Nagoya last appeared in the competition in 2012 when they reached the Round of 16, after which they suffered a downturn of fortunes that culminated in relegation to the second tier in 2016 before returning to the top flight a year later.

After a period of restabalisation Nagoya then returned to the upper echelons of the J1 League, with a third-place finish last season ensuring direct entry into the 2021 AFC Champions League and Kakitani is now aiming to continue the upward trajectory.

With no shortage of attacking talent on display, we shine the spotlight on five frontmen who are on fire in their clubs’ domestic campaigns and could be set to bring those hot streaks onto the Asian stage in this year's continental club competition.

Three J1 League titles in the past four years and leading the way this time, Kawasaki will look to bring domestic dominance to the continent, while Daegu return for a second time, Beijing rely on youthful zest and United City are set to make their long-awaited debut in the AFC Champions League.

And it's a group with plenty of pedigree as two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of Korea Republic and 2008 champions Gamba Osaka of Japan lead the cast. The pair are joined by Thailand's Chiangrai United, who return for the second successive year, and Singaporean debutants Tampines Rovers.

The 2021 edition sees Port make their long-awaited debut in the AFC Champions League while Kitchee return for the first time since 2018 boasting a continental superstar with a record in his sights.

Ratchaburi Mitr Phol from the host country will make their continental debut and they will be joined by Southeast Asian rivals Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia, 2009 winners Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic and Japan's Nagoya Grampus, who return for the first time since 2012.

Johor Darul Ta'zim will feature in the group stage for the second time, having withdrawn from last year's competition, and also have Ratchaburi FC of Thailand and Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers for company as the Malaysian champions set their sights on advancing to the Round of 16.