Morioka - rated highly (Allsport).
RYUZO MORIOKA
Position: Defender
Born: 07.10.75
Club: Shimizu S-Pulse
A highly-rated central defender, Morioka led Japan to the Asian Cup title in Lebanon.
In that tournament he was voted the best defender and narrowly missed out on the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year award.
Such has been his impact both for his first club Kashima Antlers, for whom he made his J League debut in August 1994, and current club Shimizu S-Pulse that he earned a trial with English Premier League high-flyers Tottenham.
His links with the White Hart Lane club extended deeper than that though – former Spurs legends Ossie Ardiles and Steve Perryman have coached the talented defender in Japan.
Another player to watch out for, although Morioka lacks the profile of Nakata his defensive qualities arguably make him Japan's most important player in this World Cup.
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