After Zion Suzuki’s rise to prominence, all eyes should now turn to Sint Truiden’s Leo Kokubo | OneFootball

Zion Suzuki had a big decision to make a few summers ago. He could have joined Manchester United from the J League. Instead, the young goalkeeper opted to follow a path that has been well tested by numerous J League players. He swapped Urawa Red Diamonds for Sint Truiden in the Belgian Pro League. The Canaries are well versed in bringing J League players into European football due to their links to the country through ownership. Suzuki joined on loan, with a purhcase option included, impressed in 32 games and earned a move to Parma. Now, he is being linked to PSG and is the regular goalkeeper for Japan.

Suzuki always seemed destined to go to the top. Sint Truiden moved quickly to bring in his replacement. Unlike Suzuki, the replacement had yet to feature prominently for a senior side. They ended up bringing in Leo Kokubo from Benfica, where he had been playing in the second team having come through the academy there. The now 25-year-old had a decent first campaign for the Canaries, until he really came into his own last season. Now, all eyes should turn to the next Japanese goalkeeping star coming through the Belgian Pro League and Sint Truiden. Especially given that he only has one year left on his current contract.

Kokubo is an interesting player for more reasons than just his playing style. The 25-year-old is eligible to represent both Japan and Nigeria, having a Japanese mother and a Nigerian father. He has already been capped at youth level by Japan, and there has been no indication that a switch to Nigeria is on the cards. Yet, with Suzuki having appeared to lock up the starting spot for Japan’s senior side, Nigeria should certainly be exploring this option.

Last season Kokubo kept nine clean sheets for Sint Truiden as they had a historic campaign, qualifying for European football for the first time. According to FotMob data he prevented 9.35 goals during the season, with a save percentage of 71.9%. His shot stopping is his best attribute, and even in Sint Truiden’s opening game against Lommel he was called into action on numerous occasions.

Sint Truiden are also a side that enjoys having the ball and play an entertaining attacking possession based game. It is not keeping the ball for the sake of keeping the ball, but quick passes to create chances. Kokubo is expected to be good with his feet, and last season completed 72.2% of his passes, with a lower long ball accuracy of 38.3%. However, Sint Truiden rarely go long.

Sint Truiden begin their European campaign this week with a clash against Omonia Nicosia. Victory over two legs will see them into the Europa League, with a guaranteed spot in the Conference League should they lose. Kokubo will be key to their success in either competition and it will be a chance for him to showcase his talents on a wider stage than is currently on offer in the Belgian Pro League.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson