Matsuki hailed a 'winner' as Southampton winger earns first Japan call-up | OneFootball

Kuryu Matsuki has earned his first senior Japan call-up after a bright run for Southampton, with manager Tonda Eckert labelling the winger a 'winner'.

"I couldn't be more proud of the development that he's taken and I think he deserves every bit of it. He's competitive and he's a winner. We've been speaking for a couple of weeks now and I'm sure that he's going to score double digits this year. I think he has everything for that," he told the Daily Echo ahead of the Wrexham defeat.

Matsuki caught the eye at St Mary’s, supplying an assist within 14 minutes against Swansea City after replacing Tom Fellows, then starting against Bristol City and drilling past Sam Tickle to seal a big win. He struggled in the 2-1 loss at Wrexham, where James Ward-Prowse scored.

Cyle Larin, capped 94 times by Canada and on seven Championship goals for Saints this season, was again selected by Jesse Marsch. Finn Azaz, with eight goal contributions in the second tier, returned to the Republic of Ireland squad.

Previously capped at under-21 level, Matsuki could build further confidence on international duty. Japan face Uruguay tomorrow in a friendly, with Venezuela and Ecuador also to come, and if he grabs a goal he may return to St Mary’s buoyed. Once loaned to Goztepe in Türkiye, he now has senior recognition.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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