9 Mar 2009(Mon)

March 6, 2009: It is always interesting comparing Japanese players with more famous players from overseas, especially from a media perspective.

Philippe Troussier used to do it all the time with his youngsters: Kota Yoshihara was the Romario of Japan for his finishing in the box; Masashi Motoyama was the Ryan Giggs of Japan for his wing wizardry on the left; and Yasuhito Endo was the Redondo of Japan for his passing and long-range shooting.

In more recent times, another manager who likes to play the name game is Hiroshi Matsuda, now in charge of J2 newcomers Tochigi SC after losing his job at Vissel Kobe.

Towards the back end of last season he brought his Vissel team to Ajinomoto Stadium to take on Verdy, and was still singing the praises of his former defender Yukio Tsuchiya after the game. Five years earlier, Matsuda said, Tsuchiya was the best defender in Japan -- "the Japanese Cannavaro". Not the tallest of central defenders, but with a terrific leap, a natural intensity to his game and a fine athlete.

We also talked about Norio Suzuki, who was coming to the end of his first season with Kobe after his move from FC Tokyo.
And who should Matsuda compare him to in the world game?

"I am hoping he can play in the style of Chris Waddle when he was with Marseille," said the then Vissel manager. "You know, a left-footed player on the right wing cutting inside and shooting for goal."

At the start of last season, Matsuda said he had high hopes that Suzuki could force his way into the national team somewhere on the left flank, either at the back or in midfield, but abandoned this plan and moved him out to the right flank in his "Waddle" role.

Now we'll never know what could have happened, as Matsuda was not retained at the end of last season and replaced by the Brazilian coach Caio Junior.

Matsuda will be missed around J1 for his more worldly observations, which always make interesting talking points whether you agree with him or not.

ends