Among Europe’s major leagues, the Bundesliga stands out for the level of trust and continuity Japanese players have earned.
This week again, Japanese players featured for multiple clubs—selection and evaluations that reinforce the idea that they are being counted on as reliable pieces of their teams.
Germany used to be seen as a “place to challenge.” Now, for Japanese players, it has become a league where both results and responsibility are demanded at the same time.
Ritsu Doan (Freiburg)
As a key figure on the right flank, Ritsu Doan delivered another steady performance this week.
It’s not only about visible numbers like goals and assists. He continues to be highly valued for elements such as:
- High-intensity pressing and defensive work from the front
- Ball retention and control in wide areas
- Work rate that doesn’t drop even late in matches
Being the kind of player who can be “counted on every match” is likely the biggest reason he keeps being trusted as a regular starter.
Ko Itakura (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
At center-back, Ko Itakura continues to produce extremely consistent performances—no flash, just reliability. His line control, one-on-one defending, and constant communication help organize the back line. The way he reads the match and keeps the defense in shape already looks like that of a true defensive leader.
Limiting mistakes and bringing calm to teammates—center-backs who can deliver those “basics” at a high level are valued in any league.
Hiroki Ito (Bayern)
The biggest impact this week came from Hiroki Ito.
He combined defensive stability with a decisive contribution on the scoresheet, lifting his evaluation another notch. At a big club, it’s not only the performance level that matters—what you leave on the scoreboard often shapes how you’re judged.
Ito showed both, strongly suggesting he may be more than just a rotation option.
Summary: from “challengers” to “reliable, bankable assets”
Looking back at this week in the Bundesliga, Japanese players are no longer in the phase where simply “getting minutes” is considered success.
“Playing is enough” is no longer the benchmark.
- Who starts
- What role they are trusted with
- How much influence they have within the team
That is now the lens through which they are discussed.
As the second half of the season approaches, the key is not only goals and assists. Watch for role definition, shifts in the pecking order, and whether they are used in decisive moments. That’s where the “current position” and “next step” of Japan’s Bundesliga contingent will reveal itself.
