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SINGAPORE: Irfan Fandi, the son of legendary Singapore striker Fandi Ahmad, was named in a list of top 40 young talents in world football. Joining him from around the region are talents like China's Li Zhongyi, Japan's Daisuke Sakai, South Korea's Seo Jung-hyun, Vietnam's Phan Thanh Hau and Daniel Da Silva from Australia.

The 17-year-old Irfan is said to have "a good touch", according to the Guardian's John Duerden, who is one of the contributors to the Guardian's list, titled"Next Generation 2014: 40 of the best young talents in world football". The list was published on Tuesday (Oct 15).

"As well as possessing a good touch, the 17-year-old has spent the last few months training with clubs in Chile," wrote Duerden. "This gives him the streets smarts and the toughness to terrorise defences back in Asia."

Irfan and his brother Ikhsan are both currently training in Chile withUniversidad de Catolica, a club in the top tier of the Chilean league. They are under a six-figure sponsorship deal from banking group CIMB tocover their living expenses, schooling and training in Chile.

Among the six regional players in the list, only Australia's Daniel Da Silva is set to play among the big leagues. Currently playing for Perth Glory, he is set to move to Roma at the end of the season, and Manchester United, Everton and Barcelona also reported to be interested in his services. Born in the same year as Irfan, Da Silva has been coached by a former Singapore player from the Malaysia Cup days - Alistair Edwards.

See the article here:
Irfan Fandi among 6 Asian footballers in Top 40 global rising stars to watch