Junya Ito
RW
Wide Forward
Mar 9, 1993 (33)
Right
5'9"
146 lb
Finds back of net
Ito recorded one goal on two shots (one on target) to go along with seven crosses in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.
Analysis: Ito was a defining part of Japan's win Saturday, as the forward would lead his team with seven crosses, taking five corners in the process. He would also bag a goal in the 69th minute, scoring from an Ayase Ueda assist. He will look to earn a start in their final group stage match after the solid showing against Tunisia, as he only appeared from the bench in their opener.
Experience in attack
Ito has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to provide an experienced and direct option in the attack throughout the competition.
Analysis: Ito made 36 appearances across all competitions for Genk this season after returning to the club in the summer, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in a season disrupted by an ankle injury that limited his availability. Ito brings elite pace, direct running and the experience of having been one of Japan's most important attackers for almost a decade, and his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous crosses gives manager Moriyasu a different wide option to the more technical ones. Ito heads into what may be his final World Cup with the motivation to finish his international career on the highest possible note.
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