Since his 17-million pound transfer deal from Borussia Dortmund last June, Shinji Kagawa has made an incredibly impressive start at the Old Trafford. From being the Player of the Month in August and showing his full array of arsenals during the pre-season friendlies, Kagawa is surely primed to keep his level of play up throughout the entire Premier League season.
Much to the delight of the Manchester United fans, the Japanese-born midfielder has already scored two goals and an assist in his seven appearances. Although playing more of a supportive role behind Robin van Persie as a striker/attacking midfielder in his first five appearances, he didn’t hold back and instead displayed his ball handling skills. His greatest asset is indeed his depth in seeing the whole field as finds the open spaces between the lines. This is evident in the stat sheets as he successfully completes 90% of his passes in 50 attempts per game.
It looks as if Shinji has followed Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice to, «face the goal, or you won’t be a threat.» Since he arrived at Manchester United, everyone associated with the team has been passing on advice to improve his game. This not only shows how supportive the coaching staff is, but it also shows Kagawa’s willingness to put in the extra minutes in training sessions. Those additional minutes will surely help him strengthen his core and and upper body strength needed to cope with the physical demands of this competitive English game. Every single small detail has been pointed out to bring him at an even higher playing level so that he can contribute more efficiently.
Others have been quick to notice this improvement. He has even been nominated for the first AFC International Player award for his remarkable early-season start. An award which he shares the shortlist with Inter Milan’s defender, Yuto Ngagtomo, and Fulham’s goalkeeper, Mark Scharzer.
Truly, Shinji Kagawa is going to be a deadly weapon that Manchester can use in winning another trophy this season. His versatility and unpredictability will give them that much needed edge in what is considered to be the toughest league of the game – an edge that has been definitely lacking last year. This is what all of us fans should be excited about because it just brings a whole a new dynamic to see RVP with Kagawa and Wayne Rooney on the same side.