Chanathip Songkrasin has been the star name at the AFF Championships for much of the past decade, winning three MVP titles across the past four editions.

However, with the absence of the diminutive playmaker from the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup a new name will have to emerge as a key creative threat who can help steer their nation to glory.

Only the truly special players can step up and perform when the pressure is on and we’ve nominated five key players from sides looking to dethrone Thailand who could be the one to drive their nation’s success.

Vote now and have your say as to who you think could be this year’s Chanathip.

 

Phan Van Duc (Vietnam)

Blessed with fine technical qualities and close ball control, the 26-year-old will be entering his third AFF Championships.

Naturally a winger but also capable of playing up front or more centrally, Van Duc will be looked upon to provide both goals and assists for a Vietnam side aiming for a third title.

If star forward Nguyen Quang Hai is forced to miss part or all of the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup then much of the creative burden could fall on Van Duc’s shoulders.

 

Safawi Rasid (Malaysia)

Another player who will compete at this third tournament, Safawi is already a household name right across Southeast Asia.

He’s capable of terrorising defenders with the ball at his feet, has a powerful shot and is also a genuine threat from set-piece situations.

With the possible absence of several other Harimau Malaya stars, Safawi could well hold the key to any Malaysian success in the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

 

Witan Sulaeman (Indonesia)

Part of an outstanding generation of young Indonesian talent, 21-year-old Witan had a breakthrough campaign in the previous edition as he helped lead Indonesia all the way to the final in Singapore.

Naturally at home on the right wing but comfortable both on the left and through the middle, the Slovakia-based star could quickly become a star name on the continent should he shine once more on the regional stage.

 

Song Ui-young (Singapore)

Korean born but now very much a key part of the Singapore side, Song is a lively creative threat for his adopted nation.

Something of a late bloomer, the 29-year-old was a standout on home soil at the previous AFF Championship and profiles once again as a key attacking outlet for the Lions.

 

Stephan Schrock (Philippines)

In what is almost certainly his final hurrah as he transitions into the coaching ranks, veteran Schrock wants to make the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup a tournament to remember.

Throughout so much change in the Azkals over recent years, the now 36-year-old remains a silky attacking threat who can unlock opposition defences with a deft passing range and vision and also provides a source of goals and assists.

Poll will end on Friday, December 9 at 18:00 SGT