Shinji Kagawa will go down as one of the best Asian players - if not *the* best Asian player - of his generation.

Although the Japan international’s spell at Manchester United didn’t work out - you get the feeling Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were never truly convinced of his ability to cut it in the Premier League - his two stints with Borussia Dortmund have been excellent.

Kagawa flourished under Jurgen Klopp following his move to Signal Iduna Park from Cerezo Osaka in 2010, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, before he was snapped up by the Red Devils.

The attacking midfielder showed glimpses of his class at Old Trafford but little more.

A hat-trick against Norwich City in March 2013 - he became the first Asian player to score a Premier League hat-trick, in the process - was the zenith of his spell in England.

Kagawa is back to his best with BVB

Klopp, who couldn’t understand why United were misusing Kagawa, rescued the Japanese midfielder in August 2014 - and he would spend the next season attempting to rediscover his form and confidence.

His first campaign back at BVB was a little underwhelming, but he was back to his best following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel last season.

In 46 appearances in all competitions, Kagawa netted 13 goals, registered seven assists and earned himself a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

Some players just work well at certain clubs and Kagawa and Dortmund suit each other down to the ground.

Kagawa produced a moment of magic v Hertha

The 27-year-old was in action again on Saturday, against Hertha Berlin at the Olympiastadion, and provided the asset for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half goal.

He also produced one moment of brilliance during the opening 45 minutes.

Dortmund launched a swift counter-attack through Gonzalo Castro, whose pass was brilliantly controlled by Kagawa.

The playmaker then found himself surrounded by three Hertha players and somehow managed to escape the 3 v 1 with a magnificent piece of skill.

And if that wasn’t enough, he then played a gorgeous pass with the outside of his boot into the path of Eric Durm.

Video: Kagawa brilliantly escapes 3 v 1

Watch it here…

Pure magic.

Dortmund lost the match 2-1

Unfortunately for Kagawa and his teammates, though, Hertha won the match 2-1.

Dortmund now find themselves 16 points behind league-leaders Bayern Munich and seven behind second-placed RB Leipzig.