2019/24 Shoya Nakajima @ FC Porto (POR)

Nakajima created the chance from which Porto scored their 2-0 goal, and secured the win in tonight's Champions League match against Olympiacos.

In the 85th minute, he picked a pass few meters ahead of the penalty box, then he played a clever pass which sliced open Olympiacos defence and released Marega free on the right flank, Marega had all the time to cross the ball across the goal-mouth for the surging Sergio Oliviera who headed the ball into the net.

Nakajima came in as a sub in the 60th minute, with Porto leading 1-0, and as anybody who knows Sergio Conceicao can tell, the team conceded posession to their opponents and stayed behind trying to defend their lead, and it almost backfired as Olympiacos were on the brink of scoring the equaliser several times.

Nakajima did a very good job defending balls and pressing the opponents even in aerial balls, which is something unexpected from Nakajima considering his physical attributes.

It was another very good game, in 3 games Nakajima contributed to the two goals Porto scored during his time on the pitch, assisted the winner in last weekend's league match, and created the chance from which Porto scored the goal which sealed their win and first 3 points in this season's UEFA Champions League.

Nakajima still needs to improve his communication with his teammates and try to gain their confidence, as during many times they did not pass the ball to him while he was in favourable positions as if they were not sure what he can do.

In any case, this is a very promising start of Nakajima's season, considering the chaotic situation he endured in the past 7 months, unfavourable treatment from Sergio Conceicao, and the fact that he is still not at 100% match fitness.

 

Nakajima's highlights against Olympiacos in UEFA Champions League:

 

Comments from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo on Shoya Nakajima's performance against Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League:

"He was more aggressive in the defensive end. He started on the left but moved later to the center and released Marega in the area, in the 2-0 play. Now, without Alex Telles, he proved to be a good option for dead balls".

They gave him 6 out of 10 rating, only lower than Sergio Oliveira (8), Marchesin, Mbemba, and Fabio Vieira (All 7).

 

Sergio Conceicao on Nakajima: "There was work with Nakajima as with everyone. We have departments responsible for working on the emotional side, but the player feels truly recovered when he starts playing. I think everyone is well motivated".

 

Porto reportedly refused an offer from Anderlecht to sign Nakajima on-loan, citing they are only interested in selling him permanently to get the cash immediately:

https://amp.sicnoticias.pt/desporto...o-recusou-proposta-do-Anderlecht-por-Nakajima

Poor and short-sighted decision from Porto, as they can sell Nakajima for a higher fee in the summer if he has a great tenure at Anderlecht.

Instead, if they sell him to a Middle East club now, they will go for a short-term winning solution, and don't consider the long-term wellbeing of them and the player.

 

According to this tweet: UAE's club Al-Ain negotiations to sign Shoya Nakajima has ended without agreement.
As the club failed to reach agreement on financial conditions.

- الياباني ناكاجيما والكولومبي كاراسكال والبرازيلي مارينهو العين فاوضهم ولَم يتفق معهم للمطالبات الماليـه pic.twitter.com/jTQ41ST9HC

— كرة الإمارات 🇦🇪 (@kooora_AE) January 6, 2021

 

Yes, the 40 million euros buying option after the expiration of the loan period is out of Al-Ain's reach at the monent.

I think both the greedy people at Porto and Nakajima's agent are getting fooled by the stereotype that Gulf clubs have an endless wealth of money at their disposal and are willing to pay any asking price.