Kuala Lumpur: A new generation of Bahraini players are looking to deliver their country's first AFC Asian Cup knock-out stage qualification since 2004, and in Europe-based Abdulla Helal, they have a star to inspire them.
Helal became the first-ever Bahraini player to represent a top division European club when he joined Czech Republic side Bohemians 1905 in the summer. He has since impressed, becoming the team's top scorer with five league goals so far.
Nationality: Bahrain
Date of birth: 12/06/1993
Position: Forward
Current club: Bohemians 1905 (Czech Republic)
Previous clubs: East Riffa, Al Muharraq (Both Bahrain)
International background
Helal had a brief taste of AFC Asian Cup action four years ago, when he made a five-minute cameo from the bench against the UAE. Since then, he has grown into one of the country's key performers. Only Mahdi Abduljabbar (4) scored more goals for Bahrain in the UAE 2019 qualifiers than Helal's three.
Now 25, and with half a season of European experience behind him, Helal is set to be a key attacking weapon for coach Miroslav Soukup.
Style of play
A combination of intelligent movement, an eye for goal and exceptional aerial abilities mean Helal has all the makings of a traditional number nine. The 25-year-old constantly gets himself in the right positions to finish up attacking movements for club and country.
In what are likely to be closely-contested affairs in the UAE, Helal will need to take opportunities that come his way, and his natural poacher instinct can be the difference for the Reds' efficiency in front of opposition nets.
What to look for
Following their historic fourth-place finish in 2004, Bahrain exited the AFC Asian Cup at the group stage on three consecutive occasions. Helal and co will be looking to end that run, but face a stern challenge with hosts the UAE, Thailand and India standing in their way.
Do Bohemky přicházà kanonýr z Bahrajnu Abdulla Yusuf Helal.https://t.co/5lV1i1Wl9r pic.twitter.com/CSmzQX7ask
— Bohemians Praha 1905 (@bohemians1905) July 21, 2018
Having largely watched off the bench in Australia, Helal will have a more prominent role to play this time around, and expectations on him to get on the scoresheet will be high.
Where and when to watch him:
Bahrain v UAE
Venue: Zayed Sport City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Kick-off: January 5, 20:00 UTC+4
Bahrain v Thailand
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Kick-off: January 10, 15:00 UTC+4
Bahrain v India
Venue: Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah
Kick-off: January 14, 20:00 UTC+4
Source: the-afc.com