"Mr. Champions-League": Ali Daei.

"Ali hat sich nach anfänglichen Umstellungsproblemen gut bei uns eingespielt", sagt Hertha-Trainer Jürgen Röber, "sein Kopfballspiel ist einzigartig, und auch nach hinten verrichtet er gute Arbeit." Der Wert des Mittelstürmers wird inzwischen auf neun Millionen Mark geschätzt.

Interesse der Klubs steigt

Noch sind Mahdavikia und Daei die einzigen Iraner, die in der Bundesliga einen Stammplatz haben, aber das Interesse der deutschen Klubs ist groß. "Wir Iraner vereinen deutsche Disziplin mit orientalischer Technik", meint Mehrdad Nazemi über seine Landsleute. Der Kaufmann aus Hamburg ist vom HSV als Betreuer von Mahdavikia und Vahid Hashemian bis Saisonende angestellt. Für Hashemian, der wegen seiner Kopfballstärke den Spitznamen "Hubschrauber" trägt, bezahlte der HSV 750.000 Mark.

ALI DAEI

Player Info
Full Name: Ali Daei                        
Birthdate: March 21, 1969                                      
Birthplace: Ardabil, Iran
Height: 190 cm; 6 feet, 3 inches
Weight: 82 kg; 180 lbs

 
= two stars and below means there is a major flaw in the players technique. This aspect of the players game MUST be worked on if there lies any success for him in Europe.
= three stars and below means the player must iron out the technical blemish if he wants to make his mark in EUROPE. This rating is best defined as just below average for a Pro-European player.
= four stars means the player is average or above average in this area of his game in EUROPEAN standards. Any rating higher than this suggests that the player in question excels in the area.
= worth half of a full star rating


These ratings are based on the player in questions abilities compared to those of other professional European players - not Asian players.

Ball Control:
Speed/Quickness:
Acceleration:
Heading:
Well Rounded Skills:
Shot power/accuracy:
Tackling/Defense:
Fitness/Stamina:
Thinking/creativity:
Determination:
Use of weak foot:
Overall:

This does not mean success in Europe; however, if Ali produces the same soccer as he did in the ASIAN CUP'96, he may surprise many people. The element of surprise may be his greatest strenght.

PERSONALLY, I think he will be quite successful in Munich.