Elsewhere, Altyn Asyr contined their goal rush in Turkmenistan, while clubs in Kyrgyz Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran took steps towards a return to league action.

Join _the-AFC,co_m for all the key results and news from Kokand to Khujand.

There are new leaders in Vietnam as Song Lam Nghe An moved to the top of the pile, Johor Darul Ta'zim and Tampines Rovers returned to training after a long layoffs in Malaysia and Singapore, while there were a pair of huge results in Chinese Taipei at both ends of the table.

Japanese international Yuya Osako is in desperate relegation trouble in Germany while international teammate Maya Yoshida finally returned to action in Italy and, despite his own good form, things are looking increasingly worrying for China PR's Wu Lei in Spain as RCD Espanyol prop up the standings.

With all that and more, here's the-AFC.com's review of the action from East Asia and ASEAN.

Having arrived in the United Arab Emirates with an already burgeoning reputation, the livewire forward went on to find the net a record nine times – the last of which was a particularly magical moment in the final – and be named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

That accolade, along with the award for finishing as top goalscorer, was roundly applauded, a nod to Ali’s prowess following a campaign which saw him shine brightly yet again for Felix Sanchez’s charges as they claimed Qatar’s first-ever AFC Asian Cup crown.

We began with the 2017 edition's best goalkeeper, next came the candidates for the backline and now it's time to shine the spotlight on the more attacking positions as we highlight the 10 standout candidates in midfield.

From Omar Abdulrahman to Paulinho, this list features some of the biggest talents in Asian football, so review the nominees and then choose your favourites for this all-star XI in the poll below.

With several players joining the league from East, West and especially Central Asia, the competition has been a league of interest for Asian fans since its inception in 1992.

It has played host to star players from some of the continent’s biggest football nations, with League, Cup and European silverware all won by Asian players.

But who stands out from our list of nominees?

After featuring fabulous free-kicks, long-range stunners and individual brilliance, this week's edition takes in one of our most popular categories: acrobatic goals. Athletic, exciting and often jaw-dropping, enjoy these magnificent efforts and then select your favourite by voting at the bottom of the article.