Heading to Europe?

Ahead of the World Cup, a quick look at a leading player for each of the four competing Asian countries that will be eyeing a Summer transfer to Europe.

Kim Young-Gwon (Korea Republic)

From a bright young talent to one of Asia's most important centre backs, Kim Young Gwon has come a long way in the past two years. Ever since signing for Chinese and Asian club champions Guangzhou Evegrande in 2012, Kim’s stock has risen performance by performance prompting his manager Marcelo Lippi to threaten his resignation if he’s allowed to leave the club after the World Cup.

Kim is an elegant central defender who is equally at home with the ball either in the air or on the ground. His progress has surely been noted, a key achievement coming in the London Olympics where he carried through the Korean side to clinch a Bronze medal. Two years on from then he'll line up for his then manager and former national team centre back Hong Myung-Bo. A perfect example to take leadership from, who has brought through much of his successful Olympic side to this World Cup campaign.

Lippi who had tipped Kim for a move away to Manchester United last summer has since backtracked understandably at the prospect of losing their influential captain, however some of the leading lights might still have reservations over his complete game. Occasional mistakes such as his gifted opportunity for Iran's Reza Ghoochannejhad to score in qualification, might still weigh heavy in some Korean minds but a move to a leading European league is surely in the offing, with the potential to surpass his national team manager’s star on the biggest stage.

Ehsan Hajsafi (Iran)

Previously treated as a utility man in the national team set up, Ehsan Hajsafi is finally gaining the adulation he deserves as we head into the World Cup. A multi-faceted left sided player who can play anywhere up and down the line, Hajsafi is known for his delivery, high tempo and set piece creativity, attributes that have helped him succeed with Iranian giants Sepahan.

Tipped highly as a youngster, breaking into Sepahan's first team at an early age, acclaim and promise of foreign shores may have been thrust his way prematurely. A successful spell on loan at Tractor revitalised his fortunes before returning to Sepahan to a warm welcome. Domestically he shone as a left midfielder but for his country he was only sparingly used as a left back in a usually defensive looking set up.

In the past twelve months however after qualification, Hajsafi has lept up the pecking order when many were relaxing in their seats waiting for Brazil. An effort that has paid dividends edging ahead of the likes Reza Khalatabari in the pre-World Cup squad selection. Impressive friendly performances in the last month were capped off with the winner against Trinidad & Tobago in their final warm up match which should see Hajsafi play a key role in Iran’s Brazilian campaign.

Yoichiro Kakitani (Japan)

Amongst the world stars of Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Yuto Nagatomo, one name is emerging back in Japan, that of young striker and new poster boy Yoichiro Kakitani. After a predatory 2013 in front of goal for his club Cerezo Osaka where he netted 21 goals in 34 matches, Kakitani impressed enough in the East Asian Cup to cement a place in Alberto Zaccheroni's World Cup plans and looks set to lead the line when they kick off against the Ivory Coast.

Kakitani who is of slight build has already demonstrated his ability to ghost past defenders and link play well with his more recognisable colleagues, however the hype may have come a little too early for the young striker. In a club side that revolves around J League's premier import Diego Forlan, Kakitani has found it harder to get amongst the goals and has only recorded 1 this calendar year. With his face plastered across all social media in Japan, he's an easy target for criticism with some doubting his inclusion in the World Cup 23.

Despite his downturn in form domestically, Kakitani has continued to impress Zaccheroni for the national team, scoring twice in the last six months against Belgium and most recently against Costa Rica. Each of his competitors for the lone front man role equally promise as much as they infuriate when given the nod in attack, so he could well sneak in. Last summer he was linked with a move to Arsenal, this summer it looks like a move is inevitable, his destination however will be determined on the following month shop window.

Ivan Franjic (Australia)

A late developer that has learnt the hard way of how to make the grade in the game. A part time footballer who juggled his career with a day time carpenter profession for many years, Ivan Franjic has now found his calling as Australia's rampaging right back and primary attacking threat that many have tipped to push him forward for a move to the Premier League.

It's at Brisbane Roar where he's made his name after impressing during an initial 6 week contract, he's gone on to win 3 titles with the club and play in the Asian Champions League on a regular basis. His success can be attributed clearly to one man, current Socceroos' boss Ange Postecoglou who Franjic describes as his biggest influence on his career. Postecoglou's philosophy of attacking wing play and overlapping full backs has perfectly gelled with the attributes of Franjic, both with Roar domestically and now with Australia going into the World Cup.

With a strong and disciplined centre midfield that rarely ventures forward, Franjic and colleague Jason Davidson on the left flank are given the freedom to bomb forward past their winger and develop play, however Franjic has also demonstrated his ability defensively, either with timely interceptions or full blooded 50/50 duals. Onlookers are expecting little of Australia in a group that contains three of the strongest nations in the world but the willingness and venture of Franjic down the right side will ensure there is a talking point from outside the favourites in this group.