Hayato Inamura

I would argue it would be more like the KT & Sinclair combo where Maeda would be an inside forward using the channels and getting the box far more.

Especially for Europe would be brilliant, then once Jota is fit or a new left winger we have the option of Daizen up top with the more creative winger out wide. Plenty options.

 

Good lord

 

That sounds terrifyingly amazing.

 

Aye. Been very impressed so far but I think we need to rein it in a wee bit. He’s had a good start but it’s been friendlies against teams starting their pre-season.

If this is just his level then brilliant - keep him as back up LB for now. But we’ve not seen him tested defensively too much - and actually when Elanga came on the other day he was starting to get the run around before he got subbed for Tierney.

Still wouldn’t rule out a loan move.

 

He has done well and looks good on the ball Inamura, but when it comes to going into a tackle or physical duel I think he looks very raw still. Don’t get me wrong his range of passing, press resistance and way he plays the game are excellent, he has good pace but Tierney is streets ahead of him.

In the Lisbon game Tierney saved two goals with his tucking in back post defending to block a shot and intercept the other.

I like what I see from Inamura, being honest I feel like the way he plays the game he should be a ball playing deep lying playmaker in the middle of the park but you can do that to an extent as an inverted left back.

One thing I do like is when he is left back he looks very comfortable receiving the ball in a traditional full back position or when he comes inside. Essentially he doesn’t seem limited to playing either way which is impressive. Taylor always looked awkward when he was asked to play as a traditional full back and receiving the ball close to the touch line.

 

Isn’t Inamura actually a centre back though? If that’s the case how easily he’s transitioned to the left back position has to be admired. He hasn’t put a foot wrong there for a position that’s new to him

 

I think he originally started as a LB. He has looked good but I do worry about him up against the hammer throwers in our league