Ones to Watch: Shoya Nakajima (Japan)

30th December 2018

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Kuala Lumpur: With a number of veterans either retiring or left out by coach Moriyasu Hajime, 24-year-old Shoya Nakajima will be looking to impress as one of the stars of the next generation in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.



He might be the shortest player in the Japan squad, but less than a year after making his senior debut, Nakajima has grown into one of the most influential players in the Samurai Blue setup as they seek a record-extending fifth AFC Asian Cup title.

Nationality: Japan

Date of birth: 23/08/1994

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Portimonense (Portugal)

Previous clubs: Tokyo Verdy, FC Tokyo, Kataller Toyama (All Japan)



International background

Nakajima came to the forefront of youth football in Japan in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he scored in Japan’s 3-2 defeat to Brazil in the quarter-finals.

However, it was at the U23 level where Nakajima really impressed. In 2013 he finished as Japan’s top goalscorer at the AFC U22 Championship with three goals, and three years later he would take his game to the next level, helping the Samurai Blue lift the AFC U23 Championship title as he was named the tournament’s MVP.

Former Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic handed Nakajima his debut in a friendly against Mali in March and the winger repaid the faith with a debut goal. He would go on to earn five more caps in 2018, scoring again against Kyrgyz Republic.

Style of play

As a right-footed winger playing on the left-hand side, Nakajima easily slots into the inside forward role in attack where he can affect play in the final third with the ability to both score and create scoring chances.

Nakajima is also capable of playing at left wing or centrally. This allows him to be unpredictable in his movements as he is comfortable on either side of the pitch. The 24-year-old also enjoys a vision that enables him to deliver defence-splitting passes on a regular basis.

What to look for

Japan lifted two of their four AFC Asian Cup titles in West Asia; the 2000 title in Lebanon and 2011 in Qatar. And as a new generation takes on the continent in the UAE this time, they will be hopeful a fifth title is possible. First, they will have to navigate a group also consisting Uzbekistan, Oman and Turkmenistan.

Somewhat of an unknown product on the continental stage, Nakajima will look to take his game to the next level and emulate his impressive record from the U23 level on the big stage.

Where and when to watch him:

Japan v Turkmenistan

Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Kick-off: January 9, 15:00 UTC+4

Japan v Oman

Venue: Zayed Sport City, Abu Dhabi

Kick-off: January 13, 17:30 UTC+4

Japan v Uzbekistan

Venue: Khalifa bin Zayed, Al Ain

Kick-off: January 17, 17:30 UTC+4


Source: the-afc.com

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