The hard player: Hidetoshi Nakata
Born on 22 January 1977 in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, Hidetoshi Nakata is a midfielder who carved open European football for Asian players. He started his career at Bellmare Hiratsuka, making 121 appearances and scoring 21 goals, before heading to Italy and Serie A.
In Italy, he moved through AC Perugia (55 matches, 14 goals), AS Roma (40 matches, 6 goals) and Parma AC, where he clocked up 94 matches for 9 goals. His European journey then took him to Bolton Wanderers in England for 32 matches and 1 goal. He also represented Japan at under-17 level 6 times, scoring 2 goals. A trailblazer who paved the way before anyone else.
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PlayThe medium player: Hatem Ben Arfa
Born on 7 March 1987 in Clamart, Hatem Ben Arfa is a French attacking midfielder and versatile forward. Developed at Olympique Lyonnais, he made 92 appearances and scored 12 goals there before joining Olympique de Marseille: 91 matches, 15 goals at the OM. A notable stint in the Premier League at Newcastle United followed, with 82 matches and 13 goals.
It was at OGC Nice that he produced his most prolific numbers: 18 goals in 37 matches, before moving on to Stade Rennais FC for 41 matches and 9 goals. Capped 15 times by France, he scored 2 goals for les Bleus. Raw talent that drifted through French and English clubs without ever truly settling.
The easy player: Andrea Pirlo
Born on 19 May 1979 in Flero, Italy, Andrea Pirlo is a defensive midfielder whose natural class shaped an entire generation. It was at AC Milan that he built the core of his career: 401 appearances and 41 goals in rossonero colours, establishing himself as a key figure in between-the-lines play.
After Milan, it was off to Turin: Juventus FC welcomed him for 164 appearances and 19 more goals. He then headed to New York City FC for 62 matches and 1 goal, before rounding things off at Brescia Calcio with 49 matches and 6 goals. A journey that crossed several leagues without ever losing its elegance.