Is Koji Wada a good fit for Song Lam Nghe An?
Koji Wada's resume isn't impressive, but the Japanese center-back is still only on trial at Song Lam Nghe An. If he fits the team's playing style, then this CV is just for reference.
In recent days,center-back Koji WadaBorn in 2001, he is currently on trial at Song Lam Nghe An. He is a player who rose through the ranks of Japanese school soccer while playing for Sendai University.
Before his trial with the Nghe An team, Koji Wada played for the Taiwanese team Taichung Futuro. In the 2024 season, Koji Wada only made 4 appearances.
Many people look at Koji Wada's resume and say that Song Lam Nghe An is skimping on talent in the transfer market. This is partly because the player, born in 2001, only grew up in the Japanese school football environment, and also because Koji Wada comes from the Taiwanese Premier League.
However, focusing solely on these factors will not provide an accurate assessment of Koji Wada. This is because the Japanese school soccer environment is excellent for young players. It is one of the main sources of players for professional clubs in Japan, and many famous Japanese players have emerged from this school soccer environment.
Notable examples include former AC Milan star Keisuke Honda, 2023 J1.League champion Yuya Osako, and most recently, two Japanese internationals, Kaoru Mitoma and Reo Hatate. Kaoru Mitoma, in particular, is a familiar name to Vietnamese fans, currently playing prominently for Brighton & Hove Albion (English Premier League).
Therefore, it can be said that players who have grown up in Japan's school football movement still possess all the qualities to become excellent professional players. So why has Koji Wada only played 4 matches for Taichung Futuro?
Taichung Futuro Club is currently ranked second in the Taiwan Premier League and is Koji Wada's first professional team. The central defender, born in 2001, chose the Taiwan Premier League to take solid steps on his path to becoming a professional footballer. It's a suitable playing environment, and Taiwan's weather and climate aren't too different from Japan's.
However, due to licensing issues, Koji Wada was only able to play for Taichung Futuro Club at the end of October 2024. This is the reason why Koji Wada only played 4 matches for Taichung Futuro.
With theLam River, Nghe AnHaving yet to find a suitable foreign player for the center-back position, Koji Wada was recommended by Technical Director Hideaki Shoji to try out for the Nghe An team.
Koji Wada is expected to possess qualities commonly found in Japanese players: a good footballing mindset, discipline, and excellent technique. These qualities are considered well-suited to coach Phan Như Thuật's playing style.
However, there are still concerns for this 2001-born center-back. His relatively slender physique, despite his height of 1.86m, puts Koji Wada at a disadvantage in competition with other foreign players in the V.League.
In addition, there is the limited competition experience ofJapanese center-backEspecially since Song Lam Nghe An mostly consists of young players, they need experienced players to lead them.
Nevertheless, there is still plenty of time for Koji Wada to prove himself in training and friendly matches. If he delivers outstanding performances, center-back Koji Wada could certainly be selected by the coaching staff of the Nghe An team for the next phase of the season.