On May 9, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma suffered an injury during the match against Wolverhampton. Reports suggest a left leg muscle strain, which is not a minor issue. This latest setback adds to the growing list of injuries for Japan’s attacking options, following Takumi Minamino and Yuito Suzuki. The “left shadow” position—a key role in manager Hajime Moriyasu’s system—now appears cursed, leaving the coaching staff scrambling for alternatives before the World Cup squad announcement.
While Keito Nakamura and Daizen Maeda are natural candidates, neither fits perfectly. Nakamura excels as a winger but lacks the defensive work rate required in the “shadow” role, while Maeda’s energy is undeniable but his technical link-up play can be inconsistent. So, what is the optimal solution? One promising option is to shift Ritsu Doan to the left side, given his ability to cut inside and combine with full-backs. Another possibility is deploying Takefusa Kubo as a floating playmaker, allowing him to drift into central spaces. Alternatively, promoting a younger talent like Koki Ogawa or using a 3-4-2-1 formation could mitigate the crisis.
As the May 15 squad announcement approaches, Moriyasu must decide quickly. The “cursed left shadow” may yet produce an unexpected hero.
