Photo by Hiroki Ito: Getty Images
Japan national team defender Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart) played a key role in the AFC Asian Cup quarter-final match against Iran on 3 February. Atsuto Uchida, a former national team student responsible for commentary on TV Asahi, thought back to his comments about Ito and analyzed the player’s game. He also mentioned using director Hajime Moriyasu.
Ito started for the first time in three matches against Iran, competing with defender Yuta Nakayama (Huddersfield Town) for the left-back position. Although his contribution on offense was low, he showed solid play on defense. However, Uchida harshly rated the player during his commentary. It became a hot topic on the Internet, with people saying, “Mr. Uchida is so hard on Ito” and “I feel sorry for Ito, even though he is doing the best he can.”
Furthermore, the use of Ito as a full-back was the subject of much debate during the Asian Cup. While a number of criticisms of the player have circulated on the internet, there have also been questions about the way coach Moriyasu has used him, with comments such as: “Hiroki Ito is not the type of player who stands out on the wing and makes a cross, ” “Ito’s main job is as a central defender, but…” There were also critical voices.
Mr. Uchida reflected on the match against Iran in the program “Atsuto Uchida’s Football Time”, which began streaming on the Internet video distribution service “DAZN” from the 8th. When announcer Akihiro Nomura, the moderator, asked him what words he had used when he was in charge of commentary, he said: “You say something like, ‘You should go with Ito-kun more.’ (I thought) there were other ways of saying it, I should have said, “We should just show off Ito’s strengths,” but instead I say, “We need to bring out his strengths here,” he said, showing signs of regret.
Uchida then analyzed coach Moriyasu’s intentions in naming Ito in the starting lineup against Iran. “He is almost 190cm tall. The reason why Ito is used instead of Yuta Nakayama as a left back is that there are three central defenders, so I think he is the one who repels the opponent’s attacks. I think that is his point of strength. I hope he shows his strengths, but it’s hard to say whether he’s a full-back. He’s basically a back three or a centre-back. I think he’s doing what he can in that,” he said, showing that he understands the difficulty playing in a position that is not his real job.
Mr Uchida was defended by guest star Rihiro Yasuda, saying: “It’s difficult because the viewers also get emotional, and I think he can say that because it’s Ucchi (Uchida).” Knowing the difficulties that can only be understood by playing on the field, he protects the Japanese national team by saying: “Whoever watches from the outside can say anything (even criticism).”
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