‘He had Cristiano Ronaldo in his pocket’ – New Tottenham star Kota Takai’s key strength identified

Tottenham’s newest signing Kota Takai has already shown he can handle Premier League class forwards next season. The Japan international has completed a transfer to Spurs from Kawasaki Frontale in his homeland for £5million – and it could prove to be a bargain. Spurs fans have been told they can expect very assured performances from Japan international TakaiGetty The defender is set to complete a move from Kawasaki FrontaleGetty Takai’s move represents a record fee for a Japanese player leaving the J1 League and he is expected to be a member of the first-team squad. And Spurs fans been told what to expect from the 20-year-old centre-back, who is already making waves on the international scene too. Despite his age, Takai has already made 78 first-team appearances for Kawasaki, who he won the Japanese Cup with in 2023. He has also picked up four caps senior international caps since making his debut in September. Japanese football expert Alan Gibson believes Takai’s physicality will be key to his success in England. Notably, the defender has already faced a trio of former Premier League stars ahead of his move to the divison. Speaking to Hawksbee & Baker, Gibson explained: “He’s very, very good. He’s very fast. “He’s registered at 6 foot 4, 6 foot 3 and a half, which is very unusual for a Japanese player and shouldn’t be a problem in the Premier League if size matters. “And he’s only about 80, 82, 83kg at the moment. So he might need a bit of beefing up” He continued: “I think some of the highlights you’ve probably seen were in the Asian Champions League semi-final when he played against Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran, and basically he had them in his pocket all game. Takai faced Cristiano Ronaldo in the AFC Champions League in AprilGetty The youngster had Ronaldo ‘in his pocket’ as Kawasaki knocked out Al NassrGetty Not many who go up against Ronaldo come out on topGetty “I didn’t realise Ronaldo was playing for about 60 minutes. Seriously, I was watching it on a small screen, and I really had forgotten that Ronaldo was there.” Kawasaki saw off Al Nassr 3-2 in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League back in April. Takai was able to keep out both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran as his side reached the final, where they were beaten by Saudi club Al Ahli. He is now set to bring his pace and power to north London this summer as part of Thomas Frank’s Spurs rebuild. Takai is Tottenham’s fourth permanent signing with three previously confirmed by the club ahead of the new season. Both Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have arrived following initial loan spells during the second half of last term. Meanwhile, Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic will make his long-awaited arrival. The 18-year-old agreed to join Spurs from Hajduk Split back in 2023 and spent last season on loan – and impressing – with Westerlo. However, due to his age, has only this year been able to complete his transfer. While in Belgian the centre-back netted one of the goals of the season, firing in a stunning overhead kick. Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action. *Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue

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‘He had Cristiano Ronaldo in his pocket’ – New Tottenham star Kota Takai’s key strength identified

Tottenham’s newest signing Kota Takai has already shown he can handle Premier League class forwards next season.

The Japan international has completed a transfer to Spurs from Kawasaki Frontale in his homeland for £5million – and it could prove to be a bargain.

Spurs fans have been told they can expect very assured performances from Japan international Takai

The defender is set to complete a move from Kawasaki Frontale

Takai’s move represents a record fee for a Japanese player leaving the J1 League and he is expected to be a member of the first-team squad.

And Spurs fans been told what to expect from the 20-year-old centre-back, who is already making waves on the international scene too.

Despite his age, Takai has already made 78 first-team appearances for Kawasaki, who he won the Japanese Cup with in 2023.

He has also picked up four caps senior international caps since making his debut in September.

Japanese football expert Alan Gibson believes Takai’s physicality will be key to his success in England.

Notably, the defender has already faced a trio of former Premier League stars ahead of his move to the divison.

Speaking to Hawksbee & Baker, Gibson explained: “He’s very, very good. He’s very fast.

“He’s registered at 6 foot 4, 6 foot 3 and a half, which is very unusual for a Japanese player and shouldn’t be a problem in the Premier League if size matters.

“And he’s only about 80, 82, 83kg at the moment. So he might need a bit of beefing up”

He continued: “I think some of the highlights you’ve probably seen were in the Asian Champions League semi-final when he played against Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran, and basically he had them in his pocket all game.

Takai faced Cristiano Ronaldo in the AFC Champions League in April

The youngster had Ronaldo ‘in his pocket’ as Kawasaki knocked out Al Nassr

Not many who go up against Ronaldo come out on top

“I didn’t realise Ronaldo was playing for about 60 minutes. Seriously, I was watching it on a small screen, and I really had forgotten that Ronaldo was there.”

Kawasaki saw off Al Nassr 3-2 in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League back in April.

Takai was able to keep out both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran as his side reached the final, where they were beaten by Saudi club Al Ahli.

He is now set to bring his pace and power to north London this summer as part of Thomas Frank’s Spurs rebuild.

Takai is Tottenham’s fourth permanent signing with three previously confirmed by the club ahead of the new season.

Both Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have arrived following initial loan spells during the second half of last term.

Meanwhile, Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic will make his long-awaited arrival.

The 18-year-old agreed to join Spurs from Hajduk Split back in 2023 and spent last season on loan – and impressing – with Westerlo.

However, due to his age, has only this year been able to complete his transfer.

While in Belgian the centre-back netted one of the goals of the season, firing in a stunning overhead kick.

Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action.

*Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue