Ko Itakura
AJA
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jan 27, 1997 (29)
Right
6'2"
176 lb
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.
Late call against Brazil
Itakura (thigh) joined Japan's collective training session and could be an option for Monday's clash against Brazil, though a final decision is expected to come late, according to Sponichi Annex.
Analysis: Itakura had been following a separate training program since departing the group stage finale against Sweden with thigh discomfort, making his return to the full group an encouraging step forward. Shogo Taniguchi remains the likely starter in Japan's three-man center-back line if Itakura is not deemed ready in time.
Unlikely to play vs. Brazil
Itakura (thigh) is unlikely to be fit to face Brazil on Monday, according to Chosun Sports.
Analysis: Itakura departed the group-stage finale against Sweden with apparent thigh discomfort in the first half, and he's been training indoors and away from the group since then. With the Ajax defender unlikely to play against La Selecao, Shogo Taniguchi is expected to take his place in Japan's three-man center-back line.
Off early against Sweden
Itakura was forced off the field in the 39th minute of Thursday's match against Sweden due to apparent discomfort.
Analysis: Itakura would leave the field during the first half of Thursday's match, appearing to signal for an exit due to discomfort despite no clear evidence of an injury. He would run off the field and was not treated immediately once on the bench, raising some questions about the real reason he was taken off. That said, it could have been tactical after nearly 40 minutes of play, although it would be strange to use a tactical substitute ahead of the halftime break.
Assist from defense
Itakura recorded one assist on one chance created in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.
Analysis: Itakura would earn a rare assist from the defense Saturday, stepping up from his center-back role to find Ayase Ueda in the 31st minute. He would also add a tackle, an interpcetion and nine clearances, seeing a decent two-way match. He went unused off the bench in their opener, so he will hope to earn another start against Sweden.
Expected to start in back line
Itakura has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to marshal Japan's back-three throughout the competition as the defensive organiser and leader.
Analysis: Itakura made 18 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax this season after joining on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, bringing valuable Champions League and Bundesliga experience to the Amsterdam club while continuing his excellent form at the highest level of Dutch football. The defender's ability to read the game, his composure in possession and his effectiveness in one-on-one situations make him one of the most complete center-backs in the squad, and manager Moriyasu will count on his leadership and experience to organise the defensive unit throughout the tournament. Itakura heads into the World Cup as the defensive anchor of a Japan side with genuine ambitions of progressing deep into the competition.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare