Jaloliddin Masharipov

Jaloliddin Masharipov is the most technically gifted playmaker of his generation in Uzbekistan — a creative, left-footed midfielder whose six-year spell at Pakhtakor made him a domestic icon before stints at Al-Nassr and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai tested him in the Gulf. Now at Esteghlal in Iran, he remains active at 32 and still capable of unlocking defences with incisive passing and dribbling in tight spaces. Long the creative heartbeat of the Uzbekistan national team, his experience and vision make him a reference point for younger teammates navigating their first major tournament.