22 Aug 2005(Mon)

Tokyo, August 20, 2005: One of the big success stories of Zico's reign is undoubtedly Akira Kaji.

The FC Tokyo defender has made the right back/right wing-back position his own, whether Zico plays 4-4-2 or 3-5-2.

If you start picking Japan's team, there is debate and discussion about most positions.

But not Kaji's.

In 4-4-2, maybe Hayuma Tanaka would be a solid right back; in 3-5-2 maybe Naohiro Ishikawa would be a good selection on the right wing.

But the dynamic, consistent form of Kaji has left all challengers behind, and it was fitting that Kaji should score his first goal for Japan in their last qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup, the 2-1 victory over Iran.

It was a straight-forward goal from Kaji, a cool, side-footed finish, but, of course, he had to be in the right place to score it.

A great run from Tamada down the left, followed by a perfect cross -- low, curling away from the keeper -- which tempted the keeper, defender and Oguro to reach it. They all missed it, and there was Kaji, on the far post, to guide it home.

Yes, he deserved that goal, as he has repaid the faith shown in him by Zico and enabled the coach to sleep soundly over that demanding position in the team. With Alex on the left, improving all the time as a defender if losing some of his attacking sparkle, the two wing-back positions are decided a year ahead of the World Cup.

Kaji, 25, looks to have finally filled the gap left by Akira Narahashi.

I was a big admirer of Narahashi's, and so was Takeshi Okada. The Narahashi-Soma combination served Antlers and the national team well, especially at the France World Cup.

But Okada's successor, Troussier, thought Narahashi a bit wild and undisciplined, leaving his position to attack without thinking of the consequences.

In the end, Troussier compromised and picked the reliable, solid Myojin to bolster the right side, with Ichikawa in reserve, ahead of Hato, who was unlucky to miss out on the 2002 World Cup squad.

But now, Kaji has emerged, and become a Zico stalwart.

He deserved his goal against Iran, but scoring goals is not his main job.

ends