Keisuke Kurokawa

Keisuke Kurokawa, the dynamic left-back for Gamba Osaka, presents a fascinating scout report with his distinctive style of play. At 28, he's no stranger to the rigours of top-flight football, showing commendable ball retention skills, which help his team maintain possession under pressure. His defensive strengths are underpinned by impressive ball recovery, making him a vital cog in regaining possession. However, his one-on-one defending and penalty area defending could use some refinement, occasionally leaving gaps that opponents exploit. Despite being a defender, Kurokawa offers surprising attacking contributions, excelling in chance creation and exhibiting a sharp goal threat, which is rather unusual for his position. His progressive carrying is a standout feature, enabling him to transition play effectively from defence to attack. Yet, his progressive passing leaves room for improvement, often limiting his impact in building from the back. Overall, Kurokawa's player stats highlight a versatile full-back with a penchant for joining attacks, albeit with some defensive areas to polish.