19 May 2011 14:23:00<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n\n\nRelated Links<\/h4>\nTeams<\/h4>\nPlayers<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\nIt’s fair to say the highlight of the 2010-11 European season for Asian football was the number of players who had breakthrough campaigns with their clubs.<\/span><\/p>\nThe apparent increase in Japanese players heading to Europe to embark on club careers arguably had an influence, but the number of young footballers from around Asia developing their game abroad certainly bodes well for the future.<\/span><\/p>\nWith that in mind, Goal.com<\/strong> takes time to reflect on the Top 10 Asians in Europe for the 2010-11 season.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/131000\/131004hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n10. Ryo Miyaichi (Feyenoord)<\/strong><\/p>\nLittle was known about the Japanese schoolkid before his loan move from Arsenal to Feyenoord in January, but when given his chance in Rotterdam he thrived. Miyaichi was man-of-the-match on his Feyenoord debut before scoring in his home bow for the club. The 18-year-old left-winger helped the club move away from the drop and his sparkling late-season performance against Willem II, when he scored two and assisted two more, saw him nicknamed ‘Ryodinho’.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/124500\/124507hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n9. Javad Nekounam (Osasuna)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\nThe Iranian midfielder has had another strong season in the challenging Spanish La Liga. Nekounam has been a mainstay in the Osasuna starting line-up all term as the side have hovered just clear of relegation, although they are not safe just yet heading into the final day. Nekounam is incredibly Osasuna’s top scorer this season with six goals, two of which came in a fine performance against Espanyol in February.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/106100\/106165hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n8. Tim Cahill (Everton)<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Australian is a player who gives his all for the cause and this season has been no different despite struggling through the second half of the campaign with a foot problem. Cahill’s early season form saw him near the top of the Premier League scoring charts with nine goals before the turn of the year. He had been at his predatory best with his trademark headers, but hasn’t scored since the Asian Cup.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/114300\/114374hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n7. Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg)<\/strong><\/p>\nAnother typically solid season from the versatile Japan international who helped marshal struggling VfL Wolfsburg away from relegation. Hasebe may not grab the headlines but his steady influence and work ethic have been important for the Wolves after a rocky spell which saw manager Steve McClaren axed in Feburary. The experienced midfielder was a regular towards the end of term under new boss Felix Magath.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/114500\/114531hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n6. Ki Sung-Yueng (Celtic)<\/strong><\/p>\nThe ‘Korean Gerrard’ certainly handled himself well enough in his first full season in the hurly-burly Scottish Premier League. At times the 22-year-old struggled to assert himself in midfield, which affected his consistency, but he displayed lovely technique and great creativity to offer Celtic fans plenty of hope with him pulling the strings. Ki’s performance also aroused interest from Italian club Napoli.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/122200\/122218.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n5. Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan Athletic)<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Oman goalkeeper has been one of struggling Wigan’s most consistent performers this term. Al-Habsi, on a season-long loan from Bolton, was given the nod ahead of Chris Kirkland as Wigan’s number one early in the campaign and hasn’t looked back, making countless saves which have given the Latics hope of survival going into the final day.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/126100\/126169hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n4. Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton)<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Korean right-winger was a revelation in his first term in England and there was no second-season blues this term. Lee’s creativity, pace and tirelessness have made him a popular figure at Reebok Stadium. He’s provided eight assists and scored three goals for the Trotters this term and his importance to the side was shown when, after he left for the Asian Cup in January, the Trotters lost four of their next five league games.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/131700\/131730_hp.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n3. Yuto Nagatomo (Cesena\/Inter)<\/strong><\/p>\nThe tough Japanese full-back had a dream first season in Italy after his loan move to newly-promoted Cesena. Nagatomo impressed enough during the first half of the campaign at Cesena to win a permanent deal, before European champions Inter came knocking and he moved to Milan on loan for the remainder of 2010-11. At Inter, Nagatomo was a regular at full-back, developing his offensive game with his trademark crosses.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/105300\/105391hp2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/td>\n2. Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund)<\/strong><\/p>\nFew imagined the impact the Japanese midfielder would have at eventual champions Dortmund when he signed for a mere \u20ac350,000 (\u00a3307,800) from Cerezo Osaka last year. Kagawa’s midfield play was arguably the key to Dortmund’s superb first half of the season which set up their title charge. By the break, Kagawa had eight goals in 17 games. Unfortunately he injured his metatarsal at the Asian Cup and missed most of the second half of term, otherwise he’d have been number one.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/13000\/13061hp2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n1. Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United)<\/strong><\/p>\nManchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may not select the Korean for every game but he turns to him for the big dates. United’s ‘unsung hero’ scored crucial goals this season, including the winner against Arsenal in the league and another in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea. We all know about his stamina, but his ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage sets him apart. He’ll be looking forward to the Champions League final too, after missing out in 2008.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nThere you have it. Disagree with our selection? Let us know who you would have included in your esteemed line-up. As ever, we\u2019re open to your suggestions and musings.<\/p>\n
