Players like Akmal Rizal Rakhli, Kiatisuk Senamuang. Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and Suree Sukha have tried their luck in Europe but most of them couldn't impress as they were not able to acclimatize themselves there.
However, with European teams coming down to South East Asia to play friendlies, many clubs have seen standouts from this region and scouts have been sending glowing reviews to to their employees.
With upcoming youngster and also experience ones impressing, we are bound to see a revolution in ASEAN football. With three ASEAN team in the 2014 World Cup Third Qualifying round, this is a progress which many should be in awe with.
The standard may not be as good as Japan, South Korea or Saudi Arabia, but the region is slowly getting there and with many players impressing in games, the future looks bright for ASEAN.
Here are the 5 players who would impress any teams in Europe and raise the standard of South East Asian football
20 years old and he is still growing! Frightening prospect for Singapore, the Young Lions midfielder impressed in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers against Malaysia.
Combining with Mustafic Fahruddin, the Young Lions captain showed great composure with the ball and his ability to read players has endeared well with Radojko Avramovic. In the 2nd leg, his performance belied his age as he strutted his stuff and he showed another side to his game.
With great determination and sense of enthusiasm, he nullified the Malaysian midfield pairing of Ismail Faruqi and Amar Rohidan after the score was tied at 1-1 at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
The youngest ever Singaporean to don the national team jersey, the then 16 year old came in as a substitute against North Korea who boosted players like Jong Tae Se and An Yoon Hak.
Being dubbed as the future of Singapore, the combative midfielder and playmaker is alo verstaile as he has played in various positions for the Singapore U-23 squad.
Seasoned campaigners like 41 year, Aleksandr Duric and Daniel Bennett have showered praises for the lad and said that in the years to come, he will be a force to be reckoned to with!
Having had the experience of training at the La Masia academy for week, the S-League' Young Player of the year would surely move on to other countries and for his style of play, Europe would be the best place to nurture his talent.
Having had the experience of training at an academy that have breeded players like Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Gerrard Pique, this lad would surely be on the radar of some Spanish clubs. Having received a MVP award during his stint, his prowess in Singapore would surely endear well with the fans at Europe.
Boaz Salossa, 25, Persipura Jayapura, Indonesia2010 onwards, he is a changed player! 22 goals and still counting, the man from Papua is firing from all cyclinders in the Djarum Liga Super Indonesia.
Many thought, that his stock will drop after his tumultuous years battling with alcoholism, aggression and indiscipline but the 25 year old has proved that all the bitter memories that he has had is the thing of his past.
He may not possess the CV's of Irfan Bachdim or Jhony van Beukering but the man who comes from the renowed Salossa family has what it takes to succeed in Europe.
Great pace, an eye for goal and his ability to ward off bigger opponents with ease will surely impress Indonesia's new coach, Wim Rijsbergen. Having been in the International wilderness for long, the lad would surely be kicking for selections and who knows he might displace lads such as Bachdim or Pamungkas from the set up.
He was a revelation in the 2004 Tiger cup, where as an 18 year old, he tormented defences and many clubs took notice of him. Malaysian clubs were prying for his services but the lad refused to leave his club Persipura.
If he wants to be one of the best, he should try his luck in Europe and he would suit well in leagues like Eredivisie and Liga Jupiler.
He can emulate the feats of sibling like Ortisan and Nehemia by spreading his wings and he can take Kurniawan as an inspiration, as he was one of the pioneers of Indonesian football only to succumb to injuries and poor displays in Indonesia.
Surat Sukha, 29, Buriram PEA, Thailand
There are number of emerging players coming from the land of Siam but nothing beats his bravery and determination to succeed. Having been overshadowed by his brother who joined Manchester City only to flunk his abilities there, Surat proved to be a hit in the league.
Being able to beat players bigger than him, the man from Sakhon Nakhon is fan favourite among the Thai fans. A late bloomer, the man with 18 caps captivated fans with his overlapping runs and his constant determination to stifle opposition attacks.
Melbourne Victory who were the beneficiary of his services would surely miss his presence as he left the club due to personal reasons.
However, if he gets a shot at Europe, he should go as it is the right time for him to gain a new experience and inspire other Thai footballers to try their luck at Europe and be successful.
Kiatisuk Senamuang, Suree Sukha, Teerasil Daengda and Katprawut Saweioo have tried their luck but it proved to be futile for them. Maybe, Surat can show them the way on how to be successful at Europe. He will be a hit if he plays in Bundesliga or Eredivisie.
Safee Sali, 27 (Pelita Jaya, Indonesian Super League)
His 5 goals in the AFF Suzuki Cup helped Malaysia to nail the cup for the first time. Together, with a young set of players, the then 26 year old led the team with gusto and his goals brought joy to Malaysians.
His impressive performance in the tournament, made him a wanted commodity and clubs from the ISL were craving for his services. Relegation threatened Pelita Jaya, managed to sign the lad and his 7 goals were enough to keep the team safe from relegation.
