Twinkle-toes Miyaichi wants to be let loose
Reuters - Friday 25 May 2012, 11:10
Arsenal's twinkle-toed teenager
Ryo Miyaichi has pleaded with Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni to
give him a start for the final round of Asian 2014 World Cup
qualifiers.
The 19-year-old winger made his long-awaited full
international debut as a substitute in Japan's 2-0 friendly
victory over Azerbaijan in midweek.
Now Miyaichi, who can run the 100 metres in 10.6 seconds,
wants a meatier role when Japan face Oman on June 3 and Jordan
on June 8 at home before travelling to Australia four days
later.
"Wherever I've played, I've always scored in my second
game," Miyaichi told Japan's Sankei Sports newspaper on Friday.
"At Feyenoord and Bolton [on loan from Arsenal] that was the
case so it would be great to do it again for Japan."
A goal against Oman would make Miyaichi Japan's youngest
goalscorer in World Cup qualifying and Zaccheroni praised his
impact after coming on against Azerbaijan.
"Miyaichi is very good in one-on-one situations and above
all has a great eye for goal," said the Italian. "He can play on
both flanks, gives us width and can create chances for us."
The Asian champions are also drawn alongside Iraq, currently
under the charge of former Japan coach Zico, in Group B.