The latest roster for Iran’s national football team, announced for the upcoming FIFA matches against Kyrgyzstan and the UAE, has sparked significant debate. The declining quality of players in the Iranian Premier League has left Team Melli’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, with difficult choices. While Ghalenoei has made efforts to address fans’ concerns and silence his critics, especially regarding his tendency to select the same veteran players, his latest squad decisions have raised questions about whether the selections are truly merit-based.

The Biggest Challenge

The declining standard of Iran’s league and the failure of the system to produce quality players at age levels and senior level remains the greatest challenge to any selector. Watching a domestic league football in Iran leaves a bad taste for football enthusiasts. Poor tactical and techniques, lack of players’ skills, sub-standard coach, lack of professionalism amongst players and staff, poor status of the pitches and general lack of managerial and organizational management that is rife in Iran, have resulted in poor product that is getting worse over the years. As such, the hands of Team Melli’s coach are tied, but even considering all those negative factors, many believe that Ghalenoei can do much better.

The Controversial Selection Process

Ghalenoei’s player selections have often been met with controversy and inconsistency. What he preaches to the press does not always align with his practices on the field.

Players Who Don’t Deserve Their Spot, while others are ignored.

Critics argue that Ghalenoei has included players who are either not physically ready, out of form, or simply lacking the quality to be part of the national team. While other deserving players are excluded. For instance, the exclusion of Ramin Rezaian, despite his excellent performances for Esteghlal in the new season, is puzzling. Rezaian has scored two goals and provided one assist in the last three weeks, earning praise from critics and fans alike. When questioned, Ghalenoei would likely justify this by citing his new policy of injecting youth and energy into the team, exemplified by the inclusion of 18-year-old goalkeeper Arsha Shakuri.

On the other hand, players like Saeed Saharkhizan and Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad, who have been performing admirably in the Russian league, were overlooked. Hosseinnejad even scored a brilliant goal last week for his club, yet this wasn’t enough to earn him a place in the national squad.

The Shortage of Quality Players

The lack of high-quality, young players in Iranian football has left Ghalenoei with no choice but to rely on experienced familiar faces. In the midfield, the same regular players have been selected, which is understandable given the circumstances. However, some of these choices are questionable and even indefensible.

Saeid Ezatollahi
Ezatollahi, who plays for Shabab Al-Ahli, hasn’t played a single minute for his club due to recovering from a three-month injury. While Sardar Azmoun, his clubmate, is scoring regularly, Ezatollahi has just resumed serious training and is not yet in form for league competition. Yet, in Ghalenoei’s eyes, a fit but out-of-form player is good enough for selection. Ezatollahi, who has struggled throughout his career, remains a contentious choice, especially when players like Rouzbeh Cheshmi, with a proven track record, are ignored.

Arsha Shakouri
The young goalkeeper Shakouri, despite his potential, has shown inconsistency this season. While he did keep a clean sheet against Zob Ahan, he conceded five goals in the matches against Khyber Khorram Abad and Tractor. Meanwhile, Mohammad Reza Akhbari, who has two clean sheets and former national team experience, was left out of the squad. This raises questions about the criteria used for player selection and whether these decisions are truly data-driven.

Questionable Veteran Selections

The inclusion of Saeed Ezatollahi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Saman Ghoddos in the national team also raises eyebrows. Ezatollahi has not played since June 6 due to injury, while Jahanbakhsh and Ghoddos have struggled in Europe, losing their starting positions and failing to secure contract renewals. Both are now free agents, yet they remain key figures in Ghalenoei’s squad, highlighting the lack of depth in the Iranian domestic league and the challenges facing Team Melli.

Abolfazl Jalali
Jalali, a talented defender, has been selected despite being injured before the start of the season and having minimal playing time. While his quality is undeniable, the timing of his inclusion is questionable.

Ehsan Haj Safi
If Ghalenoei is serious about rejuvenating the team, excluding the captain might make sense. However, Haj Safi remains a regular starter for AEK Athens and continues to perform well. Ignoring him while selecting players like Khalilzadeh, who is 34 years old, seems contradictory.

Shoja’a Khalilzadeh
Khalilzadeh, a long-time national team regular known for his fighting spirit, has been selected again despite his declining pace and temperamental issues. Ghalenoei’s insistence on using the same defensive tactics and personnel, despite the defense being the weakest link, is a point of concern.

Conclusion: A Lack of Insight in Selections?

While a coach can only choose from the best players available, Ghalenoei’s judgment and decision-making continue to be questioned. His criteria for player selection remain an enigma, lacking clear insight and logic.