26 Aug 2004(Thu)

It looks like Daisuke Matsui might be the next Japanese player to head overseas.

From what I read on the Internet here in Athens, French second division club Le Mans is keen to sign the Kyoto Purple Sanga playmaker.

Several months ago I chatted with Matsui's agent, Tanabe-san, at the Yokohama F Marinos training ground.

He told me that Matsui could be leaving Japan after the Olympics, and France was one of the possible destinations.

After all, Matsui is still remembered with affection in France after his eye-catching displays for Japan in the Toulon Under-21 tournament a couple of years ago.

I remember another player making his mark at that event and going on to have an exciting international career. His name was Paul Gascoigne.

There is no doubt Matsui is a skillful, elegant player.

I have always admired his balance and touch since first seeing him play for Kyoto Purple Sanga a few seasons ago.

Just before the Olympics I had a long chat with the former Purple Sanga manager, Gert Engels, who is now assistant coach to Guido Buchwald at Urawa.

Engels said he would have had no hesitation in picking Matsui for the Olympic Games, as he was a valuable player in tournament conditions.

Engels pointed out Matsui's stamina and fitness, as well as his natural ability, and this made him an important squad member for a tight schedule. (I must point out that Engels was not picking Matsui over his own Yamase; he was just giving his view on a player he knows well).

Going back to the Tanabe chat, he said it was vital that a Japanese player does not make too big a jump from J.League to Europe, where the game is much more physical and played at a quicker mental pace.

Le Mans, therefore, would be a good starting point for Matsui, and he would have the chance to play every week, which is the most important thing.

One solid season at Le Mans and then who knows?

Marseille? Paris Saint-Germain? Lyon? Monaco?

French clubs are a feeding ground for the bigger, more glamorous European leagues, namely Spain, England and Italy, but Matsui would have to be patient.

It would not happen overnight.

Le Mans would be a stepping stone to a career in Europe, not the end, as it would give Matsui the chance to adapt and develop as a player and a person.

There is no doubt he has the talent and the confidence, but he would need to be consistent and choose his moments carefully when to be flashy and when to play the percentages.

It will be interesting to see if the move comes off.

Then Japan would have three Matsuis overseas: Big Matsui, Little Matsui and Purple Matsui.

ends