Eiji Kawashima

CURRENT CLUB: Standard Liege (Belgium)

JAPANESE NATIONAL TEAM

He was selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup as back-up but eventually won the start job before the start of the tournament after a stellar display against England in the lead-up.

Kawashima was the starter during Japan's run to the 2011 Asian Cup title.

CLUB CAREER

Started his career with Japanese sides Omiya Ardija (2001), Nagoya Grampus (2004) and Kawasaki Frontale (2007). His participation in the 2010 Word Cup earned him a transfer to Belgian side SK Lierse, where he eventually became captain.

In July 2012 came the move to Standard Liege, where he still plays today.

But his time in Belgium was marked by an incident that took place in 2011, while still with Lierse. Germinal Beerschot fans directed racist chants at him, resulting in a brief suspension of the match.