Then came his performance against Liverpool and Singapore, rumours started to escalate as teams from Bundesliga were eyeing for his services. The player himself admitted that he has been enquired by clubs from Germany.
With such highlight on him, the much improved player looks ready for Europe and though he is already 27, he still has time on his side. He might not be eyed by giants like Schalke o4 or Bayern Munich, but clubs like Mainz 05, Hertha Berlin and SC Freiburg could snap this player from the hands of Pelita Jaya.
This is the time for him to get out of South East Asia, as talents like him should be penetrated to Europe and at the same time he can inspire Malaysian kids to dream big.
Even the likes of Steve Clarke, who called him No.10 was impressed with his performance and stated that he was the game changer in the game against Liverpool.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, owner of QPR, recently mentioned that he might offer Safee a trial offer to try his luck in the Premier League, Work permit might be an issue but with that stint, he can impress other clubs from other leagues especially Bundesliga.
The reincarnation of Mokhtar Dahari, surely wouldn't disappoint any clubs as he determined style of play would endear well with any fans.
Le Cong Vinh, 25, T&T Hanoi, Vietnam
A speedster, the former Leixoes player is a phenomenon in his country. Being the first Vietnamese to play in Portuguese shores, the Hanoi based player is attracting interest from many clubs.
Being dubbed as the man to replace the legendary Le Hyunh Duc, Valko Goth has got a gem in his hand. Having had the experience playing against clubs like FC Porto, Uniao Leiria and Pedroense, the 25 year old striker cum winger idolises Luis Figo.
He may not be as great as Figo, but the man from Nghe An, will surely grab the chance to have another go at Europe. He has set the benchmark for Vietnamese football and with 30 goals in under 49 caps, he is bound to score more,
In the AFF Suzuki Cup, he impressed in the Semi Finals against Malaysia but their opponents were just too strong for them. Having been overshadowed by the performances of Safee Sali, he still made a good impression and many coaches have noticed his talents.
In 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup, he was the inspiration behind their success and due to his performances, he was nabbed by Leixoes. If he continues to show such promise. clubs from bigger clubs would be eyeing for his signature.
Having won the Vietnamese Golden Ball three times, he is idolised by the Vietnamese faithful and Goal.com even dubbed him as one of the most promising youngster in Asian football.
Having reached his peak, Le will be a much wanted commodity among clubs and there rumours claiming that Malaysian clubs are eyeing him for the upcoming Malaysian Super League.
Hoever, he should set his sights on playing in Europe and with him playing there again, he will surely raise the standard of ASEAN and Vietnamese Football
Avinesh's verdict: It may be a universe away, but OPTIMISM is what we need and this players can bring back the glory days of South East Asia..=)
This is the time for him to get out of South East Asia, as talents like him should be penetrated to Europe and at the same time he can inspire Malaysian kids to dream big.
Even the likes of Steve Clarke, who called him No.10 was impressed with his performance and stated that he was the game changer in the game against Liverpool.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, owner of QPR, recently mentioned that he might offer Safee a trial offer to try his luck in the Premier League, Work permit might be an issue but with that stint, he can impress other clubs from other leagues especially Bundesliga.
The reincarnation of Mokhtar Dahari, surely wouldn't disappoint any clubs as he determined style of play would endear well with any fans.
A speedster, the former Leixoes player is a phenomenon in his country. Being the first Vietnamese to play in Portuguese shores, the Hanoi based player is attracting interest from many clubs.
Being dubbed as the man to replace the legendary Le Hyunh Duc, Valko Goth has got a gem in his hand. Having had the experience playing against clubs like FC Porto, Uniao Leiria and Pedroense, the 25 year old striker cum winger idolises Luis Figo.
He may not be as great as Figo, but the man from Nghe An, will surely grab the chance to have another go at Europe. He has set the benchmark for Vietnamese football and with 30 goals in under 49 caps, he is bound to score more,
In the AFF Suzuki Cup, he impressed in the Semi Finals against Malaysia but their opponents were just too strong for them. Having been overshadowed by the performances of Safee Sali, he still made a good impression and many coaches have noticed his talents.
In 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup, he was the inspiration behind their success and due to his performances, he was nabbed by Leixoes. If he continues to show such promise. clubs from bigger clubs would be eyeing for his signature.
Having won the Vietnamese Golden Ball three times, he is idolised by the Vietnamese faithful and Goal.com even dubbed him as one of the most promising youngster in Asian football.
Having reached his peak, Le will be a much wanted commodity among clubs and there rumours claiming that Malaysian clubs are eyeing him for the upcoming Malaysian Super League.
Hoever, he should set his sights on playing in Europe and with him playing there again, he will surely raise the standard of ASEAN and Vietnamese Football
Avinesh's verdict: It may be a universe away, but OPTIMISM is what we need and this players can bring back the glory days of South East Asia..=)
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