The introduction of the Indian Super League back in 2013, the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and the huge investments in clubs overseas have all, collectively, contributed to football becoming a prominent sport across Asia in recent years. As a result the quality of players being produced throughout the continent has significantly increased. Below we take a look at the 5 best Asian wonderkids on FIFA 22.
Best Welsh Wonderkids in FIFA 22
5. Zidane Iqbal (Manchester United: CM, CAM)
Teenage sensation Zidane Iqbal became the first ever British South Asian to represent Manchester United in December 2021. A month later and the centre midfielder was called up to the senior Iraq squad. Still only 18, Iqbal is already an accomplished passer of the ball with 64 short passing and 62 long passing in FIFA 22. He’s also an effective ball carrier with 64 composure and 62 dribbling, allowing him to drive forward from deep and retain possession in the middle of the park. Whilst there’s no guarantee he’ll make it at Manchester United, with a potential rating of 79 there’s no doubt he’ll go on to have a successful career.
4. Lee Kang-in (RCD Mallorca: ST, CAM, RM)
The first of two asian players to be playing for Spanish side RCD Mallorca, 20-year-old Lee Kang-in is slowly establishing himself as a household name in La Liga. Capable of playing a number of positions including up front as a striker, slightly deeper as a creative midfielder or out wide on the right the South Korean is technically gifted with 80 dribbling, 78 ball control and 78 vision. For his age Kang-in is composed in front of goal with 75 finishing. Rated 74 overall with a potential rating of 82 in FIFA 22 Kang-in is incredibly talented and definitely one to look out for in the future.
3. Sang Bin Jeong (Suwon Samsung Bluewings: ST)
2021 was a breakthrough year for teenager Sang Bin Jeong. The striker established himself as a regular starter for boyhood club Suwon Samsung Bluewings before earning his first senior international cap for South Korea. Averaging a goal every four games Sang Bin Jeong has shown terrific composure in front of goal and there’s no doubt his finishing rating of 65 will drastically improve given more game time. Currently rated 62 overall with a potential of 82 the 19-year-old’s strongest asset is by far his movement. He’s quick off the mark with 85 acceleration and will have the beating of most defenders with 87 sprint speed.
2. Takuhiro Nakai (Real Madrid: CAM)
Dubbed the ‘Japanese Iniesta’, Takuhiro Nakai is highly regarded as one for the future at Valdebebas, the training ground of Real Madrid. A creative midfielder capable of picking a pass, Nakai is an intelligent player with 70 vision. He reads the game well and, for his age, is incredibly composed on the ball with 67 ball control and 65 dribbling. Rated 61 overall, with a potential of 83, the 17-year-old has been at Real Madrid for 7 years now and while he’s yet to make his senior debut, it’s surely only a matter of time before he bursts onto the scene.
1. Takefusa Kubo (RCD Mallorca: RM, CAM, CM)
From the ‘Japanese Iniesta’ to the ‘Japanese Messi’ Takefusa Kubo is the brightest Asian wonderkid in FIFA 22 with an overall rating of 75 and a potential of 88. Like compatriot Nakai, Kubo was tracked and signed by Real Madrid, but currently finds himself out on loan at RCD Mallorca – his fourth loan spell in two years – where he’s gaining valuable experience playing in Spain’s top tier.
The 20-year-old is most effective on the right wing where, like Messi, he enjoys cutting inside on his favoured left foot. He’s small in stature too, and when you add to that 85 dribbling, 81 ball control and 89 acceleration he’s incredibly difficult to dispossess, especially in tight areas. After representing Japan at U15 level right through to the U23s Kubo was handed his senior debut in 2019 and has since won 13 caps. Expect big things in the future from Japan’s hottest talent in FIFA 2022.
The fact that three of Asia’s hottest prospects in FIFA 22 currently play for two of the biggest clubs in world football shows just how far the continent has come in recent years. Whether Zidane Iqbal, Takuhiro Nakia or Takefusa Kubo live up to the hype remains to be seen, but whatever happens it’s fantastic to see football growing, gaining popularity and producing potential world class stars across the largest continent.
Looking for the the best Asian players in FIFA 22? Check out our list here.
