|
|
Goal.com's Asian Best XI of 2011: Park Ji-Sung, Yuto Nagatomo & more make the grade
Jan 1, 2012 9:00:00 AM
The Goal.com team pick their choice of 11 players from across the continent who have been the most impressive exponents of the game over the past 12 months
Asian Best XI for 2011Formation: 4-4-2
 |
Goalkeeper - Ali Al-Habsi Wigan Athletic and Oman Wigan miraculously escaped relegation last season and if there was someone to thank for that, it has to be Ali Al-Habsi. The Omani goalkeeper was in fantastic form while on loan from Bolton, leading to him being voted as the Latics' Player of the Year for 2011. The Omani international officially joined Wigan last summer and has continued to dominate between the sticks. His influential outings for Roberto Martinez' men has indeed propelled him to greater heights in terms of stature and recognition. |
 |
Right-back - Makoto Hasebe VfL Wolfsburg and Japan Captain of the victorious Japanese side at the AFC Asian Cup 2011, Hasebe helped his nation to a record fourth title in Doha, Qatar. The versatile full-back also marked a personal milestone in his club career, when he recorded his 100th Bundesliga appearance with Wolfsburg against Mainz in early December. |
 |
Centre-back - Lee Jung-Soo Al Sadd and South Korea As far as 2011 was concerned, Lee Jung-Soo was an inevitable picture of resilience and perseverance at the heart of Al Sadd's defence. He was hugely influential in their AFC Champions League triumph, while also being equally impressive for the South Korean national team. Lee also played his part in Al Sadd's dream run in the Fifa Club World Championships, where his team finished third. |
 |
Centre-back - Li Weifeng Tianjin Teda and China After leaving K-League side Suwon Samsung to join Tianjin Teda last January, Li Weifeng has been a revelation for the Chinese side. The veteran defender transformed into one of the most important players in the Tianjin dressing room, helping them lift the Chinese FA Cup in the process. Weifeng also reclaimed his spot in the national team after the arrival of Jose Antonio Camacho and has been a regular fixture since. |
 |
Left-back - Yuto Nagatomo Inter and Japan Already rated as one of the most versatile defenders in Asia, Nagatomo was absolutely brilliant for Italian side Inter this year. Defensively solid and equally impressive on the attack as well, Yuto also played an integral role in Japan's Asian Cup triumph in January, an event that convinced Inter Milan to snap him up on loan. |
 |
Right midfield - Park Ji-Sung Manchester United and South Korea Park Ji-Sung was a key figure in Manchester United's record-breaking 19th English league title last season, while also featuring for the Red Devils in their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. Park was in commanding mood during South Korea's run to third placing in the Asian Cup, before announcing his retirement from international football. |
 |
Centre midfield - Mojtaba Jabbari Esteghlal and Iran 2011 was by far the best year in Mojtaba Jabbari's career so far, as he was crucial in Esteghlal's second-place finish in the Iranian Premier Football League. Often hailed as the Iranian Zidane, Jabbarani will also be remembered and hailed for his goal in the Tehran derby match against Persepolis last September, in which he was voted the man of the match. |
 |
Centre midfield - Server Djeparov FC Seoul/Al Shabab and Uzbekistan The goalscoring midfielder has been in glittering form for both club and country this year, carrying a vital role in Uzbekistan’s impressive Asian cup campaign that saw them march all the way into the semi finals. He also helped FC Seoul win the double in the K-League before joining Al Shabab last July. To cap a brilliant year, Djeparov was also voted as the Asian Player of the Year for 2011. |
 |
Left midfield - Matt McKay Brisbane Roar/Rangers and Australia The hard-working midfielder had an exceptional 2011 where he emerged as a Socceroos regular, whilst captaining Brisbane to the A-League double before earning a dream move to Scottish champions Rangers. Australia boss Holger Osieck plucked McKay out of the A-League and threw his faith in him and was aptly rewarded during the Asian Cup, in which the flexible midfielder showed his quality. |
 |
Striker - Lee Dong-Gook Jeonbuk Motors and South Korea Lee Dong-Gook responded to his critics with an explosive 2011 as he impressed on all fronts for Jeonbuk Motors. Absolutely dominant in Jeonbuk's K-League title win, Lee also broke records in the process with 16 goals and 15 assists. The ex-Middlesbrough striker also played a key role in Jeonbuk's run to the ACL final but his impact was hampered by an untimely injury as his side lost on penalties. Lee's performances also won him a recall to the South Korean national team. |
 |
Striker - Joshua Kennedy Nagoya Grampus and Australia Joshua Kennedy continued to prove his credibility with Nagoya Grampus in the J-League this season, scoring 19 goals to finish the season as top scorer for the second consecutive time. The former Wolfsburg man was also equally irrepressible for the Socceroos, scoring a total of eight goals this year to cap an impressive 2011. |
SUBS
| Goalkeeper | Defender |
Midfielder |
Midfielder |
 Mark Schwarzer (AUS) |
 Hadi Aghily (IRN) |
 Ahmad Bustomi (IDN) |
 Shinji Kagawa (JPN) |
| Striker |
Striker | Striker |
 Safee Sali (MAS) |
 Park Chu-Young (KOR) |
 Mike Havenaar (JPN) |
The Goal.com team have had their say, and now we'd like to hear from you! Do you agree with our picks? Would you rather swap a player from the bench? Let us know in our comments!
The Asian Best XI of players under 23 will be published tomorrow, and will be followed by a series of polls. You will then get a chance to pick your Best XI!
The Asian Best XI of players under 23 will be published tomorrow, and will be followed by a series of polls. You will then get a chance to pick your Best XI!
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
-
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
-
Cartoon: Injured Gotze ready to 'do a Terry'
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
