Kota Takai has spoken for the first time as a Tottenham Hotspur player and confirmed the versatility that will be of real use to new head coach Thomas Frank.
Spurs signed the 20-year-old Japan international from Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday for £5million after the centre-back flew over after his final game for the J.League side. He will now get involved in pre-season training with Frank and his new team-mates this week once his international clearance and work permit come through.
In his first interview with the club, Takai said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead ahead after quickly heading over from Japan, having said goodbye to the Kawasaki fans in an emotional ceremony within a sold-out stadium following their 2-1 win against Kashima Antlers.
“I played in the match with Kawasaki Frontale in the J.League on Saturday and I got on the plane the next day and I’m here today, now,” he said. “Having arrived in London I’m full of excitement.”
On where he can play at the back, the young defender confirmed that versatility that will serve him well under Frank: “My position is centre-back. I can play either side – right or left.
“I was born in Kanagawa, Japan. I’ve always played football since my childhood. The reason why I love football is because as a team we can improve our skills together.”
Takai’s journey at Kawasaki was rapid, making his debut in the first team at just 17 and going on to make 81 senior appearances for the club before making his Japan debut, with four World Cup qualifying appearances so far for the national side around an adductor injury last year.
“The J.League has very high intensity, and its level is high. I won the Young Player Award last year and I was very happy. I joined Team Japan. It was always my dream. I remember I had goosebumps when I went on the pitch for the first team as part of the national team,” he said.
Now comes the challenge of the English game and the Japan international is keeping his focus on his initial target at the north London club.
“I’ve always watched the Premier League a lot, since I was little,” he said. “At Spurs, my first aim is to be on the pitch for a match and do my best.”
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