Ghoddos Still Shapes as Important Contributor in Coming World Cup Cycle

The 2023 Asian Cup is now over and Qatar, once again, are champions, defeating Jordán 3-1 at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday evening after a hat trick of penalties from Akram Afif.

Brentford star Ghoddos anchored the Iranian midfield as Team Melli moved through the gears and the tournament before playing a key role in their explosion to life against Japan; applying the press on goalkeeper Zion Suzuki that led to his poor attempted clearance and the rapid counter-attack that led to Iran’s's equalizer.

The 30-year-old's work rate was a key cog in the play of coach Amir Ghalenoei's outfit, leading the team in ball recoveries and finishing among its leaders in touches and chance creation -- presently ranked third for big chance creation amongst all teams at the tournament, per FotMob.

Despite being 30 years old and Iran boss Amir Ghalenoei being called to aggressively pursue a policy of squad rejuvenation in the years ahead by Iranian fans, Ghoddos still shapes as an important contributor in the coming World Cup cycle.