Goal.com's Asian Best XI for April: Al Habsi, Kagawa & Al Qahtani make the list

Goal.com casts a studious eye over the best performers from the world's biggest continent this month

MORE ON : Al Ain, Al Sadd, Al-Rayyan, Al-Shabab, Borussia Dortmund, Brisbane Roar, Hamburg, Sepahan, VfB Stuttgart, Wigan Athletic, Ali Al Habsi, Yasser Al-Qahtani, Heung-Min Son, Shinji Kagawa

Goal.com has revamped the Asian Player and Team of the Month feature, giving you, the readers, an opportunity to express your opinion. Thanks to our worldwide team, we were able to put together a squad of the best Asian footballers throughout April in a 4-4-2 formation.

However, to assert who is the best Asian player for the month, we are calling on you, our loyal readers, to join in the poll and vote.
Asian Best XI for April

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper - Ali Al Habsi

Wigan
The 31-year-old Omani goalkeeper enjoyed one of his best months as Wigan moved from relegation battlers to giant-killing entertainers. Al Habsi delivered several fine performances including a clean sheet against Manchester United as the Latics produced some huge wins. In addition, his remarkable saves made him a star of the match as Wigan beat Arsenal.

Right-back - Hamid Ismail

Al Rayyan
The 24-year-old Qatari full-back produced a good month of football on the right side of defence for Al Rayyan. Typically, Ismail provided excellent support for his attackers, along with a solid defensive base, and he helped Al Rayyan to several victories including glory in the Qatar Crown Prince Cup where they triumphed in the final over Al Sadd on penalties.

Centre-half - Matt Smith

Brisbane Roar
The England-born central defender had a fine month for the Roar, who he captained to glory by lifting the A-League championship after a gripping 2-1 grand final victory over Perth Glory. Smith's leadership and calmness in defence were key components of the side's success as they overcame Central Coast 5-2 on their way to the showpiece.

Centre-half - Jalal Hosseini

Sepahan
Hosseini proved a rock at the back for Iranian champions-elect Sepahan during April, when they also closed in on qualifying for the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League. Hosseini played alongside Mohsen Bengar in the centre of Sepahan's defence and has had a great season so far. The big defender is skillful, but also poses an attacking threat which has proved vital this term.

Left-back - Gotoku Sakai

Stuttgart
The 21-year-old Japanese continues to impress in the Bundesliga after breaking into the Stuttgart side in February. Sakai's good performances in defence for the Swabians prompted some German media to suggest Joachim Low calling him up to the national team, given his German-Japanese heritage. This is yet another a sign of his growing reputation in one of the world's best leagues.

Right midfield - Khalfan Ibrahim

Al Sadd
The former Asian Player of the Year played a huge part in Al Sadd's run to the final of the Qatar Crown Prince Cup, where they eventually lost on penalties. In Al Sadd's path to the decider, the 24-year-old provided three assists and scored a goal in the final. The Qatari midfielder, who is consistently one of the Qatar Stars League's best players, also netted a nice double in a 3-1 league win early in the month.

Centre midfield - Helal Saeed

Al Ain
While the likes of Asamoah Gyan and Yasser Al Qahtani were praised for their contribution to Al Ain's Pro-League title glory, the experienced Saeed was one of the unsung heroes. The 34-year-old defensive midfielder, who won the title with Al Jazira last term, was vital for Al Ain. His skill on the ball played a prominent role in the club's fine fun of form as he linked defence and attack with aplomb.

Left midfield - Shinji Kagawa

Borussia Dortmund
The 23-year-old capped off another eventful month with his 13th goal of the season against Borussia Monchengladbach, a strike that helped Dortmund to their second consecutive Bundesliga title. While BVB fans may be sad to see him leave for the Premier League, Kagawa's performance in the campaign's second half has shown why he can truly be considered a world-class player.

Striker - Son Heung-Min

Hamburg SV
Son may still be a teenager, but he shouldered with a big burden in April as he was given a key role in Hamburg's bid to avoid the drop. And the young South Korean proved his potential as a rising star in the Bundesliga, handling the pressure with two crucial goals for HSV as they confirmed a spot in next season's top flight. Newcastle has reportedly shown an interest in him, but HSV are unlikely to sell one of their most coveted assets.

Striker - Nasser Al Shamrani

Al Shabab
The Mecca-born forward was crucial for Al Shabab as they withstood a challenge from Al Ahli to clinch the Saudi league title. Al Shamrani finished the term as joint topscorer alongside Al Ahli's Victor Simoes, but it was his vital goal in the decisive 1-1 draw with the runners-up in the final round of the season which sees him enter our XI for April.

Striker - Yasser Al Qahtani

Al AinThe Saudi Arabian forward, who announced his international retirement in April, has had a big contribution to Al Ain's success as they secured the UAE Pro-League title. Al Qahtani netted a double in the decisive 2-0 victory over reigning champions Al Jazira, and deservedly gets a place in our XI.

Manager - Ange Postecoglou

Brisbane Roar
The 46-year-old Brisbane boss guided his side to their second successive title as they clinched a drama-filled 2-1 grand final victory over Perth Glory. Postecoglou's faith in the Roar's style of play stood out until the end as they once again scored two late goals to lift the A-League championship. He also finished his month with a big move to the competition's best supported club, Melbourne Victory.

SUBSTITUTES

Goalkeeper	Defender	Defensive Midfielder	Midfielder
Deng Xiaofei (Jiangsu Sainty)	Sharif Adnan (Al Faisaly)	Jacob Burns (Perth Glory)	Asri Akbar (Persiba Balikpapan)