Saudi Arabia captain Yasser Al-Qahtani has been named Asian Player of the Year on Wednesday. The Hilal striker beat Iraqi duo Younes Mahmoud and Nashat Akram to become the fourth Saudi player ever to win the prize since it was launched in 1994. The trio featured in the Asian Cup final earlier this year, with Mahmoud heading home as Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 to win the title. Al-Qahtani scored seven times so far for Saudi Arabia in 2007. His latest goal was against Egypt in the Pan Arab games in Cairo on Sunday. The 25-year-old striker was second favorite for the title, with Mahmoud leading the poll since being chosen the best player in the Asian Cup. Saied Owiran was the first Saudi player to win the title in 1994, followed by Nawaf Al-Temyat in 2000 and Hamad Al-Montashari in 2005. Chelsea Opportunity The top Asian footballer now has an opportunity to train with Chelsea, as part of an agreement between the Premiership club and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The Blues issued a statement on Wednesday, stating that Al-Qahtani could be granted the glamarous opportunity if his club agrees. "The newly crowned Asian Player of the Year Yasser Al-Qahtani has landed himself a chance to train with Chelsea Football Club," read the statement. "He has the option to come to Cobham (training ground) as part of his award resulting from the partnership between AFC and Chelsea. "The partnership, the first of its kind between a global confederation and a top European club, has as its aim the promotion and development of Asian football. "The training offer is subject to the agreement of the players' club, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, the player himself and calendar commitments."
