Ko Itakura
BMG
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Jan 27, 1997 (29)
Right
6'2"
176 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
2026/2027 Bundesliga
Overall Grades by game
2026/2027 Bundesliga
Upcoming matches
News
Returns to Gladbach
Itakura has returned to Borussia Monchengladbach on a contract through 2030, the club announced.
Analysis: Itakura originally joined Gladbach in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City, making 80 competitive appearances and scoring seven goals across three seasons before joining Ajax last summer, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions and scored once. Itakura is expected to start in central defense alongside Kevin Diks, stepping into the void left by Nico Elvedi's departure.
Bench role against Brazil
Itakura (thigh) is on the bench for Monday's clash against Brazil.
Analysis: Itakura has been unable to get the green light following the late decision that had been expected to determine his availability, with the thigh discomfort that had forced him to follow a separate training program since departing the group stage finale against Sweden proving too significant to clear him for a starting role in the knockout stage clash against Brazil. Shogo Taniguchi has been named in the starting lineup in his place, with Itakura named among the substitutes and available to contribute from the bench should coach Hajime Moriyasu require him during what promises to be one of the most demanding fixtures of Japan's World Cup campaign.
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