Top 10 best Asian players in Premier League history: surprisingly number 1

The Premier League has had the presence of many excellent Asian players who have made significant contributions to the success of English teams. Let's take a look at the top 10 best Asian players to ever play in the English Premier League.

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10. JUNICHI INAMOTO

Inamoto is one of Japan's most talented players and has had a successful career in the Premier League. He played for 3 clubs in England: Arsenal, Fulham and West Brom. This midfielder is highly appreciated for his technical ability, vision as well as creativity.

Inamoto did not have many opportunities to play at Arsenal but was a key player in Fulham's midfield, helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League and was named Best Player of the 2002/03 season.

9. LEE CHUNG-YONG

Lee Chung-yong is one of the most durable Korean players in the Premier League. This winger made 105 appearances in England's top league from 2009 to 2018 for two clubs, Bolton and Crystal Palace.

Lee Chung-yong helped Palace win the runner-up position in the FA Cup in the 2015/16 season. He also had 8 goals in the Premier League.

8. ALI AL-HABSI

Al-Habsi is one of the most successful goalkeepers to ever play in the Premier League. The Omani goalkeeper spent 7 seasons in England for clubs such as Bolton, Wigan and Reading. His incredible reflexes, footwork and leadership qualities made him popular at every club he played for.

Al-Habsi helped Wigan reach the FA Cup final in 2013 and won the club's Player of the Year award in the 2011/12 season.

7. SUN JIHAI

Sun Jihai is considered by many to be the best Chinese player to ever play in the Premier League. This defender joined Man City in 2002 and spent 6 seasons here. Sun Jihai can play as a full-back or center-back depending on requirements. He is known for his strong physique, tenacity, excellent positional ability, impressive reading of the game and anticipation of his opponents' movements.

Sun Jihai is also the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League.

6. KI SUNG-YUENG

Ki Sung-yueng used to play for several clubs in the Premier League, including Swansea, Sunderland and Newcastle. He is known for his ability to pass the ball and control the pace of the match.

The Korean midfielder is loved at every club he plays for. He is the one who paved the way for Korean players to join and make their mark in England's top tournament.

5. SHINJI KAGAWA

Kagawa was signed by MU in the summer of 2012 after outstanding performance at Dortmund. However, Kagawa's time at Old Trafford was not too impressive.

Even so, Kagawa is still loved by fans thanks to his technique and creative sophistication. He played a key role in Man United's successful 2012/13 season, which saw them win their 20th Premier League title.

4. SHINJI OKAZAKI

Japanese striker joined Leicester in 2015 from Mainz. Okazaki's tenacity and intelligent movement without the ball made him an indispensable part of the Foxes' surprise Premier League title-winning squad in 2016.

Although quite small, Okazaki's aerial ability and willingness to devote himself to the team help him become one of the most popular players at Leicester. He has a total of 114 appearances for the Foxes and is the best Asian player in the club's history.

3. MAYA YOSHIDA

Yoshida spent eight seasons in the Premier League with Southampton. He joined the club in the summer of 2012 from VVV Venlo and quickly took up the starting position in defense. Yoshida is known for his ability to choose positions and make smart interceptions and is also very versatile as he can play both center-back and full-back well.

In addition, Yoshida is also a leader on the field and in the locker room. He is respected by his teammates for his work ethic and professionalism. Yoshida left Southampton in the summer of 2020 to join Sampdoria.

2.  SON HEUNG-MIN

Son Heung-min is considered one of the best Asian players to ever play in the Premier League. Since joining Tottenham in 2015 from Leverkusen, the Korean striker has established himself as a key player of the team. Son's speed, skill and finishing ability make him one of the most dangerous attacking players in the tournament.

He won the Best Goal of the Season award twice, won the top scorer title once, was the first Asian player to reach the 100-goal mark and was also the first Asian to wear the captain's armband in the Premier League.

1. PARK JI-SUNG

The Korean midfielder was signed by MU in 2005 from PSV Eindhoven. During his seven seasons at Old Trafford, Park became an indispensable part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad, contributing to the team's success both domestically and in Europe. Park can play in many different positions, including central midfielder, winger and even striker.

The Korean star has won 4 Premier League titles, 3 League Cups and 1 Champions League with MU. He is still the best Asian player in Premier League history and one of the most popular players at Old Trafford.