Hasegawa Kentaro Discusses Doan Ritsu's World Cup: The Hidd…
Hasegawa Kentaro Discusses Doan Ritsu's World Cup: The Hidden MVP's Growth and the Pride of the Number 10
Former Gamba manager analyzes his student's improved defensive skills as a right-back and his hunger for attack. An expert breaks down Doan Ritsu's efforts at the 2026 tournament.
" Hasegawa specifically highlighted Doan's defensive contributions and relentless work rate as a right wing-back while also noting the strong desire for attack expected from a player wearing the number 10 jersey, delving deeply into the player's complex mindset. Hasegawa, who coached Doan at Gamba Osaka from 2015 to 2017, emphasized the tactical maturity Doan has shown. Notably, during Japan's 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia, Doan's extensive coverage as a right wing-back stabilized the team's defensive organization, earning him the "hidden MVP" praise.
In the match against powerhouse Netherlands, Doan effectively neutralized Cody Gakpo, the opponent's attacking linchpin, showcasing his defensive awareness and physical growth. Hasegawa analyzed that these plays were essential sacrifices and contributions to the team's success, going beyond visible results like goals or assists. Hasegawa reiterated the importance of players' multifaceted roles in modern soccer.
The right wing-back position, once often filled by attacking players, has seen a surge in defensive responsibilities in recent years. Players like Doan Ritsu, who maintain high levels in both attack and defense, provide tactical flexibility for teams like Japan that prioritize technical skill. This evolution is not just about individual growth but also supports the tactical diversity of the entire Japan national team.
Hasegawa also discussed the tactical flexibility of the Japan national team. Throughout the tournament, Japan flexibly changed formations and deployed tactics tailored to opponents, with Doan Ritsu often used as a right wing-back. Hasegawa analyzed that this diversity in tactics maximizes individual player characteristics, giving the manager more tactical options.
As a result, the team increased unpredictability and maintained competitiveness against powerhouse nations. However, Hasegawa also touched on the weight of the number 10 jersey that Doan Ritsu wears. He pointed out that for a player traditionally expected to be the attacking centerpiece and a game-deciding force, focusing on defensive tasks comes with an inherent internal conflict.
Hasegawa speculated that Doan himself likely harbors a strong desire to be directly involved in goals or assists. While his self-sacrificing attitude for the team's victory deserves praise as a professional, Hasegawa noted that this also comes with the dilemma unique to players with attacking talents. Hasegawa praised Doan's defensive growth, stating, "Doan Ritsu's improvement in defense is remarkable.
'" He then added, "But since he wears the number 10, it's natural that he wants to be involved in scoring. Balancing this will be key to his further growth as a player," clearly outlining both expectations and challenges for his former student. These remarks go beyond mere evaluation, offering deep insights unique to a former coach, delving into the player's psychological state.
At the 2026 World Cup, Doan Ritsu showed a new dimension as a right wing-back, but his career path may also involve a return to a more attacking role in the future. Within the framework of maximizing team tactics and individual talent, his evolution will be closely watched. In the next international tournament, the challenge for him—and for the Japan national team—will be to showcase his attacking flair alongside his defensive contributions and get involved in goals once again.
Hasegawa's analysis highlights that the evolving roles of players in modern soccer are not just about tactical theories but also about human growth stories. Given the transformation of the right wing-back position from a "showcase of attack" to a "pillar of defense," Doan's growth stands as a symbolic example. This evolution of the position also significantly impacts players' career development.
While attacking players often filled the right-back role in the past, defensive responsibilities now heavily influence a player's evaluation. Doan's success in this position has not only expanded Japan's tactical options but also elevated his own value as a player. Hasegawa also commented on the Japan national team's generational transition and tactical future.
Throughout the tournament, many young players gained experience, demonstrating the team's depth. Players like Doan Ritsu, who balance defensive roles with attacking talent, are crucial to the tactical flexibility of the Japan national team. This is not just about achieving results but also about maintaining competitiveness in the long term.
Hasegawa views the multifaceted growth of such players as a foundation for the future of Japanese soccer. Hasegawa concluded, "For teams like Japan that prioritize technical skill, it's essential to have players like Doan Ritsu who can maintain high levels in both defense and attack. Read at Football Channel
Why this matters
An analysis from a former coach provides an insider's perspective, delving deeply into a player's technical evolution and mental conflicts, revealing their complex persona. Doan Ritsu's case at the 2026 World Cup, where Japan's tactical success and individual growth intertwined, is symbolic. Hasegawa's insights offer more than just performance evaluations; they provide valuable perspectives on nurturing the next generation of leaders and underscore the importance of players' multifaceted roles in modern soccer. Today, it's common for players to take on multiple roles, and this flexibility often creates tactical advantages for teams. Such perspectives will serve as important guidelines for future player development and tactical theories.
Frequently asked
How does Hasegawa Kentaro evaluate Doan Ritsu?
He praises Doan's defensive skills and selfless play as a right wing-back, calling him the 'hidden MVP,' while also noting the natural desire for more offensive involvement as the player wearing the number 10 jersey.
What were Doan Ritsu's main contributions at the 2026 World Cup?
He contributed to the 4-0 win over Tunisia with his defensive work as a right wing-back and effectively neutralized Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands' key attacker, in the match against the powerhouse nation.
How does Hasegawa view Doan Ritsu's desire to score goals?
He points out that as a player wearing the number 10, there is a natural desire to be involved in goals or assists. He suggests that balancing team contributions with personal expression will be Doan's future challenge.
What is the relationship between Hasegawa and Doan Ritsu?
Hasegawa coached Doan at Gamba Osaka from 2015 to 2017, having recognized his talent early on. This deep relationship provides a unique perspective and depth to his analysis of Doan's World Cup performances.
What does Hasegawa think about the modern soccer player?
He notes that positions like the right wing-back, once often filled by attacking players, now come with significantly increased defensive responsibilities. He believes that players taking on multiple roles enhances a team's tactical flexibility.
How does Hasegawa evaluate Japan's tactical flexibility?
He praises the team's ability to flexibly change formations and deploy tactics tailored to opponents. He highlights that this approach maximizes individual player characteristics, giving the manager more tactical options.
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