Melbourne Victory’s Carl Valeri says Keisuke Honda an example of Japan’s football professionalism
As Melbourne Victory players’ eyes are opened by ‘Honda-mania’ in Japan, captain Carl Valeri says football fans should get used to Asian players becoming dominant world forces.
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Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri warned Australia that Asia was on the verge of creating more Keisuke Hondas.
Honda’s extraordinary work ethic had been the biggest eye opener for Valeri since they became teammates, after several duels, including the 2011 Asian Cup final.
Valeri looked set to return for Tuesday’s Asian Champions League clash away to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, after missing the past five weeks with a hamstring injury, offsetting the absence of fellow midfielder Terry Antonis, who copped a training knock.
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But Valeri, who won 52 Socceroos caps, admitted that Honda’s professionalism was next level.
“I’ve witnessed it first-hand with Keisuke Honda at the club, what he’s capable of and his mentality, which he was really the thing that stood out,’’ Valeri said.
“I knew he was a great player and could do amazing things, but his mentality and everything else he brings, he has that perfect mix. And you can see that more and more in these Japanese players.
“When you’re a player, you can have (genetic) gifts or natural gifts, but the things that really make a professional footballer is the level of hard work they’re prepared to put in, the dedication and repeating that.
“To couple that with a great technique, powerful body and great vision is quite rare. You see it often in Europe, the big players and big clubs — Paul Pogba you think he’s just a big guy running around, but he’s got the perfect mix of everything, he’s two metres tall and (has) an extraordinary leap.”
Valeri admitted last year’s Kawasaki Frontale clash was another eye opener, and said Asian nations were investing heavily.
“I’m seeing it more in Asian players, not just Japan. I witnessed it first-hand over my time with the national team, how the Socceroos almost struggled over time to keep up with them,’’ he said.
“They’re investing a lot in their youth, and it’s paying off. You can see the results. Japan started well before everyone else.
“What’s really impressed me over my career is the level of football they (Japanese) play. We played against Kawasaki last year and they were probably one of the best football teams I’ve seen play.
“They didn’t get out of the group, but the quality, movement, what they were looking to do was just truly amazing.
“If they’re producing that, over the next couple of decades they will be a force in football, they already are. But up the top.”
Valeri confirmed that he was fit, but his role would be decided by coach Kevin Muscat.
“I’m back and I’m ready to go,” Valeri said.
“I feel good, I’ve worked hard the last few weeks. I don’t know the plan but I’m here to contribute.”
david.davutovic@news.com.au
Originally published as Melbourne Victory’s Carl Valeri says Keisuke Honda an example of Japan’s football professionalism
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