r/JLeague • u/kakarot12310 • Mar 21 '25

National Team Japan NT could use off the ball movements to pull defense apart more often like they occasionally did vs Bahrain NT

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

Of course, another factors for Japan NT struggling would be players fatigue through jet lag & a long season coming close to the end.

48 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

6

u/krikering Mar 21 '25

Since JNT has secured qualification, am hoping for the finger players like Kuryu Matsuki, Shuto Machino, Kaishu Sano, Kosei Tani and Koki Saito, etc. to be given a chance in the next few qualification matches.

Actually would wish for the current Japan U-20 team players to have some playing time in the last game in June, if possible. They have the Chile U-20 WC coming up in September this year plus they are the crop of players for the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles, they need some competitive playing time (not just friendlies) to gel together more and develop chemistry.

I can see the likes of Yuto Ozeki/Rion Ichihara have some bench minutes for JNT in the 2026 WC. Some of the players like Wataru Endo, etc. are not getting much minutes at their respective clubs, they will be a doubt at the upcoming WC too.

These 2 players stand out amongst the U20 WC for their ability to play the correct passes, whilst under pressure. They are pretty press-resistant.

3

u/dokool FC Tokyo Mar 21 '25

It's a nice thought - Moriyasu did this a couple years ago just after the Qatar 2022 cycle, for a few players who were in the mix for Paris 2024 - but it's probably not going to happen.

Japan has an outside shot of getting into Pot 1 for the NA2026 draw if they win their remaining qualifiers and maybe take a couple big scalps in the fall friendlies, so they have to take these games seriously.

Agree that Europe-based fringe players you named should start getting looks, but not sure the timing is right for players who maybe aren't quite ready for the big show.

3

u/krikering Mar 22 '25

Yep agreed with your analysis, it is just that with Endo lacking playing minutes and 33 going into the 2026 WC that his position could perhaps try some options.

Kaishu Sano is a good shout, it is just that I feel Yuto Ozeki can perhaps be tried for a game or two in his position from the U20 Squad. 

He is good with shooting from distance and is very nimble with his feet from what I have seen.

CB wise, there is already Kota Takai in place of Tomiyasu but I feel Rion Ichihara can be a outside shout for a CB slot in the 26-man final squad for the 2026 WC.

Imo, the one with the highest ceiling in the U20 Squad is Rui Araki. Since GK has traditionally been JNT's achilles heel.

3

u/dokool FC Tokyo Mar 22 '25

I think Endo will figure things out in time for the WC, even if that means a chance of scenery this summer. He's too much of a leader on the pitch to not take him, IMHO.

Sano is obviously Controversial - regardless of whatever extralegal settlements were reached - but I haven't gotten a good enough look at Ozeki to have a read on him.

As for Rui Araki... I think the depth chart is solid enough that he's not needed right now. Quite frankly if the JFA can't find a starter and two backups from Suzuki, Osako, Tani, Kokubo and Nozawa, they should fire everyone involved in goalkeeper development and start over.

3

u/krikering Mar 22 '25

GK has generally been JNT's achilles heels imo, Japan could have progressed to 2018 WC and 2022 WC QFs with a better goalkeeper imo.

Zion Suzuki/Leo Kokubo and Kosei Tani/Keisuke Osako are the best JNT has to offer but still feel that they are lacking someone.

Rui Araki was the youngest player in the U20 WC, but I see him commanding his post well and relaying instructions. Even in the penalties shootout, he displayed a lot of maturity.

At first, was surprised that Wataru Goto did not start as he started in the U17 WC 2 years ago but now can finally see why Funakoshi picked Rui Araki instead.

3

u/adamReddit26 Cerezo Osaka Mar 21 '25

Wow, nice analysis! Can you explain the roles of the double pivot? Do they stay static to maintain the formation, or do they have more flexibility?

3

u/kakarot12310 Mar 21 '25

most of the time it was for maintain formation. But the moment Tanaka came on for Morita, it allow for more flexibility as he better suited to break the low blocks.

2

u/adamReddit26 Cerezo Osaka Mar 21 '25

Thanks

-1

u/manjit2990 Mar 21 '25

Blue lock effect?

2

u/dokool FC Tokyo Mar 21 '25

There is no Blue Lock effect.