loading…
Kaoru Mitoma is a player to watch out for when the Indonesian National Team faces Japan in the final match of the 2023 Asian Cup Group D phase at Al Thumama Stadium, (23/1/22024) evening WIB / Photo: The Japan Times
Kaoru Mitoma is a player to watch out for when the Indonesian National Team faces Japan in the final match of the 2023 Asian Cup Group D phase at Al Thumama Stadium, (23/1/22024) evening WIB. The Brighton & Hove Albion player has reportedly recovered from injury and he could be coach Hajime Moriyasu’s main weapon to beat the Garuda squad.
On January 20 2024, Mitoma was seen joining the Japanese squad in training. The 26 year old player has the potential to appear for the first time in the 2023 Asian Cup when facing the Indonesian national team.
Mitoma’s presence in the Japanese squad is certainly a danger alarm for the Indonesian national team. The reason is, this left-handed player has quite impressive statistics while defending Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this season.
Mitoma is known to have scored three goals and four assists in 17 matches played with Brighton & Hove Albion. If you refer to these statistics, this player has high speed, dribbling skills and dexterity in sending passes and scoring goals.
Even though it is not yet known whether Mitoma will appear as a starter or not, Shin Tae-yong must prepare a plan B if this player does appear. Mitoma is known as a versatile player.
This means that Moriyasu can freely place Mitoma in midfield, on the left wing or as a winger. If you refer to Whoscored statistics, Mitoma is very dangerous when placed as a winger.
While playing in that position, Mitoma managed to score three goals and provide five assists in all competitions with Brighton & Hove Albion. So, who will cover the movements of this 178cm player?
Here are 3 Indonesian National Team Players who have the potential to tackle Kaoru Mitoma:
1. Asnawi Mangkualam
Covering the movement of the left winger is a task usually carried out by the right back. The player assigned to cover the movement of the left winger must have certain qualities and skills.
In this case, Asnawi Mangkualam has the potential to oversee Mitoma’s agile movements. But the fitness condition of the Indonesian National Team captain is still a question, is he able to face a player like Mitoma?
2. Jordi Amat
Shin Tae-yong can instruct Jordi Amat to stop Mitoma’s movements. Because the naturalized player is known to have a strong physique, good dueling skills and tactical intelligence to block attacks from the wings.
3. Justin Hubner
Justin Hubner could be an alternative to tackle Mitoma. Moreover, he also plays in the Premier League with Wolves, in other words, the naturalized player from the Indonesian National Team already knows what to do to stop Mitoma’s agility in combing the Indonesian National Team’s defense.
It is important to remember that covering the movement of a left winger is not just the responsibility of one player, but often involves cooperation and coordination between several players on the team. Overall team tactics, coordination and communication are key in overcoming threats from opposing wingers.
(fly)