4-6 November 2016 weekend was a no-stop series of great news about Iranian footballers that play abroad – those who are nicknamed Legionnaires – on Facebook, Twitter, Goal.com and other websites. Maybe we never had so many talents from the Persian country, able to be so impressive in a couple of days: about 15 years ago there were Iranian players in German and Austrian Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Belgian Jupiler Pro League, but it seems that the current generation has already marked a record! Let’s see together.
On Friday night Heerenveen took the advantage against Sparta Rotterdam at 9′ thanks to Reza Ghoochannejhad assist to St. Juste.
Heerenveen lost 3:1 after a great rival comeback, but in week 12 of Eredivisie another Iranian assisted his teammate in a very important match on Sunday: AZ Alkmaar v Ajax. Although already leading after thirteen minutes, AZ conceded two goals in the second half until at 79′ Alireza Jahanbakhsh on the right side received the ball making a superb stop and then passed to Weghorst who scored the equalizer.
From Netherlands we fly to Russia for the week 13 of RFPL-Russian Football Premier League.
With a back-heel Sardar Azmoun assisted Erokhin at 26′ as Rostov took the advantage against Arsenal Tula. The Iranian youngster – who previously scored in UEFA Champions League against giants Atletico Madrid – ten minutes later beat the rival goalkeeper with a successful header, helping his club to win with the final 4:1 result. 20-years-old Saeid Ezzatollahi did not enter this game.
In Russia again an Iranian talent passed the golden ball in the match between Terek Grozny and Zenit St. Petersburg: left wing back Milad Mohammadi (born 1993) ran from the left side and assisted Balaj, whose double gave a surprising victory to Terek. Mohammadi showed an excellent performance despite an injured wrist.
Last but not least. After one month Panionios returned to victory, defeating PAOK in week 10 of Souper Ligka Ellada. Iranian number 10 Karim Ansarifard scored the winner goal at 14′ assisted by Ben Nabouhane, inspired by Masoud Shojaei action.
Week 1 of Dutch Premier League, better known as Eredivisie, celebrating 60 years.
Saman Javadi - سامان جوادی 