Aston Villa have confirmed a partnership with Vissel Kobe with the sides sharing certain aspects. With that said which players have come out of the J.League and found Premier League success?
Villa’s network of clubs continues to grow with Japanese side Vissel Kobe being the latest side to join V Sports.
Prior to their addition, Portuguese side Vitória Sport Clube and Egyptian outfit ZED FC were the two clubs linked to the Villains.
Vissel Kobe addition
This is a partnership that has excited Villa fans that is for certain, the announcement tweet received 3,000 likes in just a few hours.
In the statement, Villa outlined: “Bilateral development framework for players and staff which will enhance youth development, alongside the cooperative sharing of ideas, techniques and best practice.”
As a result of this, it will see Japanese players given a chance on the European stage and eventually with the Villains.
Kobe will be visiting Birmingham at some point in the next month to begin the partnership. This will also see the Under 16s train at Bodymoor Heath.
Villa’s academy team will travel to Japan to feature in an international tournament.
Best players to come out of the J.League
Kaoru Mitoma
Mitoma is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League right now that is for sure. Signed by Brighton and Hove Albion in 2021 after he impressed with Kawasaki Frontale.
Since then he has gone on loan to Belgium and had his Premier League break. In 41 appearances he has scored 10 goals and is one of the best J.League exports.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu is a Japanese international who has played in Italy and now in England. A defensive-minded full-back, a throwback to old-school footballers.
Despite not being a first-choice option, he still has a positive impact on an Arsenal side that is challenging at the top of the Premier League.
Takefusa Kubo
Kubo made a move from the J.League to Real Madrid in 2019 and has gone on to make a splash in La Liga with Real Sociedad.
Playing for his fifth club in Spain, he has found a perfect home. He has scored 14 goals in 42 appearances across this and last season. A great attacker and another top export from Japan.
These are the kind of players Villa fans may have to look forward to in the future as their Vissel Kobe partnership grows stronger.
