Three Iranians Nominated for Best Defenders of ACL2017 Team

With the 2020 AFC Champions League currently on hiatus, the-AFC.com continues its series of articles to determine the best sides from the last four editions of the Continental competition.

There are 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. The fans should review the nominees and then choose their favorite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

Heydari
The experience of veteran Esteghlal defender Khosro Heydari proved crucial as the Tehran side reached the knockout rounds for the first time since 2013. Another backline member who played an important role going forward, the former Iranian international attempted more crosses than any other defender, two of which led directly to goals.

Moharrami
A near ever-present in the Persepolis backline as the Tehran giants reached the semi-finals for the first time, Moharrami was at his combative best throughout, winning more tackles and more duels than any other defender. Not only did he also complete more dribbles than any of his defensive compatriots, meanwhile, he was second only to Shanghai SIPG's Hulk in the competition.

Shirzadi
Esteghlal Khouzestan shook off their debutants tag to progress to the AFC Champions League knockout stages at the first time of asking and full-back Peyman Shirzadi's accurate deliveries from the left flank were a potent part of their arsenal that helped them there.

The polls end on June 21 at 4pm (UTC+8). The Best XI chosen by fans and the best XI based on the 2017 statistics will be announced at the beginning of July.