Sports fans around the world have their eyes fixated on the Land of the Rising Sun as the 2022 FIFA World Cup draws nearer. Fans of football (or soccer, as it’s known in many places) are particularly thrilled, as Japan is known for its football excellence and international success. In recognition of this anticipation, let’s take a look at the top 7 best football players in Japan for 2022!
1. An Overview of the Top 7 Football Players in Japan for 2022
The world of football in Japan has seen quite the upheaval in the past couple of years. In 2021, there was a shift in the crop of talent in Japan. Now, it’s time to look ahead into 2022 and determine which athletes have the potential to redefine the sport of football in their country. Here are the top 7 players to watch out for in 2022:
- Yōsuke Enomoto: Defender for the Japan National Team
- Kasumi Shirai: Forward for the Urawa Red Diamonds
- Kōji Takahashi: Goalie for Vissel Kobe
- Ryō Kaneko: Midfielder for FC Tokyo
- Kazuhiko Yamaguchi: Attacker for Gamba Osaka
- Hiroki Taiyo: Wing for the Kawasaki Frontale
- Akira Endō: Midfielder for the Vegalta Sendai
The players mentioned above boast an impressive résumé of accomplishments and have earned their place on this list. Yōsuke Enomoto has captained Japan’s men’s national team to a World Cup and has been named youth player of the year in his country. Kasumi Shirai has scored 46 goals in her club career in Japan and is one of the highest scoring players of this season. Kōji Takahashi has made several amazing saves in his club career and currently has the least goals conceded record in the J. League. Ryō Kaneko earned himself place of the year for his club side and has had an amazing year overall. Kazuhiko Yamaguchi has showed marked potential for the future, having made 16 assists in the league in the 2020–21 season. Hiroki Taiyo has a talent for finding gaps in the defence and creating amazing opportunities for his side. Akira Endō is known for his vision and tireless energy in midfield, having made 86 interceptions this season.
All in all, these 7 players have demonstrated that they have the potential to revolutionize the sport in Japan. With the 2022 season fast approaching, it’ll be fascinating to watch and see if they can live up to the high expectations they have set for themselves.
2. Shining Stars in the Japanese Football Scene
Japan is known for its passionate football scene, and the nation has produced an array of notable stars in the sport. From budding prodigies to formidable veterans, Japan has it all. Some of the giants in the Japanese footballing world are:
- Keisuke Honda: A veteran of the sport, Honda brings immense experience on the pitch. He bagged a record 13 consecutive competitive goals between 2012 and 2013 and set up the winning goal in the World Cup.
- Takashi Inui: A natural talent with impressive technique, Inui made headlines when he scored two goals in the World Cup. At Yamagata of J1 league, he scored 32 goals with 18 assists during his 88-game stay.
- Shinji Kagawa: An international superstar, Kagawa has achieved major honours in numerous continents. Scoring 38 goals, he emerged as the top scorer in the Bundesliga during his spell at BVB. Kagawa was also capped 101 times during his international career.
In addition to the world-class stars, the brilliantly talented youth is another key reason for Japanese football’s success. 17-year-old Takefusa Kubo made waves early in 2019 when he became the youngest player to score in La Liga. Elsewhere, time is running out for Yuki Kuneragi, a 17-year-old wunderkind who scored 31 goals during his loan stay at J1 Yokohama FC.
3. Outstanding Skill and Reputation
My reputation and skillset as a professional are something that I strive to maintain. Here are the three elements that make up this reputation:
- High Level of Knowledge in My Field. I’m up to date with ever-changing trends and the most current technology. I strive to have the latest insights available, and am driven to continuously refine my skill set.
- Reliability and Trust. When people come to me, they expect high-quality results. I know how to remain calm during times of high stress and pressure, which allows me to keep my clients reassured and confident in my abilities.
- Communication. I understand the importance of being able to effectively communicate both written and verbally. I know how to connect with each individual and tailor my messaging accordingly, regardless of the circumstances.
These three elements combined have allowed me to build an outstanding reputation over the years. I take a great amount of pride in my accomplishments, and strive to maintain this excellent standard of work and professionalism. Whether it is in one-on-one interactions, or on larger projects, I maintain the highest quality work and make sure that clients’ expectations are always met.
4. Who Will Take the Lead in 2022?
The Lineup of Candidates
It’s never too early to speculate about who will take the lead in the 2022 election! With many candidates already emerging, it is sure to be a crowded lineup! From across the political spectrum, many familiar and some fresh faces are throwing their hats in the ring.
Three-time sitting member of the House of Representatives, Brad Johnson, is a bulwark in the race. He is the face of reassurance and dependability from the conservative side. On the left-wing of the spectrum, we are seeing the rise of two new contenders. First, Martin Atkins is yet to make a big move in the race, but he is ambitiously taking the lead in grassroots campaigning. Lastly, progressive economist Mary Morgan is proposing an extensive overhaul of the healthcare system, and she is gaining traction in the last few months.
Next in the mix are the independents. Richard O’Brien is a wildcard in the race, with no clear political leanings and ideas crossing party lines. Fred Scott is hoping to bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats, and Elizabeth Tucker is bringing an outsider perspective from the tech world.
With a race this stacked, it’s clear that the coming election cycle is sure to be an interesting one! It’s difficult to narrow down the list of best football players in Japan for 2022, but these seven have distinguished themselves as elite competitors on the field. As these athletes continue to gain recognition and experience, they will no doubt have their eyes set on the World Cup. It’ll be exciting to see who will come out on top as Japan’s best football player in 2022.