Ashkan Dejagah - Iran's World Cup 2014 talisman unravelled
ASHKAN DEJAGAH - FULHAM
AGE: 27, CAPS/GOALS: 13/4
Ashkan Dejagah is heading to the World Cup with Carlos Queiroz and the Iran squad.
Here, Sportsmail takes a closer look at the Fulham attacker.
VIDEO: Scroll down to see Ashkan Dejagah dazzle with double on Iran debut
Flair: Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah will be hoping to provide the creative spark for Iran at the World Cup
Leap: Dejagah challenges Angola player Joaquim Adao for a header during a recent friendly match
END OF TERM REPORT: Fulham were relegated, regardless of Dejagah’s efforts, as the attacker found it difficult to prove his ability in a struggling side. Nevertheless, he delayed the inevitable with crucial goals against Newcastle United, Hull City and West Brom. It was enough to earn the 27-year-old the Fulham fans’ Player of the Year accolade, but not enough to save them from Championship football. Dejagah, having played for Germany youth levels from the age of 17 to 21, opted to switch his allegiance to Iran. He was rewarded by Queiroz with a place in the World Cup squad after scoring twice on his debut in a pivotal qualifier against Qatar. Now is the time for Dejagah to repay his manager for the vote of confidence.
GRADE: B-
IF HE WAS BRAZILIAN HE’D BE CALLED: Dejagisco
RATING FOR RIO: 6/10 – Needs to prove his talent.
KEY STAT: Fulham finished four points adrift of safety in the Premier League. Dejagah’s goals, single-handedly, won the Cottagers five points in the end-of-season run-in.
Send off: Dejagah waving goodbye at a farewell ceremony for the national team held in Tehran, Iran
Playing for pride: Iran will be hoping to better their total of one point from World Cup 2006
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