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#1 Talented players with a good coach
Going down after putting up a fighting spirit against Belgium in World Cup, few players hung up their boots. Among them were notable players like Keisuke Honda, Gotoku Sakai, and Makoto Hasebe. However, Japan did not miss their service as some talented players emerged through the well organized domestic system.
One notable player is definitely their captain, Maya Yoshida. The Nagasaki-born defender has played every minute of Japan’s group stage matches in the World Cup. In his sixth season with English Premier League side Southampton FC, Yoshida has already earned a reputation for his impeccable defensive capabilities. His positional awareness is incredible and he can lead the defensive line with ease.
Yuya Osako who played as a lone striker in the World Cup has successfully carried the goal-scoring responsibility for his country after the retirement of Honda. He found the net against Uruguay and Kyrgyzstan in the friendlies.
One of the youngsters in the team is Ritsu Doan, who plays for Belgian side FC Groningen. He can play in any of the attacking midfield positions, and opponents should be wary of his pace and skills.
After Akira Nishino decided to step down as coach after World Cup, Japan gave U-23 coach Hajime Moriyasu the responsibility to manage the senior squad. Since taking over, Moriyasu has brought an attacking mentality within the team. Under him, Japan has played five matches, winning four and drawing one.
He has instilled some youngsters in the squad and his expansive and wide attacking is there for all to see.
If Moriyasu becomes successful with his game-plan and the stars gel, then Japan would have no problem in taking back the Asian Cup mantle from Australia.
