Kota Takai Breakdown: Joins Tottenham Hotspur for £5 million
- Henry Whiting
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
The next big thing out of Japan joins the Europa League champions
A week ago, I did a post about how Kota Takai is Japan's next big thing, and today he joins Spurs for a reported fee of £5 million, which financially is the biggest J-League export ever. As someone who has been following Kota Takai's career for a long while now, I am slightly surprised a move as big as this has happened so early in his career, but I have no doubts he is ready for whatever comes to him, as he has proven already so far.
Who is Kota Takai?
Takai is an interesting fit for Thomas Frank's future squad. He's likely not to slot straight into the starting lineup or even as the number 1 backup, with Romero and Danso taking those spots respectively; however, I see him as above Dragusin, Phillips and Vuskovic in the pecking order. His consistency for Kawasaki Frontale is undeniable, earning himself a spot in Japan's senior squad at just 20 years old and being widely renowned in Japan as their defensive 'starboy'.
He is 6 foot 3 inches and predominantly right-footed, playing for Kawasaki as a right centre back in a back four, and occasionally filling in at right back, which he can do due to his pace and on-ball abilities. He has played many times on the left side of central defence, so he could play as a backup to Mickey Van de Ven, although I see him as a right centre back first and foremost. Kawasaki are a possesion based side who are, in a way, comparable to that of Ange-ball; high intensity passing and a need for strong recovery abilities by their CB's, which Takai excels at, racking up 84 recoveries in 19 games for Kawasaki this season.
He has 77 senior games in his bag already, facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League along the way, which Kawasaki won 3-2, and Kota Takai played a full 90 minutes. He is very experienced for a player so young, which has proven to be massive for up-and-coming superstars in today's game. Whilst the J-League isn't the Premier League, to be a regular starter for a team as big as Kawasaki Frontale is no small feat; he has all the hallmarks of a future elite player. He also has a taste for silverware, winning the Japanese Super Cup (2024), AFC U-23 Cup (2024) and J-League's Best Young Player (2024).
Aggressive But Composed
He's fast, aggressive and composed, with a smart brain that moves as quick as his legs. He's very physical in the air, with 2 goals from corners and 62% of aerial duels won this season for Kawasaki. He's great on the ball, boasting a strong passing accuracy of 88% this season. All in all, he is the type of player that I can definitely see taking to the Premier League like a duck to water; think of him as Romero with more pace, but less presence (for now at least).
Player Comparison
The first name that springs to mind is a young John Stones; a player who is exceptional on the ball, with good pace and a tenacity that screams Premier League. I would also compare him to his new teammate Kevin Danso; although I feel his ceiling is much higher than Danso's (no disrespect to Danso), his current playstyle and level is similar to Danso's, which is a huge compliment considering the fact Takai is only 20 years old.
How Takai fits into Spurs's future:
Kota Takai's ceiling is simple; he can become one of the best centre-backs in the world. Now that Spurs have their man, it will all come down to what they do with him and how they nurture him. One things for sure, Spurs now have two of the most intriguing and exciting young center backs in football with Takai and Vuskovic.
Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall in midfield. Mikey Moore, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel in the attack. Destiny Udogie, Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai and Pedro Porro (who's only 25) in front of young Antonin Kinsky; Spurs fans, best get excited as on paper, your team of the future is brimming with generational talent.
My Transfer Rating:
Value for Money: 10/10
Current Squad Impact: 6.5/10
Future Potential Impact: 11/10
Chance of Success: Very High
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