Premier League's Afro-Asian XI for 2014/15

Until a few seasons ago, African and Asian players that managed to break into European football were minimal as the national sides from the continent struggled at the international level. Today, players from Africa and Asia have become a mainstay in European football. The fact that all Premier League clubs, except Manchester United and Burnley, currently have an Asian or African player in their first team squad, shows how much of an impact the continent’s footballers have had in recent years.The commencement of the African Cup of Nations and AFC Asian Cup have seen a host of players leave for international duty and their absence has negatively affected some teams. The likes of Manchester City, who are missing their instrumental player Yaya Toure, highlight how important these players are for their sides.Here is an EPL Afro-Asian XI constituting of the best African and Asian players who are currently playing in the EPL this season. The criteria of selection includes age, talent as well as form. A few really good players had to be excluded keeping in mind the balance of the side.

#1 Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer (Australia)

Schwarzer has been a familiar name in the Premier League for almost 18 years now, after making his first Premier League appearance way back in the 1996/97 season for Middlesbrough. He has made a total of 508 Premier League appearances and has kept 152 clean sheets in the time.

After successful stints with Middlesbrough and Fulham, he moved to Chelsea last season as a backup to Petr Cech, but still delivered when he was called upon by keeping eight clean sheets in 12 appearances in all competitions.

At 42, he is in the last stages of his career. But the fact that Leicester City decided to sign him on an 18-month deal early this month proves that he still might have a lot to offer.