Official: https://www.vfl-bochum.de/news/uebersicht/profis/vfl-holt-takuma-asano/ 3-years contract until 30 June 2024.
Asano bags a brace for Bochum vs Hoffenheim. They're currently up 2-1 in the second half The first goal was quite a screamer: https://streamja.com/q5WPV https://streamja.com/R176R
This is what he good at, counterattacking, pressing, and using his speed to beat opposing defenders. However, his strength was not manifested in most Japan NT teams because Japan was attacking most of time against Asian teams, eventhough his pressing during both legs against the Australians was key on getting Australian defenders tired and open spaces fir his teammates.
He's had a lot of critics from Japanese media for the last 2 years. Maybe they put a lot of pressure on him to be a world class striker or Okazaki's replacement or something, which he is not (yet) For now he's the type of striker that may be useless when the opponent put an eye on him but become really lethal when no one expects him to do anything. As I remember, from his u23s year to the 2018 qualifiers to 2022 qualifiers, he only plays well in JNT for a random 2,3 matches; but his goals in those matches are all vital.
Asano to a News Reporter after he asked him about Hansi Flick who attended Bochum's match vs. Hoffenheim:"Hansi Flick! What is that?" 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/18Ypv1YOx1— Samurai Warrior (@SamuraiWarrio17) April 3, 2022
His brace against South Korea in the 2016 AFC U-23 final, his goal against Australia in the 2018 WCQs, and lastly the winning goal vs. Australia in the 1st leg of the 2022 WCQs. He doesn't score many, and wastes many easy chances, but somehow he scores decisive goals in key matches.
Critisism towards him is correct though. More bad games than good. But im glad for the goals yesterday. But Japan cant rely on him at the wc.
Asano assisted both Polter and Holtmann's goals as Bochum take an early 2-0 lead vs Dortmund 1st: https://streamff.com/v/e3a5eb 2nd: https://streamff.com/v/526917
Sorry for Takuma and best wishes but for JNT its a godsake. Asano needs to be injured to be out of the WC. Good news.
Asano saved Bochum from relegation with an assist and a goal against Leverkusen. The win means Bochum moves up from the relegation playoff rank 16 to 14.
Would be so nice if he could play more often like this. 3 goals + 3 assists. Its maybe okay for him but not great for are sure starter. He gives so much and has so much energy and I love his jaguar celebration. But he is not good. 6 goals + 4 assists he should have at least.