Top Players of 2022/2023 Persian Gulf Pro League So Far

Different football leagues worldwide paused for the inaugural FIFA 2022 World Cup in the Middle East. Despite criticism of the event from certain quarters, the men's football tournament was a success. Now back to the present, the various leagues globally have resumed as teams battle it out for honors.

The action isn't limited to top-tier competitions such as the Premier League, Bundes Liga, Ligue 1, or Serie A. Middle East countries have the UAE Pro League, Saudi Pro League, and the Qatar Stars League, among others. Add the decent results of the Arabian nations at the 2022 World Cup outing, and the stakes for the Middle East clubs will only get higher.

Iran's Persian Gulf Pro League is causing a buzz while also attracting top talent from other countries. Teams such as Persepolis, Esteghlal, Nassaji, and Tractor have an impressive player roster that is raking in goals, setting up assists, or keeping clean sheets.

Various players are trying to have a successful season, with the 2022/2023 Persian League already past game week 15. Games are also becoming unpredictable, setting for an even more exciting experience. There are tons of league betting sites with equally fascinating betting options. From Goals Over/Under, Draw-No-Bet, and Top Scorer to Handicaps, bettors will enjoy the Persian League further.

Who are the players setting the 2022/2023 Persian Gulf Pro League ablaze so far?

1.    Jürgen Leonardo Locadia, Forward - Persepolis

The Dutch national is one of the foreigners lighting up the Persian League, and the stats are there for all to see. With six goals so far, Locadia is the joint-top scorer with Tractor's Iman Abbaszadeh.

The right-footed footballer mainly plays as a center-forward but can also operate on both wings. Jürgen has linked up with fellow Persepolis stars Mehdi Torabi and Alireza Beiranvand, and it's only a matter of time before he reaches new heights.

2.   Mohammad Mohebi, Attacking Midfielder - Esteghlal Tehran

Mohebi stands out as Esteghlal's lethal center-attacking midfielder if his bout in front of the goal is worth mentioning. Besides his scoring heroics, Mohebi is also reputed for his link-up play and defense-splitting passes.

Esteghlal beat Persepolis to the 2021/2022 Gulf Pro title, and with Mohammad's arrival, the Tehran club will be keen that the title stays in the capital.

3.   Hamed Shiri, Defensive Midfielder - Nassaji Mazandaran

It's unusual for a player usually deployed as a center-back to be high up the scoring charts. Hamed boasts five goals and can hold the fort as a defensive midfielder.

His versatility to play in different positions on the pitch is his exceptional strength, capable of playing as a right back. Despite being in the twilight years of his career, Shiri still has a lot to offer, and Nassaji hopes to extend his contract.

4.   Ricardo Alves, Attacking Midfielder - Tractor Sazi

Another import that's on a roll is none other than the Portuguese national Ricardo Alves. The Tractor Sazi midfield maestro already has ten assists and doesn't seem to be slowing down.

Rezaei and Abbaszadeh are converting Ricardo's chances, and if Alves maintains his form, Tractor may have a shot at the Gulf Pro title.

5.   Ayoub Kalantari, Attacking Midfielder - Nassaji Mazandaran

Nassaji may be languishing in mid-table, but certain players' roles in the team are worth highlighting. At the heart of midfield, Ayoub is complementing Hamed, with four goals and five assists so far to his name.

Ayoub is in his third season at Nassaji and has been a mainstay since, owing to his consistency. His eye for goal has also boosted Nassaji's points tally, and it remains to be seen what role Ayoub will have as the season progresses.

6.   Alireza Beiranvand, Goalkeeper - Persepolis

The defensive aspect of the football game rarely gets the same attention and praise as the offense. Defenders and goalkeepers play an equally important role, and Persepolis' shot-stopper Alireza is a prime example.

Alizera has a staggering eleven clean sheets in 17 appearances and is one reason Persepolis is topping the standings. He is one of the new acquisitions of the 2022/2023 campaign proving to be a gem. In his current form, winning the golden glove will be a formality. 

7.   Hossein Pour Hamidi, Goalkeeper - Aluminium Arak

Alizera is one of many goalkeepers proving a nightmare for the opposition's forwards. Aluminium's Hamidi is hot on Alizera's trail with ten clean sheets, and his 50% penalty stop rate is similar to Alizera's.

Aluminium lies in 7th place courtesy of their many draws despite Hamidi's proficiency in goal. However, if Arak maintains consistency, Hossein may be Alizera's contender for the golden glove.