2017/18 Keisuke Honda @ CF Pachuca (MEX)

He is injured, thats the reason, why he didnt play so far. Some muscular problems.

 

Don't see a source but wikipedia says he wears number 2 at Pachuca. Is that true?

 

Weird, I guess he really wants one between 1-11. 4 is not that bad for an attacking mid but 2 is just weird, Dempsey probs come to mind.

 

He is in the squad for tonight's (tomorrow's early morning) match:

Te presentamos nuestra lista de convocados para el partido del día de mañana. #ElÚnicoEnMi💙 pic.twitter.com/8XBeb1AoCH

— Club Pachuca (@Tuzos) August 22, 2017

 

On the bench.

 

He was subbed in the second half and scored in his debut!

The match ended 4-1 for Pachuca, Honda scored their 4th goal.

 

His goal:

Honda Keisuke scores on his debut for Pachuca in Mexican league. pic.twitter.com/rg8wsHhRpP

— Richard Medhurst 📚 🇯🇵 (@RichardMedh) August 23, 2017

And here is a tweet from him stating the need to adjust to different altitude and different ball:

I need to adjust to the different ball and different altitude. https://t.co/RXLz76fFir

— Keisuke Honda (@kskgroup2017) August 21, 2017

It will only benefit Japanese football in the long run if we have well-established players accustomed to playing in different atmospheres and play styles, add to that Honda's endeavour to own and run a European club, and we will have an intersting role-model to follow by other Japanese players.

 

By the way I like the way in which the Mexican commentator pronounced Honda's first name correctly, unlike many commentators when they say: "Kay-Sooky"!

 

First time since ages I see him shoot confidently from far distance. Probably weaker league and underdog opponent helped but It's comforting to see a Japanese players show some balls on the pitch.

 

Probably weaker league and underdog opponent helped

 

Starts against Cimarrones de Sonora in Copa MX and delivers an excellent corner for Omar Gonzalez to put Pachuca up 2-1 in the 2nd half. U-S-A! Japón! U-S-A! Japón!

Edit: delivers a free kick from the opposite corner, off which Gonzo almost scores again.

 

On in the 82nd against Cruz Azul. Looks like he's playing CF.

 

¡¡¡GOLAZO!!! Honda turns a defender's ankles into dust on the counter, beats another and slams a shot into the far corner with almost the last kick of the game. 2 goals scored by Pachuca since he came on.

gooooooooooooooooooooooool sa-yo-na-ra Honda!!! Golazo del japonés!!!!

⚽ | 90' Golazooooo de @Tuzos. Llega el cuarto, cortesía de una espectacular jugada de @kskgroup2017 #UnidosPorLosNuestros pic.twitter.com/d1A8mxifrC

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) September 28, 2017

#NoTeLoPierdas
G⚽⚽⚽L de Keisuke Honda@Tuzos 4-0 @Cruz_Azul_FC #J11AP2017 #LIGABancomerMX
⚽ #SienteTuLiga ⚽ #FuerzaMexico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/UWux9JDUqv

— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) September 28, 2017

 

lol I just realized that the Univision play-by-play announcer (1st tweet last post) made an automobile pun in the middle of the counterattack and then laughed at his own joke after Honda scored the goal...Honda, atención, cambio de velocidad (Honda is shifting gears) hahaha

Came on as a sub again vs Necaxa.


Bonus footage from the midweek match:

 

If you look at this move scientifically (on paper), it is a step down.

However I consider it good for Keisuke because:
1) More playing time and experience
2) Experience against South American style of play (i am aware Mex is in North America, but Mex teams play no different than teams like Boca Juniors)
3) We have seen the exposure to new cultures, both on and off the pitch makes players well rounded.

It maybe why Argentinians and Brazilians do so well in the world cup. A lot of there players experienced a lot of different cultures and play styles.

Therefore I consider it a step up from Serie-A in the case of Honda only.

 

Honda calls for gun control reform in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre.

I'm so sorry and am praying for the victims in Las Vegas.

あかんやろ。ホンマに。これで市民は自己防衛の為に銃を携帯しようとするやろうけど、それでは何も解決しない。銃の市民への流通を徹底的に阻止するべき。

— Keisuke Honda (@kskgroup2017) October 2, 2017

 

He played 90' but Pachuca lost 0-2. They had like 65% possession. This club sounds like a mess and Honda is not getting much media coverage.

 

1st half brace in Copa MX

#NoTeLoPierdas
G⚽⚽⚽LAAAZO de Keisuke Honda@Tuzos 2-0 @CA_Zacatepec #8vosDeFinal #CopaCoronaMX 🏆
⚽ #SienteTuLiga ⚽ #MiércolesDeFut pic.twitter.com/yeNDTpr8i1

— Copa MX (@CopaMx) October 26, 2017

#NoTeLoPierdas
2do G⚽⚽⚽L de Keisuke Honda@Tuzos 3-0 @CA_Zacatepec #8vosDeFinal #CopaCoronaMX 🏆
⚽ #SienteTuLiga ⚽ #MiércolesDeFut pic.twitter.com/hhSNyaFuRj

— Copa MX (@CopaMx) October 26, 2017

 

Scores again!

 

His goal:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/HMICJX_dkgM

 

Lots of nice touches.

 

Still not a fan of this move but nice to see him score. Always fine goals too!