Player Profile: Takayuki Morimoto

The "Japanese Ronaldo," or "Sushi Bomber 2.0;" call him what you will, but I prefer to think of him as "The Future." He's Takayuki Morimoto, the 21 year old center forward for Calcio Catania. Fans of the J. League will know Morimoto well. He made his professional debut with Tokyo Verdy when he was only 15. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award, and made his claim to fame as the youngest ever to score in the J. League. His J. League stint was cut short when in 2006 he was sent on loan to Catania, and became one of the rare Japanese to reach for European success. He is currently the only Japanese player in Serie A.

Success seemed to find him early, when in January of 2007, he was given his first cap when he came on as a substitue in the 83rd minute. 5 minutes later, he equalized and won the hearts of the Catania faithful. His impact was cut short, however, when in March of the same year he tore his ACL and was unable to play for the remainder of the season. After signing a permanent deal with the Serie A side, he returned from injury but struggled to regain his form, and suffered a mediocre 2007-2008 season. The next year, healthy once again, was viewed by many as his true full season debut, and Morimoto showcased his potential to the world.

As of now, Morimoto has logged 10 goals in 43 regular season caps. Not great stats for a center forward, but consider that he scored 7 goals in 23 matches last season and has began this year 1 for 1 suggests significant improvement and signs that he is growing into the high upside predicted early on in his career. Counting the last 3 matches of last season and the one he recently played thats 4 goals in 4 matches.

Morimoto attracted a lot of attention from big name European clubs over the off-season. Earlier he was loosely linked to Tottenham Hotspurs, but even more news worthy is that scouts from Manchester United are watching his every move. While I do not anticipate a transfer this season, I would be very surprised if Morimoto does not end up on a Champions League club for 2009-2010.

What makes Morimoto such an intriguing player is not just his age and upside. Morimoto is exciting because with relatively little experience on the big stage, he is making an impact as a striker in a league notoriously known for a defensive style of football against some of the world's best defenders and keepers. He has a large frame, is good in the air, and has a great blend of pace and skill. He has shown traces of that unteachable ability to position himself in the right place at the right time to win those "clean up" goals. Besides that, he has a gargantuan intimidating bald conehead.

Recent reports out of Japan suggest that Okada has finally submitted to giving Morimoto a chance to play for the national team, and Morimoto will most likely feature in the Sept. 5 friendly against the Netherlands. Thank the Shinto God of Football. Japan needs his help, and the sooner he can get playing, the more time he will have to develop chemistry and gel with the team that will represent Japan in South Africa.

Okada has been reluctant to call up Morimoto to play for Japan without much explanation. It could be that Okada doubted Morimoto for his lack of experience. I suppose I can't blame the man, he has such a baby face I'd be surprised if Morimoto is actually a teenage Chinese girl gymnast. There are also some who claim that Okada has a nationalistic tendency to favor domestic players as opposed to those abroad. Can't say I blame him much for this either. Who doesn't love Japan?

No, but seriously. Takayuki Morimoto is the real deal. Alexandre Pato of AC Milan has likened him to Ronaldo "The Phenom." That is high praise from a player who would know. If I were a member of the Blue Samurai I would have been lobbying to call him up years ago. And maybe I am wrong. Morimoto could end up being a bust just like many promising Japanese stars that have attempted to make it overseas. Fortunately, there is still time to find out. I for one, am ecstatic to see him play against the Netherlands. Who knows? If Morimoto shows his class and becomes a first-team regular, this could be the beginning of a very promising Japanese "future."