Thai coach creates talking points
February 6, 2008: Now here's an interesting one for Japanese football fans, particularly Yokohama F Marinos supporters.
Who is the better player, Koji Yamase or Shunsuke Nakamura?
Thailand's coach, Chanvit Phalajivin, has no doubt. He thinks Yamase is better, and picked out the Marinos schemer as one of Japan's top players during a pre-training chat with a handful of media at Nishigaoka Stadium on Monday afternoon.
When asked which Japanese players impressed him the most, Chanvit gave the backbone of the team: Nakazawa, Suzuki and Takahara.
"But I also really like the player who scored two goals in their last game," added the Thai coach.
Yamase, pointed out the media.
"Yes, Yamase," said Chanvit. "I think he's better than Nakamura. He's young and has time to develop."
Which Nakamura, Kengo or Shunsuke?
"The one in Scotland," confirmed Chanvit.
Interesting...and quite a confidence-booster for Yamase.
I wonder what Takeshi Okada thinks? We will find out pretty soon as the World Cup qualifying campaign progresses and Nakamura (Shunsuke, not Kengo) returns to full match fitness with Celtic.
Chanvit made another interesting point regarding his own players, saying that many of them dreamed of playing in the J.League.
This would motivate them in the match against Japan, Chanvit said, hoping their talent would be recognised by J.League scouts.
It is a noble thought, and you would like to think there is a chance of a Thai player adding some spice to the J.League, but don't hold your breath.
As much as I would like to see more variety in the transfer policy of the clubs, what can a Thai player do that a Japanese can't?
ends
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