20year old attacker, Naoki Tsubaki has represented Japan at different age levels.
Blown away by the difference in the level of foreign and Japanese soccer at the U17 World Cup, Naoki says that he" felt the urgency to go abroad while young".
Highlight
- There are an influx of Japanese Nationals in 2020/21 season of A-League
- Japanese Nationals have been recruited for both the men's and women's side for Melbourne City FC
- Naoki Tsubaki comes with high regards from Ange Postecoglou
Naoki is on loan from J League Yokohama F. Marions, where our very own Ange Postecoglou have been coaching since 2018.
He has represented Yokohama F. Marions since 2016 as a Youth, and was promoted to the top team in 2019. Although Naoki has spent most of his professional career on loan to Giravanz Kitakyushu, Ange Postecoglou and his coaching team at Yokohama F. Marions has seen plenty of potential in the young gun, recommending the short term move to Melbourne City FC.
After completing 14 days of hotel quarantine, Naoki joined his team mates on the 18th of December, and just 11 days later, he was on the pitch, playing his very first A-League match against Brisbane Roar.
Naoki was substituted on at the 61st minute, shortly after his team mate, Connor Metcalfe scored the first goal of the 2020/2021 A-League season. However, Melbourne City was soon down to 10 men with Adrian Luna's red card, as they desperately defended for the remaining 20 minutes in an extremely windy and humid condition.
"It was quite tough, but it was great to be able to defend our score as a team"
Naoki says he has not played a match since leaving his team about a month ago, and couldn't move as he has hoped for.
"Although my condition is not up to scratch yet, I was very happy and relived to come home with a win in my debut game"
Naoki has only joined the team recently, but when asked about the differences of Japanese and Australian soccer, Naoki was quick to respond.
"The physical strength and speed is much greater here, but Japanese are no less in terms of technique and tactics"
However, the biggest difference is "their mental strength" says Naoki.
"I feel that the players invest so much into each game. They are looking for results in each and every game in order to improve themselves"
For Naoki, who is here until end of June, result is everything.
"I need more goals than assists"
"I hope to contribute to the team's Championship win"
Playing opposite to Naoki in the opening round against Brisbane Roar, was Midfielder Riku Danzakai, who like Naoki is a 20 year old young gun, on loan from Consadole Sapporo.
Naoki Tsubaki hopes to make a mark on the A-League pitch Source: Melbourne City FC
"I know him well, we're also great rivals"
"I hope that we can influence each other" says Naoki.
Brisbane has also recruited a striker, Masato Kudo, who has also represented Japan on several occasions. Joining them are Tomoki Imai(Western United FC) and Kosuke Ota(Perth Glory) .This is the most Japanese players ever to play in a single A-league season.
Melbourne City has also recruited Chinatsu Kira on their women's side, a 29 year old attacking midfielder who has appeared on 12 international stages with 5 goals.
