Hiroki Ito: Finding a Potential Replacement

When assessing Hiroki Ito’s profile, I sought the following attributes: ability in operating within a high defensive line, speed, proficiency in possession under pressure and in breaking lines, competence in 1v1 defensive battles in wide areas, and the ability to be involved in the attacking phases through overlapping or underlapping runs.

Through data analysis, I concentrated on pivotal performance metrics emphasizing ball progression and defensive ability specifically in wide areas.

The following recommendations will be split into two categories:

1. First Choice
2. Second Choice

First Choice: Koki Machida (26) — Union Saint-Gilloise

Strong and powerful in duels. Aerially dominant, showcasing a powerful vertical jump, good timing and judging of ball flight. Balanced in 1v1 defensive duels, combined with good agility and the ability to make sharp changes of direction matching the opposition stride for stride. Showcased good body shape when defending 1v1, controlling the situation and forcing the opponent onto their weak foot and into controlled areas. Strong shoulder to shoulder with the opposition and proved difficult to move off the ball/out muscle, additionally used his arms intelligently to create a separation from himself and the attacker protecting space and/or the ball. Additionally, showcased composure while defending 1v1, at times delaying the defender.

Displayed alertness and awareness to opposition attacking patterns, was proactive in his body positioning, ready to step-up or drop off. Showcased good speed when defending balls in behind the defensive line, and again often out muscled the opposition and win the ball back. Picked up runners in the box well, initial starting position when defending from crosses was a more of zonal one and then demonstrated good speed, strength and awareness/alertness of the attackers positioning to get in front of his man to clear the ball.

Preemptive counter-presser, again emphasizing his alertness and awareness to disrupt opposition attacks and regain possession high up the pitch. Was very quick to acknowledge the free man and to close down the man receiving the ball, giving them little time on the ball. Similarly when defending in a mid/low block he was quick to limit the space and time the opposition would have on the ball and blocking crossing opportunities.

Solid in possession and progression, a calming presence to the back line showcasing the ability to bypass the opposition press through neat combinations down the left flank. A consistent passing lane for his teammates. Demonstrated the ability/willingness to play through the opposition lines — only really did this in the final third.

Consistently created wide overload situations through overlapping or underlapping runs. Combined well to create crossing opportunities. Crosses were hit with pace and normally across the 6-yard box.

Psychological

Consistently demonstrated high levels of concentration through all games watched. Despite video scouting, was clear communication organizing the back line and communicating attacking threats. Incredibly calming presence to the back line both in and out of possession.

Summary

He’s incredibly well rounded, with top physical abilities. He’s fast both particularly when defending the space in behind, and he’s strong and powerful in duels. His ability aerially stands out, consistent and aggressive in the duels.

Second Choice: Ladislav Krejci (24) — Sparta Prague

Aerially dominant, executing clean defensive actions and effectively contesting opponents, despite data not fully supporting this. Showcased excellent timing in his jumps. Directs headers into safe zones and displays exceptional accuracy as a passer with his head. Competent in 1v1 duels, showcasing adept timing in tackles and the ability to tackle confidently with either foot. Demonstrated robustness in physical duels, but occasionally becomes overeager, resulting in overcommitment and subsequent loss of the duel. Defended the space behind reasonably well, showcasing decent speed in doing so. Occasionally displays hints of loss of balance, particularly while back tracking and when the opposition changes directions rapidly.

Assertive as a defender, showing proactive counter-pressing intensity. Quickly identifies and closes down opposition passing lanes and pass recipients, effectively reducing the space available to them and aiming to provoke turnovers by applying high pressure. Consistently times tackles effectively while defending in wide areas, utilising his body positioning to shield the ball and block off the opponent.

Overall, his box defending was solid, displaying excellent alertness and anticipation in various situations. He effectively reads and intercepts the play while also defending crosses adeptly, maintaining close proximity to the opposition and positioning himself to make first contact on crosses or passes into the box. He’s notably more comfortable defending with the ball in front; nevertheless, he encountered struggles at times, often being caught ball-watching.

Excels in baiting the opposition press and adeptly bypasses it with precise touches, showcasing a varied passing range. He frequently seeks to play central, vertical line-breaking passes or switching the ball to the advanced players on the right flank, stretching the opposition. He avoids forcing ball progression and instead excels at recycling possession, effectively constructing attacks by drawing in the opposition press. He displays bravery in possession, particularly when afforded time and space on the ball, as he willingly takes progressive passing risks, frequently finding players in the half spaces. He has demonstrated good vision for spotting attacking runs made by the forward line and showcased the ability to deliver well-weighted clipped balls behind the opposition defense.

While in the attacking third, he tends to opt for crossing from deep positions, yet his crosses are typically delivered flat and frequently fail to reach the intended areas. He has showcased himself as a threat from attacking set-pieces, displaying excellent ability to attack the ball combined with intelligent movement, which often results in him finding himself in free positions within the box.

Psychological

Particularly when in possession, he has demonstrated exceptional composure, adept at retaining possession and effectively baiting the opposition’s press. A vocal leader who consistently encourages and motivates his team, demonstrating his leadership both in pre-match team talks and during matches. Sparta Praha provide behind the scenes access here.

Summary

Displayed a multitude of desirable attributes, particularly notable is his ability in possession to draw the opposition press and effectively progress the ball. Definitely ready to take the step up, although I believe he’ll need some time to adjust to the league’s standard. However, he has certainly demonstrated the quality to play at a higher level, as evidenced by his performances in the Europa League so far this season.

While his overall defensive abilities were above average, there are some areas for improvement:

• Ball watching: Was often caught ball-watching, leading to instances where he wasn’t alert to his side being overloaded by the opposition. Additionally, while defending in the box, he was occasionally caught ball-watching, resulting in being caught on his heels.
• High risk decision making: Would often attempt to step up and play the opposition offside at inappropriate times, inadvertently presenting them with opportunities to go 1v1 with the goalkeeper.
• Overcommitting in duels: Showcased an over eagerness to win the ball, sometimes opting to dive in rather than delaying the opponent, consequently granting them space to attack into.