Japanese Players in Europe

This past week of fixtures was a bit more successful for Japanese players in Europe.

Shinji Kagawa got his first goal for Dortmund this season, with a tidy finish. However Dortmund ended up losing 2-1 at home to Hannover to continue their appalling start to the season. They are now already 8 points behind leaders Bayern.

Atsuto Uchida played the full 90 minutes of Schalke’s 2-0 loss at home to rivals Bayern. Compatriot Takashi Usami was on the opposing bench but did not feature.

Makoto Hasebe started in midfield in Wolfsburg’s 3-1 loss at Hoffenheim, and incredibly finished the game as the keeper. He played the final nine minutes in goal, as first-choice keeper Marvin Hitz was sent off. Hasebe could not save the ensuing penalty.

Takayuki Morimoto scored his first goal for Novara in a 2-1 loss at Cagliari. His deflected shot looped over the keeper to get Novara a consolation goal. During the midweek, Morimoto was influential in the sacking of Gianpiero Gasperini as Novara stunned Inter 3-1. Morimoto played well, linking the midfield with strike-partner Riccardo Meggiorini. He also earned a penalty that gave Novara a late 2-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Yuto Nagatomo played the full 90 minutes of both Inter’s 0-0 weekend draw with Roma and the disappointing loss at Novara. He played well against Novara and created many chances, however the team looked disjointed in its new 3-4-3 formation.

Finally, Ryo Miyaichi made his highly anticipated first team debut for Arsenal in their 3-1 Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury. He came on in the 71st minute for fellow debutant and South Korean captain Chu-Young Park. Let’s hope this is the beginning of an incredible career at Arsenal for Ryo.