Kento Hashimoto

Kento Hashimoto, at 31, still exemplifies the quintessential defensive midfielder for FC Tokyo, boasting a robust blend of ball recovery and defensive nous that's the envy of many in the J-League. His ability to reclaim possession is exceptional, and he's a stalwart in one-on-one duels, rarely found wanting when shielding his backline. While his ball retention skills are commendable, ensuring that FC Tokyo enjoys fluid transitions, his progressive passing leaves room for improvement, often opting for safer options over ambitious forward thrusts. Hashimoto's style of play is characterised by his relentless work rate and astute positional sense, though his contribution in the final third remains muted, with limited goal threat and creativity. Nonetheless, his progressive carrying ability provides a glimmer of dynamism, allowing him to advance play when opportunities arise. This scout report underscores that while Hashimoto's attacking metrics might not steal the headlines, his defensive contributions continue to be invaluable.