Goal counts down the top 25 talents born on or after January 1, 2002 from all around the ASEAN region
Goal25Ronaldo Kwateh
He does not just have a name that promises big things, but Ronaldo Kwateh has the skills to go with it.
The Indonesian youngster with Liberian roots is widely regarded as one of his country’s biggest talents and Madura United were quick to snap him up earlier this year following a previous spell with the Persib academy.
Still only 16, the attacker made his first-team debut for Madura in the Piala Menpora win over PSS Sleman and he will be hoping to build on that in the 2021 Liga 1 campaign.
AdvertisementGoal24Zikri Khalili
One of many Mokhtar Dahari Academy graduates finding his way to Selangor, Zikri Khalili is one of the few who has already made the step up to the first team at the Red Giants.
The left-back made his Malaysia Super League debut against Felda United in October 2020 and has really stepped it up a notch in 2021.
Zikri started in two of Selangor's opening three games of the season and – even though he has since had to settle for a spot on the bench again – it seems a matter of time before he's considered his side's first-choice left-back.
Goal23Nguyen Canh Tiep
Having a rich history of producing high-quality goalkeepers, it looks like SLNA have another gem on their hands in Nguyen Canh Tiep.
The promising shot stopper put in a string of impressive performances during the national Under-17 tournament in 2020 – shining in the semi-final win over PVF after penalties – as he helped his team to the trophy.
Canh Tiep was subsequently awarded the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award and has since made the step up to SLNA's U-19 squad, where the No.1 continues to make waves with his fine displays between the sticks.
Goal22Jakkapong Sanmahung
Jakkapong Sanmahung is one of many promising youngsters coming through the Chonburi academy.
The tall centre-back has represented Thailand at underage level all the way from the Under-14s up to the U-18s, wearing the captain's armband o a regular basis.
Jakkapong picked up the MVP Award at the 2015 Chang Everton Junior Cup, only to repeat that feat at the 2017 Nike Premier Cup.
Having previously enjoyed a loan spell with Thai League 3 outfit Banbueng, he is currently plying his trade at Khon Kaen United as he continues his development with an eye on breaking into the first team at Chonburi in the not too distant future.
