Kuryu Matsuki's loan risk has paid off well for Southampton and now they are close to repeating the same for his fellow compatriot.
Before July, Jay Robinson and Shea Charles were the only ones ruling Southampton's preseason talk. All the unknown buzz revolved near them, and the duo have let their performances answer why they were the main Saints attractions.
But they have been accompanied by another fresh face who has altered Will Still's Championship plans for good reasons. Well, that's Kuryu Matsuki and now we know why he was getting second division shouts from his respected countryman without taking part in a single competitive game in England.
But let's not forget, Kuryu's impressive July could never have taken off without Southampton's proactive approach. Stepping early to sign him and providing him with a senior football loan, months after his 21st birthday, when other talents of his age polish their skills in youth leagues.
Rento Takaoka is set to follow Kuryu Matsuki's Southampton steps
Agreed, Kuryu went through the unconventional route in comparison but it's hard to debate against this method if it gets the job done. Now, repeating success is a smart act and Southampton are set to mirror the blueprint with another Japanese teenager, Rento Takaoka.
In February, Rento stood out at the Asian U20 tournament and had the Saints following his journey that abruptly ended at the semi-final stage.
Currently, he is gearing up for a loan spell at Saints sister team Valenciennes, with Just Saints detailing: "Understand SaintsFC academy attacker Rento Takaoka (18) has been training with the Valenciennes Reserve squad ahead of a potential loan."
Most likely, Southampton should follow a two-year progress chart for Rento to see how he fits into Valenciennes' starting lineup. And if the first season doesn't give some decent results, only then should the changes be implemented, but first of all, let's see how much Rento gets to play there.