Outside of the region, emerging Uzbekistan forward Jasurbek Yakhshiboev continued his stellar form in Belarus, while four of his countrymen got their own league campaigns underway in Korea Republic’s K League.

Join the-AFC.com for all the key news and results from Turkmenbashi to Toktogul.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2016 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are 15 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

From China PR’s world-renowned Steel Roses in the 1990s to Alireza Beiranvand’s stunning penalty save from Cristiano Ronaldo at Russia 2018, Asia’s finest have – time after time – proved more than a match for the rest of the planet.

Over the years, Asian sides and their players have also become synonymous with success. The titles and plaudits they have earned along the way helping ensure that Asia’s finest are both admired and feared by those they rub shoulders with on football’s loftiest stage.

Bakheet watched from the dugout as his international teammates took to the pitch to face Saudi Arabia at Zayed Sports City Stadium. For every single one of the 23 players dressed in white, whether on the field or on the bench, this was the game of their lives.

The UAE’s thrilling 1996 AFC Asian Cup campaign was culminating there, against a side that had appeared in each of the three previous finals of the competition, lifting the trophy in 1984 and 1988 before losing to Japan in 1992.

The 41-year-old became the oldest player to score in the K-League when he glanced Son Jun-ho’s corner beyond No Dong-geon six minutes from time to give Jeonbuk a winning start to the delayed season as Jose Morais’ side seek to defend the title they won on the final day of last season.

Korea Republic’s marine corps posted pictures of Son wielding an M-16 assault rifle and saluting on their Facebook page as he completed his stint at a boot camp.

All able-bodied Korea Republic men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul's 600,000-strong forces.

This week, our '5 of the Best' series looks back at some of the most eye-pleasing curling efforts that have left outstretched goalkeepers with no chance and brought fans to their feet in appreciation. Once you've reviewed our selection, don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, chips, free-kicks and flicks, tricks and backheels.