11 Nov 2004(Thu)

It was inevitable that Yoshito Okubo would join the list of Japanese players heading to Europe.

Now, it appears that Spain is his likely destination. To be more precise, the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca.

This would be a big step up the ladder for Cerezo Osaka's 22-year-old Fukuoka fireball, as the Spanish first division is probably the best in Europe, and the world.

So has young Yoshito got what it takes to succeed, if he joins Real Mallorca on a six-month loan deal?

I have asked this question several times in the recent past, to players and coaches alike in the J.League, and the answer has always been the same: "Yes, he has the talent to be a hit in Europe."

I hope the deal goes through, because it would be fascinating watching Okubo perform and grow on this grand Spanish stage.

What everyone likes about him is his single-mindedness.

He just loves scoring goals, and has the confidence and self-belief to take on defenders and shoot for goal.

Even if he misses, which every striker does, including Ronaldo, he does not let this affect him, and comes back for more.

Too often in Japan I see a player with a clear shot at goal, but instead of smashing the ball he will take one touch too many and be tackled by a defender, or he will try and cross or pass to a teammate instead of taking the responsibility himself.

Not Okubo.

He knows what he wants and he knows where the goal is, and he must maintain this ruthless, killer approach in Spain.

Don't be worried about people calling you greedy or selfish, Yoshito!

You're a striker, a predator, and your business is goals...as many as possible.

Of course there is another side to Okubo, the side that has got him into trouble on several occasions in the past.

That's his temper, his anger and frustration, the signs of a player still developing as a man, as much as a footballer.

What he has to do is channel the energy in the right direction, keep a lid on his boiling pan of emotions and stay focused on his job.

Perhaps being in Spain will help him to do this. First, because the referees and assistant referees won't understand his Japanese outbursts, and second because he won't be such a big fish in a small pool, like he is in the J.League.

His aggression and power might take a few defenders by surprise in Spain, so let's hope he can bag a few goals early on and establish himself in the team.

Under new head coach Hector Cuper, Mallorca are surely going to climb the table after a poor start.

If Okubo can help them do that, he can look forward to a permanent transfer in the summer.

ends