For more Castrol Rankings<\/a> insights visit the Castrol Zone<\/a> on Goal.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Related Links<\/h4>\nTeams<\/h4>\nPlayers<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
Players<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n It’s fair to say the highlight of the 2010-11 European season for Asian football was the number of players who had breakthrough campaigns with their clubs.<\/span><\/p>\n The apparent increase in Japanese players heading to Europe to embark on club careers arguably had an influence, but the number of young footballers from around Asia developing their game abroad certainly bodes well for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n With that in mind, Goal.com<\/strong> takes time to reflect on the Top 10 Asians in Europe for the 2010-11 season.<\/span><\/p>\n Little was known about the Japanese schoolkid before his loan move from Arsenal to Feyenoord in January, but when given his chance in Rotterdam he thrived. Miyaichi was man-of-the-match on his Feyenoord debut before scoring in his home bow for the club. The 18-year-old left-winger helped the club move away from the drop and his sparkling late-season performance against Willem II, when he scored two and assisted two more, saw him nicknamed ‘Ryodinho’.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n The Iranian midfielder has had another strong season in the challenging Spanish La Liga. Nekounam has been a mainstay in the Osasuna starting line-up all term as the side have hovered just clear of relegation, although they are not safe just yet heading into the final day. Nekounam is incredibly Osasuna’s top scorer this season with six goals, two of which came in a fine performance against Espanyol in February.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n The Australian is a player who gives his all for the cause and this season has been no different despite struggling through the second half of the campaign with a foot problem. Cahill’s early season form saw him near the top of the Premier League scoring charts with nine goals before the turn of the year. He had been at his predatory best with his trademark headers, but hasn’t scored since the Asian Cup.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Another typically solid season from the versatile Japan international who helped marshal struggling VfL Wolfsburg away from relegation. Hasebe may not grab the headlines but his steady influence and work ethic have been important for the Wolves after a rocky spell which saw manager Steve McClaren axed in Feburary. The experienced midfielder was a regular towards the end of term under new boss Felix Magath.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n The ‘Korean Gerrard’ certainly handled himself well enough in his first full season in the hurly-burly Scottish Premier League. At times the 22-year-old struggled to assert himself in midfield, which affected his consistency, but he displayed lovely technique and great creativity to offer Celtic fans plenty of hope with him pulling the strings. Ki’s performance also aroused interest from Italian club Napoli.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n The Oman goalkeeper has been one of struggling Wigan’s most consistent performers this term. Al-Habsi, on a season-long loan from Bolton, was given the nod ahead of Chris Kirkland as Wigan’s number one early in the campaign and hasn’t looked back, making countless saves which have given the Latics hope of survival going into the final day.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n The Korean right-winger was a revelation in his first term in England and there was no second-season blues this term. Lee’s creativity, pace and tirelessness have made him a popular figure at Reebok Stadium. He’s provided eight assists and scored three goals for the Trotters this term and his importance to the side was shown when, after he left for the Asian Cup in January, the Trotters lost four of their next five league games.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n The tough Japanese full-back had a dream first season in Italy after his loan move to newly-promoted Cesena. Nagatomo impressed enough during the first half of the campaign at Cesena to win a permanent deal, before European champions Inter came knocking and he moved to Milan on loan for the remainder of 2010-11. At Inter, Nagatomo was a regular at full-back, developing his offensive game with his trademark crosses.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Few imagined the impact the Japanese midfielder would have at eventual champions Dortmund when he signed for a mere \u20ac350,000 (\u00a3307,800) from Cerezo Osaka last year. Kagawa’s midfield play was arguably the key to Dortmund’s superb first half of the season which set up their title charge. By the break, Kagawa had eight goals in 17 games. Unfortunately he injured his metatarsal at the Asian Cup and missed most of the second half of term, otherwise he’d have been number one.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may not select the Korean for every game but he turns to him for the big dates. United’s ‘unsung hero’ scored crucial goals this season, including the winner against Arsenal in the league and another in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea. We all know about his stamina, but his ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage sets him apart. He’ll be looking forward to the Champions League final too, after missing out in 2008.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \nThere you have it. Disagree with our selection? Let us know who you would have included in your esteemed line-up. As ever, we\u2019re open to your suggestions and musings.<\/p>\n For more Castrol Rankings<\/a> insights visit the Castrol Zone<\/a> on Goal.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
\n
<\/strong><\/td>\n10. Ryo Miyaichi (Feyenoord)<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/strong><\/td>\n9. Javad Nekounam (Osasuna)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
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<\/strong><\/td>\n8. Tim Cahill (Everton)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n <\/strong><\/td>\n7. Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n <\/strong><\/td>\n6. Ki Sung-Yueng (Celtic)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n <\/strong><\/td>\n5. Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan Athletic)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n <\/strong><\/td>\n4. Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/112900\/112983_hp.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n3. Yuto Nagatomo (Cesena\/Inter)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n <\/strong><\/td>\n2. Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n
\n <\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n1. Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United)<\/strong><\/p>\n