Al Jazira manager Damien Hertog is confident striker Ali Mabkhout and midfielder Khalfan Mubarak will replicate their club form at the 2019 Asian Cup and play key roles in the UAE's campaign.
Mabkhout and Mubarak were two of three Jazira players to start the UAE's frustrating opening draw to Bahrain on Friday – the third was full-back Fares Juma – while goalkeeper Ali Khaseif and defender Khalifa Al Hammadi complete the Abu Dhabi club's contingent in Alberto Zaccheroni's squad.
Mabkhout, 28, has been prolific for Jazira in the Arabian Gulf League this season, topping the competition's scoring charts with 15 goals, while 23-year-old Mubarak has eight goals and nine assists to his name.
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More from Asian Cup:
Ahmed Khalil: UAE must take positives from draw with Bahrain
Alberto Zaccheroni confident UAE will be better against India
Khamis Esmail: Nerves played a part in UAE's flat opening
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Unfortunately for the national team, neither player carried their domestic form on to the international stage against Bahrain, but Hertog insists they have too much quality not to make a big difference at the Asian Cup.
“They have the skills and quality to continue their form so I expect to see that as the tournament progresses,” said Hertog, who was appointed Jazira manager last month.
“They are obviously very good players, but their talent goes beyond that as they also make great decisions on the field that we have seen make a difference on regular basis this season. It gives them a lot of confidence and that spreads throughout their teammates during training sessions and games.
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Asian Cup opening ceremony
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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, right; FIFA President Gianni Infantino, center; and UAE officials attend the opening ceremony of 2019 AFC Asian Cup. AFP -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Mr. Infantino and officials attend the opening ceremony. AFP -
The opening ceremony of 2019 AFC Asian Cup. AFP -
Men perform during the opening ceremony. AP Photo -
From left: Balqees Fathi, Hussain Al Jassmi and Eida Al Menhali perform during the opening ceremony. AFP -
Hussain Al Jassmi performs during the opening ceremony. AFP -
Balqees Fathi performs during the opening ceremony. AFP -
Eida Al Menhali peforms during the opening ceremony. AFP -
Artists perform during the opening ceremony. EPA -
Artists perform during the opening ceremony. EPA -
The opening ceremony. AFP -
Opening ceremony of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. AFP -
Players stand on the pitch prior to the game between United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. AFP
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“They are skilful players and will be in a good environment in the national team. They will fit in together and I think things will happen for the national team. Like everyone else, I would love to see the UAE team going far in the tournament, which would be a brilliant way to celebrate being the hosts of the Asian Cup.”
The UAE next face India, who produced a stunning upset by thrashing Thailand 4-1 in the other Group A match, on Thursday at Zayed Sports City stadium.
