AFC Asian Cup 2023: Japan football stars Nakamura, Kubo & Suzuki highlight importance of competing in Europe

Japan started their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign with a win against Vietnam.

Following a stunning victory over Vietnam in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Japanese football stars Keito Nakamura, Takefusa Kubo, and Zion Suzuki took time to emphasise the importance of young Asian players moving into European football circuit. The Japanese players discussed the benefits and chances that playing in Europe may provide for prospective talents from the region.

The trio, who were key in Japan’s success on the pitch, spoke about the transforming experience of European football and how it can improve the talents and exposure of young players. Nakamura, Kubo and Suzuki all spoke about the competitive character of European leagues, shedding light on the enormous growth possibilities for young players coming from Asia.

Khel Now had the opportunity to speak with the players following their impressive victory over Vietnam at Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar, here are some excerpts:

Kubo’s views on the essence of competing in Europe & the differences in training

Nakamura emphasized the pivotal role of playing in Europe for young Asian and Indian players aspiring to make a mark in the global football arena. When asked about the significance of venturing into European clubs, Takefusa shared, “I don’t know if it’s important to go to Europe, but if you want to play in some big teams, all the big teams are in Europe, so if you want to try to play in big teams, you have to go to Europe.”

This highlights the clear link between playing for top-tier European teams and gaining entrance to the peak of football competition. The players all agreed that the road to major teams and elite events is mostly through the European football environment. Addressing the differences in training methodologies, Kubo queried, “Yes, it’s different. I don’t know if in Japan it’s more intensity than in Europe or it’s opposite, I don’t know. But European football now is going one step over than Japanese football.”

Zion Suzuki’s remarks on up-and-coming Asian players to play in Europe

In the realm of football fantasies, the desire to play in Europe is a common thread that unites players from across the globe. When asked about the desire and importance of Asian players going out and play in Europe, Suzuki said, “It is very important to play the game a lot with high level. My dream is to play (in) Europe. I wanted to go to Europe when I was young.”

Suzuki also discussed about the essential experiences offered by teammates like Mitsuma, who have had success in high competitions such as the Premier League and La Liga, He said, “You know, there’s a lot of different things between, you know the Premier League goalkeepers are very good at feet and cross-ball and everything. So, yeah, I have to, you know, improve everything.”

Keito Nakamura’s thoughts on why it’s important for young Asian players to play club football in Europe

Nakamura sheds light on the growing trend among his compatriots to venture into European football. The motivation, he explains, is twofold – personal growth and the consequential impact on the national team. He adds by saying, “I think now a lot of Japanese players want to go to Europe and make it successful. Because of the national team, of course. If you play very well in Europe, you can go to… Of course, the national team decides if we join the national team.”

The Japanese forward considers his own experiences, emphasising the significant shifts in ability, perspective, and flexibility after playing in Europe and then coming back to the National team. Nakumura concluded by adding, “I’m always happy to play in the national team.”

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