There are a host of Japanese footballers currently plying their trade abroad. This has been the case for several decades but the success of players like Hidetoshi Nakata and Shinji Kagawa has boosted people’s awareness of Japanese talent.
Last summer at the World Cup in Russia, Japan played some of the most distinctive and attractive football of any side at the tournament. This endeared them to a lot of football purists and rightly so. The intricate, short passing game and decisive attacking play of Takashi Inui was a joy to behold and has seen the spotlight fall on several stars from the country.
Yet, the English Premier League is one that has very few Japanese stars making a name for themselves. This season, following the departure of Leicester City’s title-winning forward Shinji Okazaki to Malaga, there are only two players from Japan playing in the Premier League for the 2019-20 season, yet both could play a big part at their respective clubs.
Last season, Yoshinori Muto arrived in the North East to play for Newcastle after agreeing a £9.5m move from German club Mainz. He was on the periphery during his first season in England, much of which had to do with the form of Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon. The pair finished first and second in the club scoring charts respectively but both have left St James’ Park this summer.
This will give Muto a real opportunity to show new boss Steve Bruce exactly what he can offer the Magpies. He has a clean slate and his work ethic will appeal to Bruce who has always laid importance on hard work.
After another frustrating summer, Newcastle are considered one of the favourites to go down in the Premier League betting odds of 9/5 highlighting the concerns people have for the Magpies. Muto, despite starting on the bench in the opening day defeat to Arsenal, will likely have a bigger role to play this season although he will have to get past the club’s record-signing in Joelinton. The Brazilian joined late in the summer from Hoffenheim and he will be an important figure at the club this season.
At the other end of the country, another Japanese star will need to use all of his experience to help his side avoid the drop. Maya Yoshida is one of his nation’s most experienced players and the Southampton defender will already be aware of the difficult season that lays in store for the Saints.
They lost 3-0 at Burnley on the opening day and his presence at the back will be key in making sure Southampton have a season where they stay clear of relegation. Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl left him on the bench in the loss at Turf Moor but given the poor defending on display, the German coach may have to reconsider his options as the campaign progresses.
Neither player is an integral player in their respective teams but both can play important roles in helping their team avoid relegation.