Nakamura Keito – A star in the making
Off the pitch, Nakamura is more BTS than Samurai Blue.
With his model-like looks complimenting his fleet-footed game, Nakamura’s Instagram following has nearly tripled since the start of the World Cup and now approaches 1.2 million. Female fans are flocking to Japan’s training base in Nashville, Tennessee, for a peek at the Stade de Reims midfielder.
In June last year, Nakamura published a photobook which has sold like hotcakes. He is on the cover of fashion magazines. Sponsors are knocking at his door. All the signs of a crossover, breakout star are there.
But make no mistake, Nakamura is not only a shirt-seller. His popularity does not exceed his football, which Japan will surely need with the uncertainty surrounding his close friend Kubo, who Nakamura has known for more than a decade since their under-15 days.
And Japan aren’t simply trying to have a good World Cup; they are dead serious about trying to win the whole thing.
There’s no question Japan are a better side with Kubo than without, especially with Brighton wing Mitoma not in the fold after tearing his hamstring a week before the World Cup squad announcement in a cruel twist of fate.
Kubo, with his creativity and a willingness to want the ball at his feet when it matters, provides a point of difference for Japan – much like Mitoma did.
The Real Sociedad man will not be available for the Sweden match as the team approaches his knee condition with extreme caution, understanding that they will need him more later on in the tournament than now.
Nakamura said Kubo is improving with each day, and believes that he will be a factor once the second round begins.
“(Kubo) wasn’t available for this game but whether it’s the Sweden game or round of 32 or 16, he’s progressing towards it,” Nakamura said of Kubo, who assisted his first-ever senior international goal as well as his goal against the Dutch.
“Of course we’re out there playing for him but it’s not like he’s pulled out of the squad. I’m not worried, I think he’ll be fine.”
