Japan Soccer Team Roster Analysis and Player Selection Updates for 2024
As I sit down to analyze Japan's evolving soccer roster for 2024, I can't help but reflect on the emotional connection many young players feel toward their idols—something that came to mind when I recently came across a heartfelt quote from a young Filipino footballer: "Dream come true, kasi idol ko 'yan eh. Nilolook up ko siya as a player." That raw admiration is something I've seen time and again in Japan's own rising stars, and it’s a driving force behind the national team’s dynamic player selection process. With the 2024 season on the horizon, Japan’s squad is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, blending established veterans with electrifying newcomers who’ve grown up idolizing the very legends they now stand alongside.
Let’s start with the goalkeeping situation, which in my view is one of the team’s strongest assets. I’ve been particularly impressed by Zion Suzuki, who at just 21 years old has already earned 12 caps and brings a commanding presence between the posts. His reflexes are simply outstanding—I remember watching him pull off a stunning double-save against Syria last year that sealed his spot as a future stalwart. Alongside him, veterans like Daniel Schmidt offer invaluable experience, though I suspect manager Hajime Moriyasu might lean toward Suzuki for high-stakes matches given his rapid development. The balance here is nearly perfect, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Suzuki becomes the outright starter by mid-2024.
Moving to the defense, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Ito. Tomiyasu’s versatility—he can slot in as a center-back or full-back with ease—makes him indispensable, in my opinion. Having watched him adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, I’m convinced he’ll anchor Japan’s backline for years. Then there’s Yuta Nakayama, whose return from injury has been a revelation; his pace and crossing ability add a dimension Japan sometimes lacks. Personally, I’d love to see more of Seiya Maikuma integrated into the setup—his performances for Kashima Antlers have been consistently sharp, and at 25, he’s hitting his prime.
The midfield is where things get really intriguing for me. I’ve always been a huge fan of Wataru Endo, whose leadership and tactical intelligence set the tone for the entire team. With over 50 caps, he’s the glue that holds everything together, but it’s the younger talents who have me buzzing. Take Kaoru Mitoma, for instance—his dribbling is pure magic, and he’s already notched 8 goals in 25 appearances for the national side. Then there’s Takefusa Kubo, a player I’ve followed since his teenage years. His creativity and vision are off the charts, and I believe he’s poised for a breakout year in 2024. What excites me most, though, is the rise of 20-year-old Naoki Kumata, who’s been tearing it up in the J-League with 9 assists this season alone. He reminds me of a young Shinji Kagawa, and I wouldn’t hesitate to give him more minutes in friendlies.
Up front, the striker debate is heating up, and I’ll admit I have my favorites. Ayase Ueda has been in scintillating form, scoring 14 goals in all competitions this past year, and his movement off the ball is a joy to watch. But let’s not overlook Daizen Maeda—his relentless pressing and speed are tailor-made for Moriyasu’s high-energy system. If I had to pick one dark horse, it’d be Mao Hosoya; the 22-year-old has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and I’ve lost count of how many times he’s bailed out his club with late winners. In terms of sheer potential, I’d slot him in as a super-sub who could change games in an instant.
Looking ahead, Japan’s roster is brimming with talent, but I think the key will be integrating these players cohesively. Moriyasu has a knack for fostering a family-like atmosphere, much like the "idol" dynamic we see in that Filipino player’s quote, and that could be the X-factor in tight matches. With the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers looming, my prediction is that we’ll see a blend of youth and experience, with players like Kubo and Mitoma taking on larger roles. Ultimately, this team has the depth to surprise a lot of people—and as someone who’s followed Japanese soccer for decades, I’m more optimistic than ever about what 2024 holds.