If rumours are to be believed then Keisuke Honda could be on his way out of CSKA Moscow to Blackburn. A fully fledged international, Honda can provide incisive play where others simply cannot. His career started at Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight, then he helped promote Dutch side VVV-Venlo to the Eredivisie before moving to Russia on the cusp of New Year 2010.
At 25 he still has a lot of time to progress and the 30 appearances he has made for the national side, including a dazzling 2010 World Cup campaign make him an attractive prospect. Having been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Juventus and AC Milan there is evidence of potential for greatness, so for Blackburn he may represent something of a coup.
Known as a free kick specialist, Honda’s dead ball capability is exquisite. Be it a cultured curl into the top corner or a dipping drive from range, he can do it all. His body movements orchestrate where he wants the ball to dance, watching some of his free kicks highlights the natural understanding of the ball this man has. The swerving drive against Denmark in 2010 and a pearler against FC Den Bosch (Ruud van Nistlerooy’s first club) illustrate his delicious technique which can be a game changer when utilised.
The time spent in Holland was brilliant for Honda’s development. The Dutch defences he faced offered a staggered, gradual range of abilities which enabled him to learn and step up each season. In the second division the calibre of opposition was not vastly dissimilar to those in Japan; this obviously allowed him time to adjust to life in Europe without asking for too much professionally. After gaining confidence from a promotion and a 16 goal haul, he was then presented with more divergent foes. Players from various nations, spliced with assorted playing styles and experience meant he could hone his skills and get a feel for football in Europe.
Relocating to Russia with CSKA has given him 4 games and one goals-worth of Champions League experience, so no doubt he’ll be hungry for more. The statistics suggest Honda has managed only 1 shot every three games or so for CSKA, whilst accumulating a goal every 6 games. However his game is more about linking people up with style, forcing his way into dangerous positions and dragging markers all over the place to open up space
At 6-feet tall he is not exactly slight and could indeed be well suited to the Premier League. If Lancashire is the destination then he could well provide the creative impetus needed to rejuvenate a heavily criticised style of play at Ewood Park. Seemingly suited to a 4-2-3-1, there may have to be tactical adaptions made by Steve Kean. If slotted into the team then he should be an effective force when in possession, not to mention the potential marketing and branding opportunities.
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