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 
– vision
– creativity
– technique
– pace 
– first touch
– dribbling
– ball control
– long shots 
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 
First team material in a top European club.
Links: