TEHRAN (Iran News)  In the match, held at the Al-Rashid Stadium, new Iranian recruit Sardar Azmoun netted both goals for Shabab Al Ahli in the 58th and 63rd minutes.

The upcoming second leg on September 7 will determine which team qualifies for the next round.

Azmoun joined Shabab Al Ahli from Bayer Leverkusen in late July.

Benfica striker Carlos Vinicíus scored a late goal against Sporting Saturday night and finished tied on 18 goals with Rio Ave’s Taremi.

Vinicíus picks up the trophy since he has played far fewer minutes.

Benfica forward Pizzi has also scored 18 goals.

A couple of days ago, Zenit Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun won the Golden Boot in Russian Premier League with 17 goals.

There are plenty of players, especially from Japan, showing good performances in the Bundesliga. Shinji Kagawa recently became the highest scoring Japanese player in the Bundesliga’s history then you have talents such as Genki Haraguchi in Berlin and Yuya Osako. Then you have stars such as Iran’s Sardar Azmoun at Rubin Kazan.

Azmoun should be showing his undoubted skills on a bigger stage. This is why he doesn’t make the headlines that Son makes. The same with Omar Abdulraham. The United Arab Emirates star has been regarded by many as the most talented player in Asia and it is hard to argue with a player as silky as the Al Ain man.

It may not be fair but the plaudits will go to Son more than the other two talents (Azmoun and Abdulraham). The South Korean may not have the natural easy ability of Abdulrahman but he is playing at a higher level week in and week out.

Azmoun has already taken the hardest step. Playing in Russia is a tough and effective football education for a young Asian talent but it is not a place to stay to long after graduation. The striker, still just 22, has demonstrated that he can adapt to the highest level with his appearances in European club competitions. Time is on his side but a big move needs to come soon.