9 Jan 2006(Mon)

January 7, 2006 -- Whether he comes back to Japan or stays in England, Mitsuo Ogasawara will further have enhanced the reputation of Japanese players during his time at West Ham United.

The Antlers playmaker is on a week's trial with the east London club, and has quickly impressed manager Alan Pardew.

At the moment, Ogasawara's visit only looks temporary, but in football you never know.

The Kashima player wants to play in Europe, and West Ham have money to spend during the January transfer window.

But that does not mean they will buy Ogasawara, as English Premiership clubs can choose players from just about anywhere in the world due to the global appeal of the league.

And the big problem for Japanese players, of course, is that they are very well paid in Japan, and their agents will be wanting similiar deals overseas. Transfer fee to the Japanese club, signing-on fee, salary and other costs and this all adds up to an expensive package.

I think Ogasawara could survive in the Premier League, though. He is a clever player, and can look after himself. He's not quite as robust in the tackle as Hidetoshi Nakata, but he can handle the physical stuff and is not afraid to give it out himself when necessary.

So he has the ability, the mental strength and the physical qualities needed to play in England.

The English game will be a bit of a culture shock to him, though, and he won't have as much time on the ball as he gets in the J.League, or with the national team.

If he holds it too long he will be "crunched" by the opposition, and referees allow the game to flow much more in England, and don't allow players to roll around when they are not hurt and stop the game all the time.

Ogasawara would be a hit in England at the right club...and West Ham is a good level for him to adjust. I hope it comes off, because he is serious in his work and deserves a chance at a higher level.

After watching Ogasawara train this week, Hammers manager Pardew commented on the "energy" and the "attitude" of Japanese players.

Ogasawara has these in abundance, but I feel he would have to open up more on the pitch, talk and shout more and communicate with his teammates.

In other words, he's too quiet! So learning a few basic English terms quickly and having the confidence to express himself would be a priority if he were to fulfill his potential overseas.

This would be his biggest challenge. Not playing football.

ends