Just realised that Adel Taraabt (In the EPL) is eligible to play for Morocco. He's a hot n cold player, but on his day he's unstoppable. Personally I'm getting sick of these over-age player debates, especially when names like Makino come up. Just leave it to these U-23 players to do the job.
strikers- shite attacking mids- good volantes- meh centerbacks- shite fullbacks- good goalkeeper- in between meh and good Simplified version. edit: I'd give fullbacks a "meh" if Higa starts at leftback. edit2: These ratings are based on the domestic squad that Sekizuka has used in qualifying. If I add the European based players/Overaged players then most ratings go up.
strikers- meh attacking mids- good volantes- decent centerbacks- meh fullbacks- meh if Higa goalkeeper- good the team as a whole - good
why not? What 3 overage players will Japan take and how many players who play abroad will join the U-23 squad?
We have no idea about which overaged players will be chosen but they will most likely be a centerback, a volante, and one other. The reason why Kagawa will probably not be chosen is because of the manager. Sekizuka is the a typical Japanese manager. He's not the type of manager to choose the best team rather the team that conforms to his beliefs and his command. He's the type of person who rewards players for their loyalty and players who listen to him. The current core team has been playing together for over a year and is pretty much set in stone. It is highly unlikely that the team will see any major changes at the Olympics.
In regards to European-based players. I highly doubt that any over-aged European based players will be chosen. Any over aged players will be J-League players. European players who will most likely be chosen Otsu (Borussia M.) Kiyotake (will probably transfer to Nurnburg before the Olympics) H. Sakai (will probably transfer to Hannover before the Olympics) Maybe chosen based on the Toulon Tournament Ibusuki (Sevilla Atletico) G. Sakai (Stuttgart) Y. Takagi (FC Utrecht) R. Miyaichi (Bolton) Players who will not be chosen Usami (Bayern)
so that's a no for the Japanese striker at Novara too? bummer. But I also assume the talent level is really high within the J.League.
Morimoto has been out of the NT picture for a while. He's been injured and Zac is waiting for him to sort out his situation and start getting consistent playing time. It will be a while until we see him again.
lol, I wish, anyway, good recap SamuraiBlue. It's a shame that we lose Usami simply because Sekizuka is an incompetent. Instead, it looks more likely that Ibusuki will be included. I don't really know what to expect from him. Playing in third division is a thing... don't think Y. Takagi will be selected, and I'm not much hopeful for Miyaichi too. If Sakai will not be called it will be depressing.
oh man did you see Usami last week and do you have the feeling we're going to miss something ? It's not about his talent, rather his form. I don't know what happened between those two but Usami's pride is on the way and he should really apologize to his coach. It's not too late. I think Miyaichi will be there because Sekizuka openly talked about that and I'm sure he would also be glad to have Kagawa but the timing isn't good.
I understand the clubs are in control for the Olympics, but I cannot see them refusing to let players go if they are called up. They will eventually give in when they realize they are the only club not letting the players play for their country's honor in the biggest sporting event.
But this could affect Kagawa's future, I'm sure his next club would rather see him resting that playing the Olympics. I don't like Sekizuka but he isn't stupid, he knows Kagawa would significantly improve the team.
yeah I did, he still has a magic touch, it isn't easy at all to replace him, form wouldn't be a problem IF he was allowed to have a training camp\play in the french tournament. Regarding his stuff with the coach well of course I don't know what happened so can't comment but come on we're not in the playground...
Yeah yeah we're not on the playground but add to this the fact he barely played this year and you have a legitimate reason to not call him. Let's see if he keeps playing for the club until the end of the championship and I wouldn't rule him out for the Toulon Tournament. But there's only 18 spots, who is he going to overtake ? maaaan I wouldn't want to be Sekizuka right now.
No there hasn't been a squad announced yet I don't think. When there is one somebody will post probably before English sources find out. You should try and check these things yourself sometimes. Understandable if it was something inaccessible in English but it's weird to just post demanding objective answers (i.e. a squad list) when they're often just a google-search away. Toulon Tourney is from May 23-June 1 (found out by a single google-search).
http://www.festival-foot-espoirs.com/festival-foot-espoirs/match-festival-foot.php?match= The clubs aren't in control. Some weeks ago Fifa announced that the clubs must release their U23 players for the olympics.
That's not written anywhere though is it? Isn't it just FIFA trying to use their power to scare the clubs?