The Persian Football League, also known as the Iranian Pro League, is a captivating and vibrant competition that showcases exceptional talent on the football pitch.
Within this league, there are players who have garnered significant attention from football enthusiasts and clubs around the world.
In this article, we delve into the realm of Persian football and explore the five highest-value players currently gracing the league. These stars have not only exhibited outstanding skills and performances but have also become the coveted gems of the Persian footballing scene.
Join us as we unveil the players who are making waves and commanding attention, both domestically and internationally, within the Persian Football League.
Mehdi Ghayedi
Mehdi Ghayedi, the talented winger of Esteghlal, has been making headlines with his club achievements.
Despite his small stature, he has displayed remarkable skills and scored numerous goals, quickly becoming a household name in Iranian football and number 1 on Transfermarkt’s list of most valuable Persian league players.
Ghayedi joined Esteghlal at 19 and has since showcased exceptional dribbling, pace, and crossing accuracy. Notably, he stood out during Esteghlal's AFC Champions League qualifier, even outjumping taller defenders to score a fantastic header.
With 9 goals and 6 assists in the league, plus two goals in the AFC Champions League, Ghaedi has proven his worth, yet some accuse him of being a "fall guy” when coming up against defenders.
Valued at over a million Euros, he is a rough diamond destined for European success. Turkish clubs have shown interest, but Esteghlal remain reluctant to release him.
Mehdi Torabi
Mehdi Torabi is an agile and nimble player known for his quickness and close ball control, which allow him to maneuver through tight spaces and beat defenders. He possesses excellent dribbling ability, making him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations.
Technically, Torabi excels in various aspects of the game. His first touch, passing accuracy, and ability to execute intricate moves showcase his technical skills. His close ball control enables him to retain possession even in crowded areas, creating opportunities for his team.
These attributes have helped him become one of the league’s MVPs, although at the age of 28 it appears that a big move abroad might now be beyond him – presuming he’d even be open to a move. Torabi has often professed a deep love of his country – and support for the current regime – which suggests he may just be happy staying put.
Alireza Beiranvand
As a goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand is used to taking the backseat while his teammates do the headline-worthy stuff. However, he was thrust into the limelight at the World Cup last year as Iran’s number 1 choice. His performances against England, U.S.A., and Wales were beamed around the world in HD video, a technology that might work well when it comes to movies and live dealer casinos but in sports often serves to highlight the stresses and strains on each player’s face.
Beiranvand coped with this pressure well, though, as he helped his side to impressive showing against Wales and the United States. He may have conceded six against England, but there wasn’t much he could do about the goals.
At club level, Beiranvand has excelled with Persepolis in the Persian Gulf Pro League, securing multiple titles and setting records. His contributions have been pivotal in leading his team to success and he’s been recognized individually for them, receiving nominations for prestigious awards like The Best Asian Footballer in World Cup History at the FIFA Football Awards.
His positive performances at the World Cup complemented a strong domestic showing, which is why he’s now considered one of the league’s most valuable performers.
Mohammad Mohebi
Next on the list is Mohammad Mohebi, a promising young talent who has gotten significant attention from scouts due to his exceptional skills. Primarily operating as a forward, Mohebi possesses an impressive set of attributes that make him a valuable asset on the field.
In terms of physicality, Mohebi stands at an average height, which grants him excellent agility and speed in his movements. His quickness enables him to execute effective runs and exploit gaps in the opposition's defense.
Technically, Mohebi showcases good ball control and dribbling abilities. He exhibits a natural flair for one-on-one situations, frequently leaving opponents behind with his rapid changes of direction and bursts of acceleration. Mohebi's close control enables him to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates, which has been reflected in a return of 13 goal involvements (eight goals and five assists) in 2022/23.
At his current stage of development, Mohebi may well seek a move abroad where AFC Champions League clubs, or even a European side, may be interested. Watch this space.
Reza Asadi
Hailing from Golestan – apt considering his goalscoring return of 11 goals in 2022/23 – Reza Asadi helped his side Tractor to a 4th-place finish and possible AFC Champions League qualification in late 2023.
It was by far Asadi’s best return of his career to date with the forward netting a third of his career goals in the league campaign alone. Aged 27, we may be seeing him at his prime, which can only serve Tractor well as the new season approaches.
His biggest attribute is his physicality. Asadi showcases good athleticism, and his mobility allows him to cover ground effectively and contribute both offensively and defensively. He displays decent speed, enabling him to make timely runs and exploit spaces in the opposition's defense.
Should he repeat his exploits next season, then we may see him become the league’s most valuable performer, rather than 4th on the list.