Title: A Formidable Dilemma: Esteghlal’s Attacking Trio Shines on International Stage
In a significant squad overhaul during the summer transfer window, Tehran’s Esteghlal FC has dramatically reinforced its attacking line, creating a highly competitive and enviable selection dilemma for its coaching staff. The team’s offensive front has emerged as the most transformed sector, moving beyond the options of last season to welcome three major new signings.
Saeed Saharkhizan joined after extensive negotiations with Russia’s FC Orenburg, while Duckens Nazon arrived from Turkish side Kayserispor. The latest addition to the offensive lineup, Munir El Haddadi, completed the trio upon his arrival in Tehran this Wednesday. While both Saharkhizan and Nazon featured in Esteghlal’s initial three matches of the new season—the Super Cup and the Persian Gulf Pro League—each contributing a goal, it was during the recent FIFA international window that the two stars truly unveiled their formidable potential.
Saharkhizan: The Winged Hope for National Glory
The 22-year-old Esteghlal prospect played a pivotal role in Iran’s U-23 team securing qualification for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. He found the net once against Guam and then delivered a spectacular performance in the crucial match against the UAE. In a thrilling 3-2 victory, Saharkhizan scored a brace, concluding the September FIFA window with an impressive 3 goals in just 193 minutes of total play across three matches.
Nazon Humiliates a Former Real Madrid Keeper
Merely 12 hours after Saharkhizan’s heroics, his club rival, Duckens Nazon, staged his own fireworks display for the Haitian national team. Coming on as a substitute in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, Nazon single-handedly turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead by scoring a stunning hat-trick against goalkeeper Keylor Navas, a former Real Madrid and PSG star. Although a late equalizer meant the game ended 3-3, Nazon’s achievement of scoring three times past a world-class goalkeeper was undeniable. He did miss a penalty against Navas but scored on the rebound. This remarkable feat brought his international goal tally to 43 in 70 caps, cementing his status as Haiti’s all-time top scorer.
A Fierce Three-Way Competition for a Starting Spot
Despite their outstanding international performances, neither Saharkhizan nor Nazon is expected to start in Esteghlal’s upcoming third league match against Esteghlal Khuzestan this Friday. Their travel schedules, returning to Tehran on Wednesday and Thursday, leave no time for integrated team training.
This situation opens the door for Mohammadreza Azadi, Esteghlal’s target striker. Azadi used the FIFA break to his advantage, impressing in a friendly match for the club. Now, with the sensational form of his teammates making headlines, the experienced forward is poised to seize his opportunity and showcase his quality against the Khuzestani Blues.
What is abundantly clear is that head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto faces a formidable and welcome challenge. The fierce and “crazy” competition among his three in-form attackers provides him with a wealth of options, making his selection for the starting XI a complex but positive dilemma for the club’s ambitions.
