Ranking the 10 greatest Asian players in Premier League history

These footballers earned a lot of respect for their continent while playing in the English top flight

Premier League has been the pinnacle of football for several decades now and has featured some of the world's greatest players. While European and South American players have often been the ones who have captured the imagination of football fans around the world, players from Asia have also made a significant impact in the English top flight.

The Premier League has featured some of the best Asian players in the world, who have made significant contributions to their teams' success.

These players have not only showcased their technical ability and tactical intelligence but have also demonstrated their resilience and work ethic, which has earned them a place in the hearts of fans around the world. The continued success of Asian players in the Premier League is a testament to the growing popularity of football in the region and the increasing investment in developing young talent.

Here is a list of the top 10 Asian players to have featured in the Premier League:

10. Junichi Inamoto

Junichi Inamoto was one of the most talented Japanese footballers of his generation and enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League. He played for three clubs in the league - Arsenal, Fulham, and West Bromwich Albion - and was highly regarded for his technical ability, vision, and creativity on the pitch.

Inamoto joined Arsenal in 2001 and made his debut in a League Cup match against Manchester United. Despite being highly rated by Arsenal's coaching staff, he struggled to break into the first team due to competition for places. Inamoto played just four league matches for Arsenal before joining Fulham on loan in 2002.

At Fulham, Inamoto quickly established himself as a key player in the midfield, impressing fans and pundits with his technical ability and skill on the ball. He scored some memorable goals during his time at the club, including a stunning long-range strike against Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby. Inamoto's performances helped Fulham avoid relegation from the Premier League, and he was named the club's Player of the Season for the 2002-03 campaign.

9. Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu is a promising Japanese defender who joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2021. Although he is yet to make a significant impact in the Premier League, he has already shown glimpses of his potential.

Tomiyasu began his career in his native Japan with Avispa Fukuoka before moving to Belgium to play for Sint-Truiden. He then joined Bologna in 2019, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter in Serie A. Tomiyasu's performances in Italy caught the attention of Arsenal, who signed him for a reported fee of around £18 million.

Tomiyasu's versatility has been a major asset for Arsenal, as he can play as a centre-back, right-back, or defensive midfielder. He made his debut for the club in a 1-0 win against Norwich City, and he has since made several appearances in the Premier League. Still adapting to the pace and physicality of the league, Tomiyasu has already shown his defensive qualities, including his aerial ability and tackling prowess.

8. Ali Al-Habsi

Ali Al-Habsi is one of the most successful goalkeepers to have played in the Premier League. The Omani shot-stopper spent seven seasons in the league, playing for Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, and Reading. His incredible reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and leadership qualities made him a fan favourite at every club he played for.

Al-Habsi's Premier League career began in 2006 when he signed for Bolton Wanderers. Despite initially being the second-choice goalkeeper behind Jussi Jaaskelainen, Al-Habsi quickly established himself as a valuable member of the squad. He made several impressive saves and kept clean sheets in some crucial matches, helping Bolton secure a mid-table finish in the league.

In 2010, Al-Habsi joined Wigan Athletic on loan and helped the club avoid relegation from the Premier League in his first season. His performances earned him a permanent move to the club, and he went on to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. He was named Wigan's Player of the Year for the 2011-12 season, and his incredible saves and commanding presence in the box helped the club reach the FA Cup final in 2013.

7. Sun Jihai

Sun Jihai is widely regarded as the best Chinese player to have played in the Premier League. The Chinese defender spent six seasons at Manchester City, where he established himself as a reliable presence at the back. His physicality, tenacity, and defensive abilities made him a vital component of City's backline.

Sun's versatility was also an asset, and he could play as a full-back or centre-back depending on the team's requirements. He was also known for his excellent positional sense, making him a difficult opponent for even the best attackers in the league. Sun's ability to read the game and anticipate his opponents' movements was a key factor in his success in the Premier League.

Sun made his debut for Manchester City in 2002 and quickly became a fan favourite. He played a key role in City's promotion to the Premier League in 2002-03 and went on to establish himself as a regular in the team over the next few seasons. Sun's performances for City earned him the club's Player of the Year award in 2003-04. Jihai also made history in the Premier League by becoming the first Chinese player to score a goal in the competition.

