Eiji Kawashima (川島永嗣)
Japan's "Guardian Deity" will be moving to Sk Lierse in the Belgian Jupilar League next season and its time to look at the past present and future for him.
Pre-Lierse:
Kawashima began his career at Omiya Ardija where he accumulated 43 caps. He then moved to Nagoya Grampus where his playing time was severely limited by the Seigo Narazaki. Because of the lack of playing time, Kawashima moved to Kawasaki Frontale where he would establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper and one of the best in the league. Frontale's transformation into one of the power houses of the J-League mirrors Kawashima's own progression into a top class goalkeeper. Despite having one of the worst defenses in the league, Kawashima managed to show his value to the team by making countless saves and helping Frontale to the top of the table.
Present:
Kawashima was not seen as the first choice goal keeper for Japan until after his great performance against England where he managed to save a penalty kick from Frank Lampard. After that match Kawashima solidified his spot as the first choice goal keeper ahead of longtime rival Seigo Narazaki. Kawashima impressed in his World Cup debut only conceding 2 goals in 4 matches against top sides including the World Cup runner-ups the Netherlands. Kawashima showed a commanding presence in the box and displayed a lot of passion. One of the moments that defines Kawashima was during the Denmark match. Although Kawashima managed to save the first penalty kick attempt he failed to stop the rebound. Kawashima erupted in a fit of anger, banging his fists on the ground. Kawashima shows the kind of passion that only few footballers have.
Conclusion:
Kawashima will probably have the most difficult time of all of the Japanese players abroad this season. The language barrier will be difficult to overcome. Communication is crucial for goalkeepers and if Kawashima is unable to communicate well then he will have many problems. But if there is one goalkeeper in Japan who I think can succeed in Europe it is Kawashima. The man does not take anything for granted and is a fighter.
Pre-Lierse:
Kawashima began his career at Omiya Ardija where he accumulated 43 caps. He then moved to Nagoya Grampus where his playing time was severely limited by the Seigo Narazaki. Because of the lack of playing time, Kawashima moved to Kawasaki Frontale where he would establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper and one of the best in the league. Frontale's transformation into one of the power houses of the J-League mirrors Kawashima's own progression into a top class goalkeeper. Despite having one of the worst defenses in the league, Kawashima managed to show his value to the team by making countless saves and helping Frontale to the top of the table.
Present:
Kawashima was not seen as the first choice goal keeper for Japan until after his great performance against England where he managed to save a penalty kick from Frank Lampard. After that match Kawashima solidified his spot as the first choice goal keeper ahead of longtime rival Seigo Narazaki. Kawashima impressed in his World Cup debut only conceding 2 goals in 4 matches against top sides including the World Cup runner-ups the Netherlands. Kawashima showed a commanding presence in the box and displayed a lot of passion. One of the moments that defines Kawashima was during the Denmark match. Although Kawashima managed to save the first penalty kick attempt he failed to stop the rebound. Kawashima erupted in a fit of anger, banging his fists on the ground. Kawashima shows the kind of passion that only few footballers have.
Conclusion:
Kawashima will probably have the most difficult time of all of the Japanese players abroad this season. The language barrier will be difficult to overcome. Communication is crucial for goalkeepers and if Kawashima is unable to communicate well then he will have many problems. But if there is one goalkeeper in Japan who I think can succeed in Europe it is Kawashima. The man does not take anything for granted and is a fighter.
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