Omar Abdulrahman’s Asian Cup form being watched by European clubs

Japan coach Javier Aguirre has heaped praise on Omar Abdulrahman, describing the UAE playmaker as a “wonderful” player, and believes Europe’s top clubs are taking notice of his displays in Australia.

Aguirre is currently preparing his Japan side to face Mahdi Ali’s UAE in the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Friday.

Japan enter the game as defending champions and tournament favourites, but the sparkling form of Abdulrahman – for many the player of the tournament so far – means this encounter will be anything but easy for Aguirre’s team.

— Japan a huge test but UAE can prove they belong at world level

And while the Mexican is a big admirer of Abdulrahman, he has warned his team not to focus solely on the Al Ain midfielder.

“I have watched the UAE’s games and I think he (Abdulrahman) is a wonderful player and European teams are looking at his high level play,” Aguirre said. “But one player can’t win games.

“The UAE won as a team and we hope to take care of him the same as other players.

“We must fight in the 90 minutes of each game and respect our opponents and hope to continue as we have done.

“From my experience in the Copa America, the World Cup and the Gold Cup, our chances are the same as the other seven teams; we start from zero from now.”

Aguirre is not the only person in the Japan camp wary of the threat posed by the UAE.

Keisuke Honda has revealed he is expecting a tough encounter with the UAE on Friday.

“UAE are playing very well,” warned the AC Milan midfielder. “I don’t think they will fear Japan at all. Hopefully we can continue creating as many chances as we have been.”

Omar Abdulrahman’s Asian Cup form being watched by European clubs

Japan manager Javier Aguirre has described UAE midfielder Omar Abdulrahman as a "wonderful" player and says clubs from Europe have been watching him closely.