Asia Debate: Who Is The Europe-Based Asian Player Of The Year?

Goal.com looks at ten stars who have shone this year...

Nov 26, 2009 3:22:19 AM

Players

The AFC named Yasuhito Endo is the 2009 Player of the Year earlier this week.

As Goal.com argued yesterday, there are a number of problems with the award.

Not least is that it discriminates against Asian stars plying their trade in Europe.

As always the players in contention for the award come from the Continent's domestic leagues, but what about the Asian (and Australian) stars strutting their stuff in Europe.

Takayuki Morimoto (Catania & Japan)

Japan’s struggles up front have been well documented in recent years, but they may have finally found a genuine goalscorer. Takayuki Morimoto is quick, direct and provides a cutting edge that the Blue Samurai have been calling out for.

Described by Alexandre Pato as the most impressive young player in the Italian League last season, the Catania forward has started this campaign well, scoring three goals already. If he can stay fit, he has every chance of finishing amongst the top scorers in Serie A as well as leading the line for his country in South Africa.

Morimoto On The Mark Again

Park Ji-sung (Manchester Utd and South Korea)

Another successful year for Park Ji-sung. An inspirational skipper for his country during their successful World Cup qualifying campaign, he also played an important role for Manchester United as they won their third consecutive Premiership trophy.

He went on to become the first ever Asian player to　start a Champions League Final. The match ended disappointingly, but there will be further opportunities for Park to add to his medal collection for the Red Devils.

The man known as 'Three Lungs' is highly thought of at Old Trafford and recently signed a contract extension that will keep him there until 2012.

Park Shone For Club And Country

Tim Cahill (Everton & Australia)

If Australia are to have a successful World Cup it is essential that Tim Cahill stays fit. He once again underlined his value to the national team in October, popping up to score the winner against Oman in a game his side barely deserved to win.

Yet Cahill coming to the rescue is a sight that fans of the Socceroos and Everton have come accustomed to. Whether coming from deep in midfield or starting as a lone front man, he is always a goal threat. He was on fine form for the Toffees as they reached the FA Cup Final in May and will be hoping to go one better next year and pick up a winner's medal.

Relieved Team-Mates Hug Cahill Once Again

Javad Nekounam (Osasuna & Iran)

A key player for Osasuna as they managed to avoid the drop. Despite being employed as a defensive midfielder, Javad Nekounam ended the 2008/09 season as their second top scorer with eight.

His most crucial goal came in injury time to give Osasuna a 1-0 victory in a six-pointer against Espanyol.

The Basque side did well to keep hold of him during the summer. He reportedly turned down offers from Villarreal and Espanyol as he has high hopes for the club. Another season near the bottom though might change his mind.

Nekounam Celebrates A Goal In Spain

Masoud Shojaei (Osasuna & Iran)

Alongside Nekounam in the Osasuna side is Masoud Shojaei. The 25 year-old has made big strides in 2009 after initially struggling to cope with the demands of La Liga. His finest moment came at the Vicente Calderon where he was applauded off the pitch by both the home and away supporters.

He scored one, made one and was involved in the other two as Osasauna defeated Athletico Madrid 4-2 to move out of the bottom three.

He will be hoping to further cement his place in the starting eleven over the coming months.

Solid Season For Shojaei

Keisuke Honda (VVV Venlo & Japan)

A star name not only his homeland but also in Holland after some sensational performances for VVV Venlo, Keisuke Honda has reportedly been on the radar of some of Europe's biggest clubs.

He was the standout player in the Dutch second tier in 2008/09, scoring 16 goals from midfield as Venlo earned promotion. He has had no trouble making the step up to the Eredivisie, scoring five in the first nine games. His goals are rarely tap ins either, with most of his strikes coming from outside the area. He can play anywhere a long the midfield or as full-back, it surely won't be long before he is on way to a more ambitious club.

Honda Is Venlo's Star

Youssef Mohamad (Cologne & Lebanon)

When Roda Antar left FC Cologne in February many expected his international teammate Youssef Mohamad to follow suit. He decided to stay though and has continued to flourish in one of Europe's more difficult Leagues.

A solid centre-back, he helped his club reach a respectable 13th position in their first season back in the top flight and will have a big role to play over the coming months if Cologne are to avoid the drop. Hertha Berlin are believed to have shown an interest in the 29 year-old.

A Rock At The Back

Mark Schwarzer (Fulham & Australia)

Edwin Van Der Sar was named as the number one goalkeeper in the Premiership team of 2008/09, but many felt that Mark Schwarzer deserved the award.

He was outstanding for Fulham as they surprisingly qualified for Europe. Along with Brede Hangeland he was Roy Hodgson's most significant signing. The side finished ten places higher than the previous campaign. Only Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool conceded fewer than them.

He also has a massive presence when playing for his country. He let in just one goal as Australia breezed through the second phase of the World Cup Qualification campaign.

Another Impressive Year

Park Chu-young (Monaco & South Korea)

After some terrific performances at youth level, Park Chu-young was considered the next big thing in Korea. Now a 24 year-old plying his trade in Monaco, he seems to be realizing some of that potential.

He is inconsistent and even frustrating at times, but on his day can produce something special out of nothing as his recent winning goal against Marseille showed. He has also been on fine form for his country combining well with the new generation of stars; Ki Sung-yong and Lee Chu-yong. If recent performances are anything to go by, Korea have good reason to optimistic about next year's World Cup.

Park Scores Another

Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg & Japan)

It has been a fantastic year for Makoto Hasebe. He has established himself as a first team regular for both club and country, helping Japan qualify for the World Cup, whilst winning the Bundesliga title with Wolfsburg.

His game has really developed since he moved to Germany. He can operate as a full-back, right midfielder or in the holding role. At a club with a relatively small squad, this versatility has proved vital.

His role for the Blue Samurai is to protect that back four, giving the likes of Yasuhito Endo and Shunsuke Nakamura license to roam.

Hasebe In Action For The German Champs

What do you think of the list? Are there any players on there that shouldn't be there? Who's missing? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Matthew Hernon

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