This round’s selection is a cosmopolitan mix that is heavy on the attackers in a week when strikers went to town all over Asia.

Goalkeeper

Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus): A fine performance from the Japanese international. He was as steady as they come in Nagoya’s 1-0 win at Newcastle and saved a penalty to put the J-League team in sight of the second round.

Defenders

Gochguly Gochguliyev (Bunyodkor): The Turkmenistan defender was everywhere against Sepahan as the visitors won 1-0. The fact that the Iranians had plenty of possession but failed to create many openings had a good deal to do with the 31-year-old, who made a number of vital interceptions and tackles.

Alejandro Cichero (Shandong Luneng): The Venezuelan defender was a rock at the back for Shandong on a night when they were put under lots of pressure by Seoul. Not long after he cleared off the line, he went up the other end to score a crucial equaliser that has kept his team on course for the second round.

Yoo Kyung-ryeol (Ulsan Horang-i): The Korean is not the most cultured of defenders but he is an organiser and a leader and that is what Ulsan needed as they picked up a vital 1-0 win at the Beijing Workers’ Stadium. Yoo played a big part in keeping the home side at bay.

Midfielders

Nashat Akram (Al Gharafa): The Iraqi playmaker is really starting to settle in Qatar and fans are seeing the rewards. Not only did the 2007 Asian Cup winner get on the score-sheet against Persepolis, he pulled the strings in the middle as his team ran out 5-1 winners.

Rivaldo (Bunyodkor): It was a smash-and-grab raid by the Uzbek champions at the Iranian home of Sepahan. Bunyodkor were under pressure for much of the game, but the Brazilian star could always be counted upon to keep the Sepahan defence on their toes.

Mirel Radoi (Al Hilal): The Romanian international is a class act and has been consistently impressive in this Asian campaign. He scored again as Al Hilal came from behind to win at Al Ahli, but his game is about much more than goals.

Forwards

Araujo (Al Gharafa): Not many players score three against the Iranian champions Perepolis. The Brazilian striker was on devastating form as the Q-League team ran out 5-1 winners. The defenders simply could not live with him.

Prince Tagoe (Ittifaq): The Ghanian striker was another hat-trick hero on Tuesday night as he put the Saudis in sight of the second round. Al Shabab took the lead but any thoughts of victory were soon dashed by the unstoppable African.

Yuya Osako (Kashima Antlers): The 18-year-old loves this competition. He has now scored in the last three Asian Champions League matches and his third came in a home thrashing of Singapore Armed Forces. With goals starting to come in the J-League too, the youngster is making a name for himself.

Nassir Al Shamrani (Al Shabab): Al Shamrani completes our hat-trick of three-goal stars, as he helped Al Shabab put Sharjah well and truly to the sword. The striker had a busy night and showed admirable composure in front of goal.