 goals for the national side have only added to his growing reputation. Should he continue his goalscoring exploits in Germany, his new club might start to challenge Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.
Allahyar Sayyadmanesh
Back in 2018, Sayyadmanesh was named by The Guardian as one of the top 60 up and coming talents across world football. The forward was signed by Fenerbahçe but is now on loan at Hull City. Could the second tier of English football spark a relatively new career into life? On the international stage, he has already made a name for himself. He scored 9 minutes into his Iran debut back in 2019.
🇮🇷 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐇𝐘𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒! 🇮🇷
— Hull City (@HullCity) January 31, 2022
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Allahyar Sayyadmanesh on loan from Fenerbahce until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. #hcafc
The future is bright
The sheer fact that Iran now has players based across Europe can only be good for the international team. It gives Iranian football a much bigger presence on the world stage. This will only improve further if they qualify for the Qatar World Cup. The players mentioned above could all play a part in an improving Iran team. A run to the later stages in Qatar would be a sign of improvement. Can they manage it?