AFC Champions League 2017: Rising Star of the Month (May) - Al Ain's Caio

Caio Lucas Hernandez, simply known as Caio, has been an important weapon for an Al Ain side which has made its way into the quarterfinals of the ongoing edition of the AFC Champions League.

Having just turned 23, the Brazilian has shown maturity that belies his tender age to become one of the first names in an attacking lineup which consists of stars like Omar Abdulrahman and still not feel out of place.

Having started every game in the AFC Champions League this season for his team, the attacking midfielder has come up with vital contributions in May with the most notable of them coming in the second leg of Al Ain's Round of 16 match against Esteghlal.

He bagged the first two goals in Al Ain's 6-1 demolition of Esteghlal which helped them overcome a 1-0 defeat in the first leg. The brace helped take Caio's goal tally in the tournament to three to add to an assist he has to his name.

Caio's finishes were both of the highest technical quality - one a fantastic volley and the other included a calm chip over the goalkeeper.

The youngster's quality has been very evident ever since his senior debut with Kashima Antlers in Japan, where he had moved to in 2011. He was the Rookie of the Year in the J.League during his first season with Kashima Antlers in 2014.

He moved to Al Ain in 2016 and was the club's highest scorer in the recent edition of the UAE Pro League and much was expected of him on the continent as well.

He has delivered on that to an extent with strong showing in May and much will be expected of him as we go on. Caio is our Rising star of the month.