World Football: Top 5 Footballers from Asia That Are Playing in Europe

There has been an influx of Asian footballers in Europe over the past couple of years, this has resulted in the development of football in Asia. There are Asian footballers all over Europe and it seems like for some of them, they have had a breakout year.

As many leagues come to a close (besides Russia..) its that time of the year to give out the season ending awards and to show our appreciation for the wonderful football Asia has provided us with. 

After the 2010 World Cup, Asian nations have concretely placed themselves on the world footballing map.Young Asian footballers have been scouted by many big clubs but also, many prospects have been picked up including: Ryo Miyachi (on loan at Feyenoord), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan) and Ki Sung Yueng (Celtic).

As the young players arrive, there are many Asian footballers who have cemented themselves in European football.

Lets take a look at the top five Asian footballers who are playing in Europe and have proved themselves against some of the toughest opponents in world football.  

5. Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund)

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SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 15: Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League group J match between Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on December 15, 2010 in Seville,

Kagawa signed with Dortmund during the 2010 season and has had a breakout season with them. Before his injury in the AFC Asian Cup he scored 12 goals in 28 games, while playing in the attacking midfield role.

His quick pace complements his silky footwork which is deadly when clinical finishing is also another trait that Kagawa seems to possess. 

As Bourssia Dortmund finished first in the Bundesliga, it shows the kind of season Kagawa had. Scoring eight goals in the Bundesliga and adding another four in the Europa cup to go along with the League title...it's safe to say that Kagawa had one heck of a season!

Imagine, if Kagawa would have played the second half of the season, he would be placed much higher in this chart...

4. Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton)

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Chung-Yong Lee of Bolton Wanderers applauds the fans during the FA Cup sponsored by E.On Sixth Round match between Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers at St Andrews on March 12, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Jami

Voted in 2009 by The Times to be one of the top 50 rising footballers, Lee's versatility does make him one of the top Asian Footballers playing in Europe.

Winning the Bolton player of the year in 2010 illustrates the importance of Lee towards Bolton. And if that still does not prove my point, what about the fact that he attracted interest from Liverpool but Bolton slapped a £10 million price tag on him. 

Scoring nine goals in 76 Bolton appearances and being a regular in the Bolton starting line up, there is no way Lee was not going to make this list.

With consistent performances to go along with his pin-point crosses surely represents the potential that Lee has (remember he is only 22). Only time can tell when Lee will be picked up by a top four club.  

3. Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan, on Loan from Bolton)

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WIGAN, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Ali Al Habsi of Wigan Athletic celebrates his side's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers at DW Stadium on February 5, 2011 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Chris Bruns

This Omani goalkeeper has recently just made a name for himself which has caused a lot of buzz about him. He started off his career with clubs in Oman until he moved to Lyn Oslo of Norway in 2003.

In Norway he won the Norwegian Goalkeeper of the Year award which eventually led him to Bolton signing him in 2006.

Even playing second string to Jussi Jaaskelainen, Al-Habsi made a handful of excellent performances. But after waiting four years as a second string goalkeeper, he went on loan to Wigan in 2010 where after the first two EPL games (Kirkland let in 10 goals), Al-Habsi was given his chance.

In Wigan was where Al-Habsi was where he shined, during the 2010-2011 EPL season he had 8 clean sheets to go along with winning the Wigan's player of the Season.

Using his height of 6'4" to go along with his relentless effort, it is no wonder why he is one of the best Asian players currently playing in Europe.     

2. Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow)

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TOMSK, RUSSIA - APRIL 24: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN ALL JAPANESE MEDIA UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Keisuke Honda of PFC CSKA Moscow in action during the Russian Football League Championship match between FC Tom Tomsk and PFC CSKA Moscow

One of Japan's most renowned player, Honda is the key to CSKA Moscow's attack.  Honda, who began his career in Japan before moving to Dutch side VVV-Venlo moved to CSKA Moscow last year.

Upon his arrival Honda made a big impact by bolstering Moscow's attack. With his high football IQ and intelligence of the game, Honda becomes a threat to any defense that is in his way. But the most outstanding quality about Honda is his ability to take set pieces, which was illustrated when he scored a free-kick against Denmark in the World Cup.

Employed usually as a central forward, Honda is used to draw defenders deep into the field. On the other hand, he can also be utilized as a winger since his pace and footwork are exceptional.

Even though his first season with CSKA finished in disappointment with a total of 41 appearances resulting in six goals, Honda started the new season in form scoring two goals in the first five games.

Besides his first season with the Russia giants, he has always been one of Asia's finest footballers and a big threat to any defense. 

1. Park Ji Sung (Manchester United)

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Ji-Sung Park of Manchester United clashes with Nigel de Jong of Manchester City during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON semi final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2011 in London,

When you think about Asian Football, the first name to come to mind is Park Ji Sung who is without doubt the best Asian footballer that is currently playing in Europe. Park who plays for Manchester United, one of the best teams in the world and also captains South Korea is the leading figure in Asian Football.

After joining Manchester United in 2005 from PSV Eindhoven, Park has become an important figure for United. He has the ability to play with composure under pressure that helps him score in important matches, like in the UCL against Chelsea and Arsenal (2008-2009) and his vital winner against Liverpool last season.

Park's best attribute that makes him top this chart is his effort and dedication towards Manchester United. Whenever you watch Park play you can see that he never stops running, always tracking back to help the defense or going forward to provide the strike duo of Hernandez and Rooney with wing options, he is always running.

In some matches, Park is on the bench, but he never complains...always waiting for the chance to play and appreciating every minute of it. With being a consistent member of the Manchester United first team squad, Park has been one of the best Asian footballers in this decade and from the way of it, it does not look like he is moving down this chart anytime soon.