What do 2024 Ballon d'Or candidate Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City) and Riko Ueki (West Ham) have in common? These two talented players were trained at Verdy Beleza, Japan's most successful club, and are now making waves in the Barclays Women's Super League. The Guardian took a closer look at the reasons behind the success of this team from Tokyo’s suburbs, which has become a model internationally for player development despite its modest resources. Soccer, the second most popular sport in Japan behind baseball, already boasts a large pool of players whose agility and technical skills are highly prized by European and American leagues. The English outlet highlights the rigorous technical and tactical work implemented by coach Takeo Matsuda, both in training and in games. "In a society that values the group over the individual, this method bears fruit, but though it leaves little room for individual creativity," notes the journalist, who believes the exodus of Japanese talent is only beginning.
Brief
Yui Hasegawa with Manchester City colors during a match against Paris FC in the Champions League F / © Presse Sports