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Hertog backs players to shine for UAE

Abu Dhabi - Al Jazira coach is confident the pair will soon showcase their potential.

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Al Jazira coach Damien Hertog has backed his star players to play an integral role for the UAE in the AFC Asian Cup.
Ali Mabkhout, Khalfan Mubarak and Fares Juma were three of the five Al Jazira players in the national squad to play in the 1-1 draw over Bahrain. Keeper Ali Khaseif and defender Khalifa Al Hammadi are also in the squad.
Mabkhout and Mubarak had a quiet game by their own standards in opener. Mabkhout is the club's top-scorer this season with 15 goals in the Arabian Gulf League, while Mubarak has eight goals and nine assists.
Hertog is confident the pair will soon showcase their potential.
"They have the skills and quality to continue their form so I expect to see that as the tournament progresses," said Hertog.
"They are very good players but their talent goes beyond that as they also make great decisions on the field that we have seen make a difference on regular basis this season. It gives them a lot of confidence and that spreads throughout their teammates during training sessions and games. Like everyone else, I would love to see the UAE team going far in the tournament, which would be a brilliant way to celebrate being the hosts of the Asian Cup."
Hertog also believes his club players will certainly benefit from being part of the tournament.
"I want the best for our players and this will give them a lot of experience," added the Dutchman.
sports@khaleejtimes.com