[2019] Keep an eye on the success of Thai J Leaguers this year too

Hello, this is Macchan.

I've been so busy that I haven't been able to update for a while.

. This will be my first post of the year in February, but I hope to see you again this year.

Now, the 2019 J League will finally begin on February 22nd.
As a soccer fan, the season you've been waiting for is finally here.

The Japanese national team unfortunately finished runners-up in the recent Asian Cup, but Qatar was a very well-organized team in the final. There is no doubt that the level of soccer in Asia as a whole is rising.

Big name soccer players join the J League one after another

On the left is Vissel Kobe Iniesta. On the right is Sagan Tosu player Fernando Torres.

The most talked about topic in last year's J League was Iniesta, a former Spain representative, joining Vissel Kobe.

Last season, when he joined from La Liga's FC Barcelona, ​​which is said to be the best soccer club in the world, he struggled at times due to the sweltering summer heat in Japan, but he showed off his world-class technique throughout. I did. Speaking of Spain, former Spain player Fernando Torres has joined Sagan Tosu.

It wasn't a goal rush, but as the team was fighting to stay in J1, he showed glimpses of the decisiveness that earned him the reputation of being a child of God, as he scored the winning goal that greatly increased their chances of staying in J1. In 2019, former Spain national team striker David Villa joined Vissel Kobe. Vissel is aiming for its first J.League title and continues to make serious reinforcements.

In such a situation, this year too! Thai J-League players who are expected to play an active role

That's all for now.

In the J.League, which is full of big players, many Thai players belong to the league and are showing success.
The reason why so many Thai J-League players have been born is due to the improvement in the level of Thai soccer and the league alliance between the J-League and Thailand.
As a rule in the J League, only three foreign players can be used in a game.

However, Thai athletes are not subject to participation restrictions as they are not foreign athletes, but athletes from affiliated countries, and are treated the same as Japanese athletes.

When it came to acquiring Southeast Asian players, there was a view that they were being acquired as market players in that country, but as the level of soccer in Asia has improved, their value has increased purely as ``power''.

From here, I would like to pick up some Thai J-League players who I am looking forward to playing in the 2019 J-League.

Chanathip Songrasin, aka Messi of Thailand

Chanathip player playing for Thailand national team in Asia Cup 2019

The first one is Chanathip Songrasingh from Consadole Sapporo.
He played in 30 games for the team, which finished 4th in the league last season, their best result ever.

He had good results with 8 goals and 2 assists, and was selected to the J League Best Eleven for the 2018 season (the first Southeast Asian player in history). Chanathip has become the most irreplaceable and important player in the current team. He was on loan from a Thai club team last season, but it was decided that he would be permanently transferred at the end of last season. Sapporo fans were also overjoyed at this news.

Chanathip's most distinctive feature is his technique with his feet.

In terms of technique alone, he can be said to be one of the best in the J League. As you can see in this video, even if you think you can steal the ball, you can't. Also, although he is very small at 155cm, he has a strong core that won't give up.
Up until now, he has been an eye-catcher for his skill with his feet, but last season his scoring ability blossomed, making him even more of a thorn in the side of opposing teams.

Devil's Left Foot Theeraton Bunmatan

Teelaton has decided to transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos.

A left-handed fullback who has also served as the captain of the Thai national team.

His left foot, which kicks with unparalleled precision, is feared by opposing teams as the "devil's left foot." Last season, he was loaned to Vissel Kobe from the Thai powerhouse Muangthong United, but at the beginning of the transfer, he seemed to have a lot of trouble adapting to Japan's soccer style and skill level, which requires running ability. ↓Refer to this article.

However, from the middle of the season onwards, he became a regular at left back. He was often seen collaborating with Iniesta to break down the side, and steadily adapted to the J League, increasing the frequency of his appearances.

From Vissel Kobe to Yokohama F. Marinos

There were rumors that he would return to his home country of Thailand after completing his contract with Vissel after the 2018 season, but it has now been decided that he will transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos in the J1 League.

I'm very happy to see him play in the J League for another year. This year, I'd like to see a free kick that was feared as the "devil's left foot."

Thailand's heartthrob Thithipan Puangchan

A central midfielder who can be said to be the heart of the Thai national team.
There had been rumors that he would move to the J League, but
this season he decided to move from Bangkok Glass FC of the Thai League to Oita Trinita, who were promoted to J1.

He plays as a midfielder for the national team and has great decision-making ability, scoring 8 goals in 26 appearances.
He also played in four games in the recent Asian Cup 2019, scoring a goal against UAE.

Chanathip seems to be an old friend of mine, and his support seems to have played a big role in my transfer to the J League.

Nattawut Sukum, a promising young star in Thailand

Nattawut playing for Thai League Bangkok United (front)

Nattawut Sukum, a member of the Thailand U-23 national team, has decided to transfer to FC Tokyo on a loan basis.
FC Tokyo has powerful forwards like Nagai and Diego Oliveira, and I don't think it will be easy for him to break out of their stronghold, but I hope he will perform like his predecessors.

summary

Chanathip player at the J League award ceremony. Even compared to Mr. Ramos Rui next to him, he is noticeably smaller!

The level of soccer in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, continues to rise year by year, and I believe that many J-League players from Thailand will continue to emerge.

In the 2019 season, I would like to enjoy watching the J League, which is becoming more and more exciting, while paying attention to the activities of Thai players. I can't take my eyes off the Thai J Leaguers again this year! !