16 Jan 2006(Mon)

January 14, 2006: Takayuki Suzuki is back in the European spotlight, with the news that he might be joining Red Star Belgrade.

While it may surprise some observers in Japan that his services are sought by such a famous European club -- albeit not at the same level as yesteryear -- it does show his qualities are still appreciated.

I have to admit to being a Takaykui fan, and I hope sincerely Zico picks him for the World Cup.

He is a great team player. He leads the line tirelessly, wears down defenders with his non-stop running, and creates space for his teammates. He also knows how to win a free kick, and, while I don't like this tactic, sadly it has become part and parcel of the modern game.

So many matches are decided by set-pieces these days, and with Takayuki to win the free kicks around the box and Shunsuke to take them, anything could happen in Germany, provided Japan can defend well.

Critics will point to his goals per game ratio -- 11 in 55 appearances for Japan, well down on the commonly accepted rate of one goal per three games for a striker -- but it is not his main job to score goals.

For me, a Suzuki goal is a bonus, and a couple of crucial ones spring to mind immediately.

The first was Japan's first goal at the 2002 World Cup, to make it 1-1 after Belgium had taken the lead, and the second was in Oman in 2004. It was the winner, the only goal of the game in fact, when he rose at the far post to thunder in a header from Shunsuke's left-wing cross. That was a vital goal by Suzuki, and virtually ensured Japan a safe passage to the second round of qualifying.

He did not set Belgium alight, that's true, but he has the physical attributes and the mentality to look after himself in Europe and make an impact across the forward line.

Will it affect his chances of World Cup selection if he leaves Japan just a few months before Germany?

Personally, I doubt it, as Zico knows everything there is to know about the Antlers man, and knows he can rely on him to give his all when he pulls on the blue shirt (and also the "away" ivory one).

No one can fault Suzuki for wanting to give it another go in Europe. He is now 29 years old, and this could be his last chance to test himself overseas at club level.

ends