10 Jan 2005(Mon)

January 7--Another season, another club for Atsuhiro Miura.

I read with interest that Atsu will be leaving Tokyo Verdy 1969 and joining Vissel Kobe for the 2005 campaign.

Surprised?

No, not really, as it was clear that Atsu was no longer a first-choice player for Verdy under manager Ardiles.

With Vissel looking to sign popular as well as experienced players, then the flying wing-back represents good business.

Although he has played on the left side most of his career, he is a naturally right-footed player, like the former Antlers and national team star Naoki Soma. There is no reason why he could not play on the right, as he once did for the national team under Troussier.

Atsu is dangerous going forward, has a powerful shot and also a long throw-in, which can be as effective as a corner kick.

A couple of seasons ago I had a long chat with Gert Engels when he was manager of Kyoto Purple Sanga.

One of the subjects was Japanese players abroad, and Engels said the one player he thought would have been a guaranteed success overseas was Atsuhiro Miura.

Engels, of course, knew Atsu very well from their time together at Yokohama Flugels, and it's clear when the pair meet now there is a mutual respect and friendship between the two.

But Atsu, of course, never got the chance to play in Europe. Engels felt his physique and his ability would have been just as effective at a higher level.

With World Cup qualifying dominating the 2005 calendar, Atsu needs regular first-team football to retain his place in the national squad, as deputy to Alex on the left flank.

For both parties, then--Verdy and the player--Miura's move to Vissel makes sense.

It saves Verdy a presumably bigger than average salary, and gives Atsu the chance to keep his form and fitness in the hoped-for Vissel renaissance.

ends