Japan's arguably best ever footballer draws nearer to retirement. I still had unfounded hopes of Europe.
Exactly! As opposed to Japan's most inflated ego. Speaking of Ono, I have to laugh at some of the articles making the rounds in Australia. Apparently Ono's nickname is "Tensai" (or "tansei, as some have spelled it) Just hope he isnt totally baffled if someone calls him that, when he gets to the training pitch. Obviously the newspapers all took their "informaton" (sic) from the Wikipedia entry (which not only provides a load of rubbish in the text, but doesnt even have his past stats correct!!!!)
He answered a few questions in the presentation http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/video/2286184062/A-League-season-launch-Shinji-Ono
Came on at about 60' in the first match of the season. Great touches (class above most on field) and good vision. It was a very cagey game which ended 0-0 on a very wet night. Tony Popovic has them set up very well so I don't think they'll leak too many goals or even finish last like so many have predicted. Their biggest issue will be creating chances but give it some time and I think Ono and Aaron Mooy can link up well with the forwards.
Given Ono's inclusion, creating chances won't a problem but actually converting them. Especially after seeing Dino Kresinger play.
Point taken, though I must say I didn't know Okano. It was, by the way, both incredible and amazing to watch Kazu with Japan at the biggest stage of futsal. -------- Ono recorded an assist in Western Sydney Wanderers' loss, last week A very good analysis on his performance
Okano can't be awarded as the Japanese best player ever title but probably he's one of the most famous thanks to his qualification score in 1997. Probably he was occulted by Gon Nakayama (who scored in France 1998) and the young Hide Nakata who impressed more than anyone else conquering than a Serie A call.
Another stellar performance by Ono today in the Sydney-derby. he just seems to be getting better and better, while the other marquee-players Heskey and Del Piero are struggling after their great start to the season. For most people Ono might have the lowest status of those 3, but atm I think he's the best performing of those 3 by far ( and I've watched almost every A.League-game so far this season).
He's doing great, I kinda expected this but he's had a bigger impact on the field than ADP and Heskey (The three big marquee signings in A-League).
Don't reckon he's got his own thread, but anyways Ryo Nagai (On loan from Cerezo) got his first start at Perth against Ono's WSW. He actually did pretty well and even created the match-winning assist in injury time.