 |
| At 22 but with a wealth of experience in Europe under his belt, Takefusa Kubo looks set to be a key player for Japan not only at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup but for the next decade or so. EPA/FILIP SINGER |
When Japan last won the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, they looked destined for a prolonged period of dominance on the continental stage.
They had just claimed a record-breaking fourth title with a talented yet youthful squad -- without a single player over the age of 30.
Emerging talents Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa were just 24 and 21 but both already plying their trade for CSKA Moscow and Borussia Dortmund respectively, while other Europe-based names such as Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida and even captain Makoto Hasebe were all in their early to mid-twenties.
Somehow, in the 13 years since, Japan are yet to add another Asian Cup to their trophy cabinet.
Those names have long disappeared from the Samurai Blue setup, either through retirement or being gradually phased out.
A new generation has been ushered in to deliver the coveted prize that has curiously eluded the Japanese at the past two editions of the Asian Cup: a fifth continental crown.
