Shanghai: Yosuke Kashiwagi has been one of the most effective playmakers in the 2017 AFC Champions League, and the Urawa Red Diamonds midfielder is relishing the opportunity to put on another show in Wednesday’s semi-final first leg away to Shanghai SIPG.
Urawa lost 3-2 when the sides clashed at Shanghai Stadium back on Matchday 3, but won the return fixture 1-0 before pipping SIPG to top spot in Group F.
Kashiwagi believes that in order to get the better of Andre Villas-Boas’s side again, it is vital to embrace the occasion.
“I’ve heard there will be a lot of fans in the stadium, but when teams come to play against us in Japan they enjoy it so this time it is our chance to enjoy playing in that atmosphere away from home,” he said.
“More so than sitting back and defending we need to be proactive ourselves. We have to defend well and try to win the ball in good areas. I don’t think they’re especially strong defensively so that could be our best way to try and create chances. We’re away but if we can play positively and show that kind of play from the start then I think we’ll have a chance.”
Despite playing just six games in this year’s competition Kashiwagi has provided four assists, created 14 chances for teammates, and achieved a pass completion rate of 87 percent.
“I think the thing is that in Japan a lot of teams tend to play quite defensively whereas in the ACL against teams like Shanghai both sides want to show what they can do, and so within that kind of fierce battle I feel like it actually makes it easier for me to exhibit my strong points.”
A childhood spent honing his skills has also helped on that front.
“I used to spend a lot of time working with the ball on my own. I’d give myself a lot of challenges such as doing keepy-uppies while going up stairs or taking off clothes and so on, as well as trying things like putting an empty can on top of the goal and aiming for that.
“I think the fact I did those kind of things is connected to me being quite a creative, technical player now.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com