Fulham’s Iranian midfielder Ashkan Dejagah made his return from injury on Sunday as the premier league team defeated C.S. Cartagines in a friendly match.
The upcoming season will certainly be one of the most important in Dejagah’s playing career, both at the club and national level. Arguably Fulham’s best player last year (aside from Berbatov), Ashkan will be looking to help his side earn at least a top ten finish and even push for a Europa spot. As for Iran, Carlos Quieroz’s squad is not just happy to be there. Iran is going to Brazil with the aim of competing hard and showcasing their talents on a global scale. The inclusion of Dejagah in the starting 11 makes for a national team that is not to be taken lightly.
Although it took Dejagah some time to adjust to English football last season after arriving from Wolfsburg, he soon became one of the sparks of offense for an often flustered Fulham forward line. His ankle injury came at a time when he was playing fast paced attacking football and combining well with Dimitar Berbatov. Based on his play before his setback, it seems logical that Dejagah will be Martin Jol’s first choice right winger if deemed fully fit.
As for his national team, Dejagah’s impact was felt instantly for Iran. In his debut against Qatar in Tehran, Dejagah scored two goals and had the Qatar defense line on their heels for 90 minutes. In a game against South Korea when Iran had fallen a man down, Dejagah was often seen single-handedly starting counter-attacks and frustrating Korean fullbacks on the way to a victory for Iran
But for now, Dejagah is taking things step by step and focusing on training with his Fulham teammates again. If he can get back to his old form, both Fulham and Iran can surprise teams in the English league and World Cup respectively.