6. Ki Sung-Yueng

Ki Sung-yueng is a South Korean footballer who has played for several clubs in the Premier League, including Swansea City, Sunderland, and Newcastle United. He joined Swansea in the summer of 2012 from Celtic and quickly established himself as a key player for the Welsh side.

Ki's range of passing and ability to control the tempo of the game made him a valuable asset for Swansea. He was a key figure in the midfield and was often tasked with dictating the pace of the game. Ki's performances for Swansea earned him the club's Player of the Year award in the 2013-14 season, highlighting his importance to the team.

Ki's time in the Premier League was characterized by his technical ability and range of passing, as well as his knack for scoring important goals. He was a valuable player for all of his clubs and contributed to their success during his time in England. Ki's legacy in the league will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike, and he has undoubtedly paved the way for future South Korean players to make their mark on the English game.

5. Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa was signed by Manchester United in the summer of 2012 from German giants Borussia Dortmund. At the time, Kagawa was seen as a major coup for United, having impressed in the Bundesliga with his technical ability and creativity on the ball.

However, Kagawa's time at Old Trafford was not without its challenges. The Japanese international struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, and he found it difficult to cement a regular place in the starting lineup. Despite this, Kagawa remained a popular figure among fans, who admired his technical skills and creative flair.

Kagawa's breakthrough moment came in September 2012 when he scored a hat-trick in United's 4-0 win over Norwich City at Old Trafford. The performance showcased his talent and potential, and he went on to make 26 appearances in his debut season, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Kagawa also played a key role in United's successful 2012-13 campaign, where they won their 20th league title, contributing six goals and four assists.

4. Shinji Okazaki

The Japanese striker joined Leicester City in 2015 from Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga. Okazaki's high work rate and intelligent movement off the ball made him an integral part of Leicester's surprise Premier League title-winning squad in 2016.

Despite being a relatively small player, Okazaki's aerial ability and willingness to put his body on the line for the team made him one of the fan favorites at the King Power Stadium. Okazaki made a total of 114 outings donning Leicester's blue and will go down as one of the best Asian players in the club's history.

3. Maya Yoshida

Maya Yoshida spent eight seasons in the Premier League with Southampton. He joined the club in the summer of 2012 from Dutch side VVV Venlo and quickly established himself as a regular in the Saints' defence.

Yoshida was known for his no-nonsense defending and physicality, which made him a reliable presence at the heart of the Southampton backline. He was also versatile, able to play as both a center-back and a full-back, which made him a valuable asset for the team.

In addition to his defensive qualities, Yoshida was also a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room. He captained the team on several occasions and was respected by his teammates for his work ethic and professionalism. Yoshida's leadership qualities were particularly important during the 2017-18 season when the team faced a relegation battle.

Yoshida left Southampton in the summer of 2020 to join Italian side Sampdoria, bringing an end to his successful stint in the Premier League.

2. Son Heung-Min

Son Heung-Min is an active Tottenham Hotspur player who is widely regarded as one of the best Asian players to have played in the Premier League. Since joining Tottenham in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen, the South Korean forward has established himself as a key player for the North London side.

Son's speed, skill, and clinical finishing have made him one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league. He has also won the Premier League Goal of the Season award on two occasions and has helped Tottenham reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.

Son has been a vital cog at Spurs for a while now making 260 appearances for the club, finding the back of the net at 100 Premier League appearances while making 50 assists.

1. Ji-Sung Park

The South Korean midfielder was signed by Manchester United in 2005 from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. During his seven seasons at Old Trafford, Park became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad, contributing to the team's success both domestically and in Europe.

Park's versatility was his greatest asset, and he could play in a variety of positions, including central midfield, out wide, and even as a striker on occasion. Park's tireless work rate and tactical intelligence made him a favourite of Ferguson, and he won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League during his time in Manchester.

Ji-Sung Park will go down as perhaps the best Asian player in the history of the Premier League and is one of the biggest fans' favourites at Old Trafford.