Nguyen Quang Hai (Vietnam)
The attacking midfielder emerged in 2018 as the brightest young talent in Southeast Asia, reaching a peak in December as Vietnam won the regional title.
During the group stage, the 21 year-old has shown he more than belongs at this level, with a left foot that could open a jar of Vegemite as demonstrated with the free-kick against Yemen.
There has been interest from Japan and South Korea - and not of the big money variety - but the eventual destination of desire is Europe.
He's good enough but Australia may provide a better path.
Sunil Chhetri (India)
What could be better than signing the second-highest active international goalscorer in the world? Perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo, but then, he is the only one to score more.
The Indian legend moved on to 67 goals during the tournament, two clear of Lionel Messi as he almost led the Blue Tigers to the knockout stage.
A real ambassador and leader, the striker has tried to move overseas to the UK and the USA in the past but it has never quite worked out for various reasons.
At the age of 34, there is just about time and the veteran would be as successful off the pitch as on it.
Bashar Resan (Iraq)
Though young, Resan has been a steadying influence in the middle for Iraq, helping protect the backline and also doing his bit to start attacks.
Hailed by coach Srecko Katanec for his awareness of what is going on around him and his intelligence both on and off the ball, the Iranian-based star, just 22, has a very bright future ahead.
A move down under would take him far from home but he would be worth the effort.
He has the mentality and the determination to improve if needed.
Manuel Ott (Philippines)
Australia has not had much contact with the Philippines since joining the AFC in 2006.
Perhaps then the improvements in the Southeast Asian country have not been as noticed as much as they should have been.
Manuel Ott - ’Manny’ to his friends, fans and football colleagues - has been part of that improvement.
An intelligent and hard-working midfielder, the German-born Ott speaks excellent English.
He also helps his team gain more possession and uses the ball well.
Yaseen Al-Bakhit (Jordan)
While the defeat against Jordan may be a painful memory for the Socceroos, they won’t forget the trouble that Al-Bakhit caused down the flanks on numerous occasions.
He can play either side and can do a fine job in a more central position which is one reason why Belgian coach Vital Borkelmans has waxed lyrical about his star.
Al-Bakhit has been bubbling up nicely in the past two or three years and at 29 is now in his prime.
Given he plays for one of the smaller clubs in the UAE, a move to Australia could be of interest.
Gao Lin (China)
Soon to be 33, the striker has been around Chinese football for quite some time.
He can be a tricky character to handle on and off the pitch but leads the line well and relishes a physical challenge.
Good on the floor and in the air with a fierce will to win; he is loved by the fans.
Gao has almost moved overseas in the past and the salary levels of Guangzhou Evergrande’s record goalscorer are perhaps not as high as people think, and as the age rises and playing time declines, he will become cheaper and more open to a new challenge.
Sandesh Jhingan (India)
India are not known for centre-backs but Jhingan really stamped his authority on the Asian Cup with a string of commanding performances.
A warrior on the pitch, he likes to write poetry and short stories off it.
Jhingan reads the game well, uses the ball well and handles the physical stuff well.
At the age of 25, now is the perfect time to head overseas and there is talk that he will soon leave Kerala Blasters.
