Column – Page 10 – J.League Regista

Freefalling

From a needed renewal to the most incredible relegation in J2 history: that’s 2021 in a nutshell for Matsumoto Yamaga.

Júbilo Iwata won the title almost too easily, yet their roster doesn’t rely on young blood. Is there a future for this group?

A promoted and strong pack, the surprise from the North and a winger turned into striker: these have been the awards for 2021 in the third division.

Brenner was a crucial piece to put the Grulla’s run to promotion together, but the Brazilian showed a submerse tendency in J3.

Yuya Sato has been relevant mostly for his mistakes in the last years. Nevertheless, Kumamoto was his turning point.

A consolidated dynasty, an Aussie gatekeeper, and young guns: these have been the awards for 2021 in the top tier.

At many turns of his life, Ryuho Kikuchi risked of losing his J. League dream, but he fought through to come this far.

After years of personal success, but lesser fortune with his squads, Ataru Esaka is finally a key-player in a solid project.

Reo Hatate is just 23 years old, but already mature like a veteran, ductile like Dirk Kuyt and talented like few others.

The transfers are not just within the J. League landscape, but also from and to Europe: here’s Part 3 of our deep dive.