21 Apr 2008(Mon)

April 18, 2008: Takeshi Okada has never been afraid to give youth a chance.

Remember Shinji Ono and Daisuke Ichikawa in early 1998, although the latter would be one of three players cut from the final 22 for France.

Among Okada's squad for the April 21-23 training camp is another very interesting youngster, 21-year-old full back Yuto Nagatomo of FC Tokyo.

According to club sources, Nagatomo has already established himself as a leader on and off the pitch, despite this being his debut season out of Meiji University.

At a fan festival in Shinjuku in February, for example, Nagatomo taught fellow newcomer Emerson how to bow and say the right words of greeting to the supporters.

And even on Saturday, after FC Tokyo had won a rip-roaring derby against Verdy, Nagatomo hung around long after the final whistle to show goal-scorer Hanyu how to perform the rousing victory ritual in front of the Tokyo fans at the away end.

Not that Nagatomo had scored himself, though; just that his presence in the Verdy box, in injury time, to meet Konno's header into the danger zone had resulted in an own goal by Verdy sub Shibasaki.

Like Komano of Jubilo Iwata, Nagatomo is a tough defender and difficult to shake off, as Verdy's Hulk discovered during the Tokyo derby.

Although he plays at left back for Tokyo -- the right back slot being occupied, of course, by Tokunaga -- Nagatomo can also play on the right flank. Indeed, right wing back was his position in the recent under-23 friendly against Angola, from where he supplied the cross for Toyoda to score Japan's goal in a 1-1 draw.

With a call to Okada's squad, the chances of Nagatomo making Japan's 18 for the Beijing Olympics have increased significantly.

Even though Olympic team coach Sorimachi has some experienced wide players in Uchida and Mizuno on the right, Yasuda and Honda on the left, Nagatomo's versatility makes him a good bet for the 18.

More rewards may come further down the road, but an appearance in the Beijing Olympics would be the perfect start so early in his professional career.

ends