The J.League will make its long-awaited return on July 4 having shut down due to the pandemic in late February, meaning Marinos had only played one game in defence of the title they won so impressively last year under the Australian coach.

Marinos lost their J.League opener to Gamba Osaka having also tasted defeat against Vissel Kobe in a penalty shootout in the Super Cup in the season’s curtain raiser, but the 54-year-old is delighted to be making a return to competitive action having seen leagues resume elsewhere.

The league announced revised schedules for all three divisions, with clubs playing against opponents from the same region throughout July to limit travel while the risk of coronavirus infection remains high.

All matches will initially take place behind closed doors, with the league planning to gradually readmit spectators to stadiums from July 10.

The draw, to be conducted at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will separate the 16 qualified nations into four groups ahead of October’s final tournament, and Uzbekistan will be a team many will hope to avoid, should they live up to head coach Timur Kapadze’s expectations.

La Liga, the top division of Spanish football, holds a place in the consciousness of fans throughout the globe, and it is also a nation which has played host to some standout players from the world’s largest continent.

In increasing numbers, Asian players are flocking to Spain, with some of the continent’s brightest prospects now making it their first port of call in European football.

With La Liga resuming this week, we invite you to decide which Asian player has made the biggest impact in Spanish football.

Here are our nominees:

Last week we presented the candidates for the best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders. With candidates from Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia, here are the eight players in contention for the places in the backline.

Review the nominees and then choose your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2017 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

We kicked off the series with a look back at some fabulous free-kicks, before shining the spotlight on memorable long-range efforts. This week, we turn our attention to individual brilliance and review five incredible goals where players have taken matters into their own hands and emphatically produced the goods.

So, enjoy the trip down memory lane and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!