Jun Nishikawa

Jacek Kulig

Jun Nishikawa

 

Name in native alphabet: 西川 潤

Country: Japan

Date of birth: 21/02/2002 (17 years old)

Place of birth: Kawasaki (Japan)

Height: 181cm

Youth career: Yokohama F. Marinos, Toko Gakuen High School, Cerezo Osaka (since 2019)

Current club: Cerezo Osaka

Squad number: 51

Current national team: Japan U-17

Position: attacking midfielder, winger

Preferred foot: left

Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —

Tournaments participated in: 2018 AFC U-16 Championship, 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup (4/1), 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup (4/2)

Contract until: unknown

Player’s agent: unknown

Transfer rumours: FC Barcelona

Similar type of player: James Rodríguez

 

Strengths:

– passing Untitled1

– vision Untitled1

– creativity Untitled1

– technique Untitled1

– pace Untitled

– first touch Untitled

– dribbling Untitled

– ball control Untitled

– long shots Untitled

 

Weaknesses:

– ambidexterity/using his right weaker foot

– defensive contribution/not very strong in defensive duels

 

Style of play:

– advanced playmaker

– likes to be fielded in a free role as an attacking midfielder, where he is given space to roam the pitch

– intelligent player, who finds the space well between the lines

– likes to roam around in the space between the opposition’s midfield and defence

– creative player with very good technical ability, 1vs1 short-dribbling skills, close ball control, fast direction shifts in possession and vision to make through passes to the teammates providing dynamism to the team’s last offensive third plays

– capable both of creating chances for team-mates, as well as scoring goals himself, due to his vision and ability to play off of other players

– extraordinary thinking when on the ball – he often chooses options which are unexpected for the opposition

– possesses good mid-range and long-range shooting skills

– creative at his off-the-ball movements, and likes to find the best space to receive the ball with good timings, linking up the team’s midfield and attack

– able to deliver pin-point passes and crosses

– displays a natural technique to take fast decisions in tight spaces/press-resistant player

– often makes surging runs into the penalty box

– avoids using weaker foot

Nishikawa’s great ball control, run, and superb finish.

 

Nishikawa with a great through ball to assist his teammate.

 

He is best suited to playing as:

Attacking midfielder in 4-2-3-1.

 

Video:

 

Achievements:

2018 AFC U-16 Championship winner with Japan.

2018 AFC U-16 Championship best player award.

 

League summary (as for 12 November 2019):

J1 League 2019: 1 match/0 goals (Cerezo Osaka)

 

Description:

Jun Nishikawa is a member of a very talented generation of Japanese players born in 2002 which includes, among others Yamato Wakatsuki, Shoji Toyama, Riku Handa, Zion Suzuki, and Hikaru Naruoka. Nishikawa showed himself to a wider crowd at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship where he was named the Most Valuable Player after steering Japan to their third title with a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan in the final. He also represented his country at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

 

Quotes:

“Blessed with quick feet and excellent technique even at high speed, the younger Nishikawa felt he lacked a certain toughness and hunger which could be fostered in a more unforgiving, competitive environment among peers. A mature, level-headed attitude, spectacular goals, and consistently outstanding performances at both school and international level have brought him acclaim from coaches and senior teammates.”

(The Guardian)

 

Football Talent Scout potential rating:

8/10   BallBallBallBallBallBallBallBall

First team material in a top European club.

 

Links:

Transfermarkt

Soccerway

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