Of all the superstars to have graced the Premier League, you may be surprised to learn that one British Asian Muslim player has reached the dizzy heights of competing at the highest level, having played at England’s finest stadiums, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield. His name? Zeeshan Rehman. Rehman, or Zesh as he is known featured for most of the 2004/5 season, with some acclaimed outings at the heart of the Fulham defence.

Strong in the air, and able to play with either foot, the shaven headed Rehman was hailed by Fulham boss Chris Coleman as the ideal professional. The Birmingham born youngster shuns the bling culture, and the party lifestyle associated with the modern player, and recently bought a house close to his supportive parents dad Khalid and mum Farah, just outside central London.

Rehman’s early skills were honed in the streets of the tough predominately Asian suburb of Alum Rock in inner city Birmingham. He confesses to being an Aston Villa fan, but having been spotted by Fulham as a ten year old, Rehman’s parents decided to settle in the south, and witnessed their son’s football career blossom. Meeting Rehman in the summer, he appeared relaxed, but he expressed concern at his lack of first team football at Fulham, having just returned from a loan spell at Norwich City.

Sipping apple juice with his agent Otis on the Fulham Palace road, Rehman explained how desperate he was for first team football. Although Cottagers’ boss Coleman wanted him to stay, Rehman was not guaranteed a first team place at Fulham, and so the opportunity to join Championship side Queens Park Rangers was one he welcomed.

Confidently coming to terms with life outside the Premiership now, and after an indifferent start, the twentythree year old is determined he will return to the top level with Rangers.

Rehman’s emergence as a talented British Muslim player has complemented that of his friend Adnan Ahmed who plays for Huddersfield Town. The two have been in contact since Rehman took the decision to represent Pakistan at international level, a decision that Ahmed will follow. It was older brother Majid who realised his younger brothers’ footballing talents during kick-abouts in their local park, and pushed the younger Ahmed to pursue football as a career. The hard work and efforts of both Rehman and Ahmed are proof that faith and football can form a formidable formation.