Takahara

[sinner78]

I watched Hamburg vs. Werder Bremen the other week and I noticed that Hamburg had a japanesse striker called Takahara .
He seemed to be totally out of his depth and not good enough for that level of play.

It seems that Hamburg bought him for commercial reasons in order to sell merchandise to Japanesse fans .I heard they are hoping to sell an extra 25,000 replica shirts to japan as a result of the signing of takahara.


Surely it wont be long before people figure out that he isnt good enough???

[Syncope]

Time will tell, but I don't think it's as black and white as you painted it--though there's certainly some truth to it. This was his first match at Hamburg and also his first match in the BL. Luizao (Berlin), also a player of smaller stature, says it's difficult to play against the rough burly German defenders. In Brazil, he says, he was able to make that up with technique, but not [yet] in the BL. The same might go for Takahara; any conclusions after the first match are a bit premature, however.

On the other hand, even Munich has stated that they will likely sign an Asian player in the future to boost the club's profile (and earnings) in that part of the world. Either Hoeness or Rummenigge said that it would have to be an absolute top-shelf player however. Still, business plays a role, as I think only 15% of the club's earnings come from ticket sales (in Munich's case). If you apply that same thinking in Hamburg's case, then HSV signed the top stiriker from a league whose country performed well in the WC--possibly a reasonable gamble. Again, only time will tell--maybe sooner than later. :)

Sinner, fill me in on Anelka. How's he doing, and how's he perceived as doing?

[sinner78]

Originally posted by Syncope


Sinner, fill me in on Anelka. How's he doing, and how's he perceived as doing?

I haven't really followed Anelka's progress to be honest with you .All I know is that he has scored 11 league goals this season .Thats a pretty decent record IMHO.I have watched 2 or 3 Manchester city games this season and Anelka was fairly impressive..

[Syncope]

Seems Takahara just messed up my day. The age-old Bayern syndrome: "stop playing before the final whistle" cost them again.

[olafgb]

Takahara had problems in the first game (in Hannover) with very poor stats, but he was second assistant to the game tying goal with a brilliant play. Against Bremen he was good outside of the box, but taken out of the game by Stalteri inside the box. Today I think he had poor stats as well, but was there when they needed him - don't see the problem. Financially the deal pays off anyway.

[n00bie deluxe]

Originally posted by sinner_ronald_monk
I watched Hamburg vs. Werder Bremen the other week and I noticed that Hamburg had a japanesse striker called Takahara .
He seemed to be totally out of his depth and not good enough for that level of play.

It seems that Hamburg bought him for commercial reasons in order to sell merchandise to Japanesse fans .I heard they are hoping to sell an extra 25,000 replica shirts to japan as a result of the signing of takahara.


Surely it wont be long before people figure out that he isnt good enough???

At least he scored against Oliver Khan.

[vflkirwan]

I thought he looked pretty dangerous out there....he just needs to work on his strength and he should do fine.

[n00bie deluxe]

Originally posted by vflkirwan
I thought he looked pretty dangerous out there....he just needs to work on his strength and he should do fine.

Yeah. He had some good looks in the box, but just kept on getting bullied by the bigger, stronger German defenders. If he can adjust to this, then he should be fine.

[Syncope]

Looks like Takahara's the real thing. Coming on 30 minutes from time, he added a goal and and assist. Nice work--and good for the BL. Now Hamburg just has to keep its form (and Schalke need to re-gain theirs; I just don't understand why there isn't more cohesion in the team).