Keito Nakamura Lifts Japan in 2 Strong Games as Mitoma Misses Out

Q: Playing in France's second tier, can Keito Nakamura lead an injury-hit Japan to a historic World Cup quarter-final?

Yes — Nakamura looks capable of being one of the main drivers of a Japan side that has enough quality to reach a first World Cup quarter-final, even if he is unlikely to do it alone. A key correction matters: Nakamura does not play in France’s second tier. He is with Stade de Reims in Ligue 1, and he is the only Japan squad member from that club level profile rather than one of the more glamorous European sides. That makes his impact in this tournament more striking, not less. The evidence so far is strong. Nakamura, 25, has already scored a late equaliser against the Netherlands and supplied an assist in the 4-0 win over Tunisia, a result that made Japan the first Asian team to score four goals in a World Cup match. Across 24 caps, he has 10 goals, and his form has helped soften the loss of Kaoru Mitoma. With Takumi Minamino also absent and concerns around other senior figures, Japan need exactly the kind of direct, two-footed, high-energy winger Nakamura has been. Japan’s wider case is credible too. Moriyasu’s team are ranked 18th, have strong recent results, and have shown they can compete with elite opponents. The squad still contains proven internationals such as Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka, so the burden is not solely on Nakamura. The obstacle is obvious: Japan have never gone beyond the last 16, and injuries reduce their margin for error. But if Nakamura maintains this level, he can be central to a realistic quarter-final push.

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 21

Keito Nakamura has emerged as a standout for Japan with 2 strong performances, helping blunt the impact of Kaoru Mitoma's absence.
Japan have not looked short of attacking thrust because Nakamura has supplied energetic off-ball movement, direct running and a constant threat in one-on-one situations.
The winger has impressed by dribbling effectively to either side and shooting with either foot, giving Japan a versatile outlet rather than a like-for-like replacement.
His form has also marked him out as one of the tournament's notable non-superstar performers in the United States.