Beiranvand named in Asia’s Best XI
South Korean website Chosun has unveiled its current Best Eleven (XI) in Asian football, with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand earning a place in the lineup as the only representative from Iran and the continent’s top goalkeeper.
The squad features a strong Japanese presence alongside three South Korean stars. From South Korea, Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC, Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain, and Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich were all selected.
Japanese players made up the majority of the team, highlighting the country’s growing strength in international football. In attack, Son was joined by Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The midfield included Wataru Endo of Liverpool FC and Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad alongside Lee Kang-in.
Japan’s influence also continued in defense, where Kim Min-jae was accompanied by his Bayern Munich teammate Hiroki Ito and Yukinari Sugawara of AZ Alkmaar.
Beiranvand, who plays for Tractor and the Iranian national team, was named the squad’s first-choice goalkeeper. Uzbek rising star Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City was also included in defense.
Beiranvand previously represented Iran at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and could make a third appearance at the tournament in the future. He suffered an injury during Iran’s opening match at the 2022 World Cup and missed the following game against Wales.