Persepolis was supposed to have a gaping hole in its rearguard with the departure of Iran star goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to Belgium, but such has been the performances of his replacement Hamed Lak that its steely backline has lost none of its metal.

Lak has conceded just two goals in seven matches, none of those from open play, and the 29-year-old has been a huge part of the Tehran giant march to the 2020 AFC Champions League final.

Lak’s shining moment came in the semi-final against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, with a big save in the penalty shootout to deny Maicon and help send Persepolis into the competition climax.

Lak will compete with Brad Jones (Al-Nassr), Cassio (Al-Taawoun), Majed Nasser (Shabab Al-Ahli) and Saad Al Sheeb (Al-Sadd) in the poll.