Ali Gholizadeh: The man who could turn tables for Iran at Qatar World Cup

While the attacking trio of Azmoun, Taremi and Jahanbakhsh are nailed-on to start come 21 November, Iran’s most exciting prospect offering competition up front was Hull City winger Allahyar Sayyadmanesh. Sadly, an injury suffered in mid-August could sideline the youngster until after the World Cup.

In has come Gholizadeh, five years Sayyadmanesh’s senior, but still likely to be one of the younger members of Queiroz’s experienced side. Capable of playing across the front three or behind the striker, Gholizadeh has been a key cog for Belgian side Charleroi, making over 120 appearances for the club since joining from Saipa in his native Iran back in 2018.