The squad is now finally complete, with Kashiwagi, Nagata and Spiranovic linking up with the team, the Reds have headed down to Ibusuki of training camp number two. So what better time then now to give my version of what the Reds starting XI would look like.
Firstly the formation; going from what Petrovic has played in the training match, it appears as though the Reds will be playing a 4-5-1 formation, so I'd follow suit. So with out any further delay, this would be my starting XI:
-------------------Yamagishi-------------------
Hirakawa--Nagata--Spiranovic--Ugajin
----------------------Keita-----------------------
--Tatsuya------Kashiwagi---Haraguchi--
---------------Richardes-----------------------
--------------------Edmilson-------------------
Goalkeeper: Well there really isn't any choice here except for Yamagishi. Kato and Otani really aren't ready for the J-1 so lets hope that Yamagishi can stay healthy. If Yamagishi does get injured, maybe Tsuzuki will come out of retirement?
Defense: Nagata and Spiranovic will be our central defenders; an upgrade from last years pairing of Tsuboi and Nobuhisa Yamada, with Hirakawa and Ugajin the fullbacks. Even though the starters seem strong depth is slightly a concern at the back. Hamada, Tsuboi, Horinouchi and Tsutsumi would be the option if either Spiranovic or Nagata goes down; doesn't look too appealing does it?
Our fullback options are slightly better; namely Takahashi and Okamoto. Takahashi is another one of the converted midfielders come fullbacks, and has done well, but in the limited chances Okamoto received last year he did impress, so I wouldn't be surprised if Okamoto starts in place of Hirakawa by the end of the year. Okamoto can also play CB whilst Takahashi's natural position is further up the field. The other option at the back would be Noda; though Tsuboi and Tsutsumi would be an option if required. Nobuhisa Yamada I wouldn't place at CB like last year; I'd use him as either a fullback or DM. How about this; Mazola as fullback? It happened with Sanou last year so you'd never know.
Midfield: The centre of the park would be where we have abit of depth. Keita would be the preferred choice at the defensive midfield, sitting just in front of the back four. The other option here would be Aoyama, but Hamada, Horinouchi and Nobuhisa could be used as well. Kashiwagi would be used in the middle and I really do see him as the "play maker" as such. Unlike last year where Ponte was still calling the shots, this year it's Kashiwagi's time to shine and show what he can do. Naoki, who's returning from injury, would more then likely be Kashiwagi's understudy and I'm hoping that he comes back strong. He showed plenty of potential before his injury really set him back, but time is on his side.
In the wings is where it gets crowded. As I have mentioned previously the left wing position is really up for grabs, but for me Haraguchi would get the nod over Mazola and Hara with Tatsuya playing the right wing. Takahashi and Umesaki are also options here. Umesaki, who has been plagued by injuries over the past few years, is the other option at right wing and hopefully he can challange Tatsuya this season, even though he does prefer to play in the middle of the park. Before Umesaki came to the Reds Umesaki was one of the most exciting youngsters in Japan and I really do hope he regains that form. Richardes slots in just behind Edmilson, think Van der Vaart at Tottenham. Sergio, who hasn't really found his "place",would be ideal in this position as well.
Forward: No questions here who the striker is, the new number 9; Edmilson. Takasaki would ideally be his back-up and would want for him to be given his opportunities, but Richardes, Sergio and Hara could slot in as well.
So there you have it; my version of the Reds starting 11. I know I went with the "safe" options but I'm sure that'll change as the season progress. I'd like some of the young guys like Naoki, Okamoto, Takahashi and Haraguchi get their chances and I think they will. So now that you've read my thoughts, it's time for you to have your say! I'm very interested in your thoughts of how you see the Reds lining up in 2011.
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