24 Jan 2005(Mon)

TOKYO (January 22): There's been plenty of activity in the transfer market during the winter, especially down Iwata way.

Earlier this week, Jubilo confirmed the signings of JEF United Ichihara pair Takayuki Chano and Shinji Murai.

Chano will add experience and versatility to the Jubilo back line, while Murai will give them some zip down the left wing.

Jubilo have lacked balance on the left side since Zivkovic moved on, and Murai can do this job and provide an exciting wing combination with Nishi on the right.

Waiting in the middle for all these inviting crosses will be the fearsome Korean predator Choi Yong Soo, who had signed for Jubilo earlier after a year on loan with Kyoto in J2 from JEF United.

Murai and Choi know each other's game well, of course, from their seasons together at Ichihara, and the big Korean must be rubbing his hands together at the service available to him from both wings.

Losing Chano and Murai is a big blow for JEF, and the remaining "Goi Galacticos" will have to continue to raise their level to stay near the top of the table.

Jubilo must be a major contender for the title, especially after bringing Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi home from Europe.

A team with a backbone of Kawaguchi, Tanaka, Fukunishi and Choi will be a formidable opponent for every rival in J1, and coach Yamamoto has plenty of youth and experience at his disposal to build on this.

The arrival of target man Choi may result in a more direct approach from the coach ("Route One" we say in England), but it's still tough to prevent Choi from winning a lot of balls in the air, even when defenders know what to expect.

With some speed and craft supporting Choi through the middle, Jubilo should be capable of scoring plenty of goals this year.

Yamamoto knew he needed new blood and fresh legs in his squad, and the arrival of Chano and particularly Murai has certainly provided that.

ends