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Southampton: Maya Yoshida makes Japan’s World Cup squad

By Chris Hughes

LILLE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 10: Maya Yoshida of Japan looks on during the international friendly match between Brazil and Japan at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on November 10, 2017 in Lille, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LILLE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 10: Maya Yoshida of Japan looks on during the international friendly match between Brazil and Japan at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on November 10, 2017 in Lille, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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As to be expected, Southampton defender Maya Yoshida will be heading to this summer’s World Cup in Russia to represent Japan.

This will therefore be Yoshida’s second World Cup with the Blue Samurai, having previously represented them in 2014 as Japan failed to get out of their group having registered just a single point.

This time around they face a tricky group but not one with an obvious winner – their opponents will be Colombia, Poland and Senegal. Therefore Yoshida could have to defend against former Southampton teammate and Champions League runner-up Sadio Mane.

The centre-back has been a Japanese international since 2010, however since joining the Saints he only ever missed out on an international call-up because of injury. Yoshida has been a mainstay for his national side for eight years, winning 81 caps and scoring a rather impressive ten goals along the way.

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Maya Yoshida of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Maya Yoshida of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Although Japan’s pre-World Cup preparation hasn’t got off to the best of starts, with Yoshida’s team losing 2-0 to Ghana just yesterday evening. Before the tournament kicks off next month, the Southampton centre-back will see his side face Switzerland and Paraguay in friendlies in early June.

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At 29 years of age, this is unlikely to be Yoshida’s last tournament unless he loses a serious step or two, but with the group they currently face it could be the best chance the Blue Samurai have of getting into the knockout stages.

The round-of-sixteen is the furthest Japan have ever got in the World Cup finals and the last time they got there was 2010 in South Africa. They currently have perhaps their best squad in years, meaning wins against one of Colombia and Poland and another against Senegal could realistically see Yoshida and co. through to the last 16.

The news of Yoshida’s call-up to the 23-man squad was anticipated by the supporters, but not 100% confirmed especially after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg missed out on making Denmark’s squad despite a really solid season in red and white.

The centre-back’s first potential group stage game will be against the Colombians, on the 19th of June.

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