In the manga "Captain Tsubasa," each player on the Japanese team has been meticulously crafted, with their playing styles reflecting unique characteristics that can often be found mirrored in real-world football stars. Today, we will take a look at how the playing styles of the Japanese team's members resemble those of famous footballers.
Let's start by examining the regular lineup of the Japanese team:
Goalkeeper: Wakashimazu Genzo
Defenders: Kojiro Hyuga, Taro Misaki, Ken Wakashimazu, Takeshi Jin
Midfielders: Tsubasa Ozora, Ryo Ishizaki, Tetsuya Ishizaki, Yoichi Takahashi
Forwards: Kazemaru Kidou, Fubuki Shirou
Now, let's delve into which real-life football stars they most closely resemble:
- Wakashimazu Genzo - Similar to Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon is known for his exceptional goalkeeping abilities, high stability, and refined goal-line techniques. He excels at handling both aerial and ground balls, possesses strong mental fortitude, remains calm and focused during matches, and has strong leadership skills, effectively organizing his team's defense.
Wakashimazu Genzo, in the manga, is the hexagonal goalkeeper, excelling in all aspects, especially stability, which closely resembles Buffon. To allow opponents room to perform, the author often arranges for him to get injured.
- Kojiro Hyuga - Similar to Roberto Carlos
The legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos was incredibly fast, frequently joining the attack and delivering powerful long-range shots that posed a significant threat to the opposition's goal.
Kojiro Hyuga also plays as a left-back for the Japanese team and is known for his speed. He often advances along the flanks to support attacking players like Tsubasa Ozora and delivers powerful long-range shots. However, unlike Carlos, whose shots are more forceful, Hyuga's tend to be more skillful.
- Taro Misaki - Similar to Fabio Cannavaro
Cannavaro was precise in his tackling and had excellent defensive awareness, anticipating opponents' moves and making effective tackles without committing fouls. As a core member of the defense, he also had strong leadership and organizational skills, leading his teammates to build a solid defense.
Taro Misaki originally played as a forward but later switched to defense. His ability to read the game and his strategic vision remained unchanged, often directing and organizing joint defenses with his teammates, making him the defensive leader of the Japanese team. In terms of defense alone, he is very similar to Cannavaro.
- Ken Wakashimazu - Similar to Sergio Ramos
Ramos is physically strong, excelling in aerial duels, with fierce tackling and a fiery temper. He also has a powerful header, contributing to the team's offensive efforts, being one of the main members of the "Royal Martial Arts Team."
Ken Wakashimazu is also known for his fiery temper. He has outstanding physical qualities, combining the strengths of all the RJ7 members, with equally impressive aerial abilities. In the manga, he has scored multiple times for Japan with headers, sharing technical similarities with Ramos.
- Takeshi Jin - Similar to Javier Zanetti
Zanetti had excellent positional sense, outstanding body positioning skills, adept at predicting opponents' attacking routes, making accurate tackles, and excelling in one-on-one defense. He was nicknamed "The Man Who Walks the Offside Line" due to his clever runs.
Takeshi Jin specializes in "one-on-one defense," with his highlight moment coming against Sweden, where he significantly limited the effectiveness of Reiji, reducing Sweden's attacking momentum. However, Zanetti could play in multiple positions, which Jin lacks. Jin's attacking and organizational abilities are average, limiting him to the defensive role.
- Tsubasa Ozora - Similar to Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho had exquisite footwork, outstanding dribbling and scoring abilities, a strong overall view of the game, and was skilled at observing the field situation, distributing the ball effectively, and organizing the team's offense. His creativity on the field often led to unexpected passes and attacking methods, and he enjoyed the joy of the game, earning him the title of "Football Sprite."
Tsubasa Ozora is the protagonist of the manga, with comprehensive skills, adept at passing and shooting, and top-notch scoring and organizing abilities. He also enjoys the joy of football in matches, making it difficult for both enemies and allies to understand him. Both technically and in terms of attitude towards the game, he is very similar to Ronaldinho.
- Ryo Ishizaki - Similar to Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne delivers precise passes, has a broad vision, and strong assisting abilities, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. He also has excellent dribbling skills and scoring capabilities, with the ability to finish off games himself.
Ryo Ishizaki is positioned as Tsubasa Ozora's strongest assistant, often becoming the assist king in major competitions. He also has outstanding dribbling and long-range shooting abilities, scoring when given the chance.
- Tetsuya Ishizaki - Similar to Michael Ballack
Ballack was an all-round midfielder who could both organize attacks and act as a midfield enforcer. He had excellent physical attributes and a powerful long-range shot, often threatening the opponent's goal from a distance.
Tetsuya Ishizaki plays as a defensive midfielder for the Japanese team, growing up in the harsh environment of Hokkaido and developing a strong physique. He is aggressive in tackles, has good ball control, and can participate in attacks, possessing a long-distance "Kamui Falcon" shot similar to Ballack's abilities.
- Yoichi Takahashi - Similar to Claude Makelele
Makelele was known for his tireless work rate, covering large distances in every match, and his ability to disrupt the opposition's play with his tackling and interceptions.
Yoichi Takahashi, although playing as a left or right midfielder for the Japanese team, performs more like a defensive midfielder on the field. He has abundant stamina, covers a wide area, and frequently intercepts in midfield, playing a key role in transitioning from defense to attack, much like Makelele.
- Kazemaru Kidou - Similar to Gabriel Batistuta
Batistuta was known for his powerful shots and excellent physical condition. His simple yet practical technique and high goal-scoring efficiency made him a stable scorer for his team. Most importantly, he displayed great fighting spirit and an indomitable spirit in matches.
Kazemaru Kidou is also known for his powerful shots. Although he does not have fancy footwork, his "straight dribbling" is very practical, allowing him to break through when facing weak defenders. He also shows a strong desire for victory in matches, not inferior to anyone else.
- Fubuki Shirou - Similar to Filippo Inzaghi
Inzaghi had a keen sense of smell in front of the goal, able to quickly react to the ball's landing and rebound, often appearing in the most threatening position to score or shoot. His intelligent runs earned him the nickname "The Man Who Walks the Offside Line."
Fubuki Shirou was initially just fast, but after the "Golden 23" chapter's enhancements, he transformed into a flexible forward. After Japan's shots were blocked, he often arrived at the ball's landing point first, regaining possession to continue the attack. His unpredictable runs often caught the opposition off guard, receiving the ball in unexpected places and delivering a decisive blow.
Thus, the Japanese team is equivalent to the following lineup: