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Meet Takashi Usami - Bayern Munich's new alternative to Arjen Robben & Franck Ribery
Following his announcement of a loan move to the German record champions, Goal.com profiles the Japanese starlet and looks at the role he will play in Bavaria.
Jun 27, 2011 1:36:00 PM
FEATURE
By Clark Whitney & Cesare Polenghi
It is official: at long last, Takashi Usami has announced his move from Gamba Osaka to Bayern Munich. The 19-year old becomes the latest in a growing list of Japanese starlets to move to the Bundesliga, having agreed to a one-year loan with an option to buy.
To many in Europe, Usami is an unknown quantity and an unproven character. And while he has limited experience as a professional, the player's attitude and attributes justify Bayern's interest in him.
PROFILE
Usami is another talent emerging from the youth system of Gamba Osaka. Born in the Kyoto prefecture, he joined Gamba’s U15 in 2005.
In 2007 he was promoted to their U18 youth side, while already a regular fixture at for the Japanese U17 side.
Usami made history in 2009 with his Asian Champions League debut a couple of weeks after turning 17, becoming the youngest player to score for Gamba.
He participated in Japan’s ill-fated 2009 U17 World Cup campaign in Nigeria and has since been promoted to the U19, and most recently, U22 teams.
During the 2010 season Usami became a regular starter, and justified his inclusion by scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances. Two of those strikes were vital goals against the Urawa Red Diamonds and cross-town rivals Cerezo Osaka. For his efforts, the rising talent was named the J. League's best young player in December.
Registered as a midfielder, Usami is in reality the prototype of the 21st century forward; aside from having a refined technique common to most Japanese players of his generation, he is quick, imaginative, and tactically savvy. In particular, he seems capable of finding the back of the net from a variety of areas.
His one shortcoming, for now, is his fitness. At 19 years of age, Usami lacks stamina and typically is substituted after an hour of play. This is seen as only a temporary shortcoming, which has been accentuated by the congestion in the J. League schedule following the earthquakes in Japan earlier this year.
Usami's performances for Gamba have impressed Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni, who is said to be following the prodigious young talent closely. While he was not called up for the 2011 Asian Cup, it is surely only a matter of time before the talented forward is given his first senior cap.
HOW HE WILL FIT IN
As evidenced by the tremendous performances of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery this spring, Bayern have no shortage of talent in attacking midfield. However, that was the first spell in two years in which the two played together for an extended period. In light of the injury problems "Robbery" have had, the Bavarians have been on the look-out for a young, qualified back-up. Usami fits the bill.
With Usami in the team, Bayern will be able to keep their stars in their natural positions. Last autumn, Thomas Muller was forced to play on the right wing in place of the injured Robben, and Bastian Schweinsteiger was promoted to his less effective position of central playmaker. The moves suited neither player, but were necessary given the overall lack of quality alternatives. Should either Ribery or Robben be unavailable, Usami will be able to fill in as a direct swap, leaving Schweinsteiger in his favoured defensive midfield role, and Muller just behind the main striker.
Because of his direct nature and experience as a forward, Usami will be an asset in wide areas. Whereas Hamit Altintop and Danijel Pranjic were more likely to cross from forward positions, the newcomer - much like Muller - has the versatility to go for goal when deployed on the flank. This feature of his game is especially necessary versus defensive teams, against which inventiveness and firepower are most important.
Usami will not be guaranteed a role in Bayern's team, however, and will face stiff competition from Toni Kroos, as well as Ivica Olic and Nils Petersen should incoming coach Jupp Heynckes opt to use a 4-4-2 system. Given the injury record of Ribery and Robben, it is in all likelihood is only a matter of time before Usami gets the opportunity to prove himself. The bold youngster has already made clear his ambitions; it is now up to him to seize the chance.
Follow Clark Whitney on
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Follow Cesare Polenghi on.
By Clark Whitney & Cesare Polenghi
It is official: at long last, Takashi Usami has announced his move from Gamba Osaka to Bayern Munich. The 19-year old becomes the latest in a growing list of Japanese starlets to move to the Bundesliga, having agreed to a one-year loan with an option to buy.
| Bet: | Returns: | Gamba Osaka £19.09 | Draw £33.00 | Tosu £36.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Gamba Osaka £18.50 | Draw £33.00 | Tosu £40.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Gamba Osaka £18.33 | Draw £33.00 | Tosu £37.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Gamba Osaka £18.30 | Draw £35.00 | Tosu £42.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Gamba Osaka £19.70 | Draw £34.00 | Tosu £33.50 |
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To many in Europe, Usami is an unknown quantity and an unproven character. And while he has limited experience as a professional, the player's attitude and attributes justify Bayern's interest in him.
PROFILE
Usami is another talent emerging from the youth system of Gamba Osaka. Born in the Kyoto prefecture, he joined Gamba’s U15 in 2005.
In 2007 he was promoted to their U18 youth side, while already a regular fixture at for the Japanese U17 side.
Usami made history in 2009 with his Asian Champions League debut a couple of weeks after turning 17, becoming the youngest player to score for Gamba.
He participated in Japan’s ill-fated 2009 U17 World Cup campaign in Nigeria and has since been promoted to the U19, and most recently, U22 teams.
| CAREER STATISTICS | Takashi Usami (Gamba Osaka) |
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During the 2010 season Usami became a regular starter, and justified his inclusion by scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances. Two of those strikes were vital goals against the Urawa Red Diamonds and cross-town rivals Cerezo Osaka. For his efforts, the rising talent was named the J. League's best young player in December.
Registered as a midfielder, Usami is in reality the prototype of the 21st century forward; aside from having a refined technique common to most Japanese players of his generation, he is quick, imaginative, and tactically savvy. In particular, he seems capable of finding the back of the net from a variety of areas.
His one shortcoming, for now, is his fitness. At 19 years of age, Usami lacks stamina and typically is substituted after an hour of play. This is seen as only a temporary shortcoming, which has been accentuated by the congestion in the J. League schedule following the earthquakes in Japan earlier this year.
Usami's performances for Gamba have impressed Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni, who is said to be following the prodigious young talent closely. While he was not called up for the 2011 Asian Cup, it is surely only a matter of time before the talented forward is given his first senior cap.
HOW HE WILL FIT IN
As evidenced by the tremendous performances of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery this spring, Bayern have no shortage of talent in attacking midfield. However, that was the first spell in two years in which the two played together for an extended period. In light of the injury problems "Robbery" have had, the Bavarians have been on the look-out for a young, qualified back-up. Usami fits the bill.
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I made this decision because I want to play for a big club and win the Balon d'Or. - Usami upon announcing his transfer
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With Usami in the team, Bayern will be able to keep their stars in their natural positions. Last autumn, Thomas Muller was forced to play on the right wing in place of the injured Robben, and Bastian Schweinsteiger was promoted to his less effective position of central playmaker. The moves suited neither player, but were necessary given the overall lack of quality alternatives. Should either Ribery or Robben be unavailable, Usami will be able to fill in as a direct swap, leaving Schweinsteiger in his favoured defensive midfield role, and Muller just behind the main striker.
Because of his direct nature and experience as a forward, Usami will be an asset in wide areas. Whereas Hamit Altintop and Danijel Pranjic were more likely to cross from forward positions, the newcomer - much like Muller - has the versatility to go for goal when deployed on the flank. This feature of his game is especially necessary versus defensive teams, against which inventiveness and firepower are most important.
Usami will not be guaranteed a role in Bayern's team, however, and will face stiff competition from Toni Kroos, as well as Ivica Olic and Nils Petersen should incoming coach Jupp Heynckes opt to use a 4-4-2 system. Given the injury record of Ribery and Robben, it is in all likelihood is only a matter of time before Usami gets the opportunity to prove himself. The bold youngster has already made clear his ambitions; it is now up to him to seize the chance.
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