Ryunosuke Sato earns place in Valencia starting XI | OneFootball

Ryunosuke Sato has hit the ground running at Valencia, emerging as one of their pre-season positives. The 19-year-old Japan international has eased early doubts over language and style by bedding in quickly, according to Superdeporte. Early work at Paterna and during the Girona camp suggests he has slotted in well.

He leads the squad for goal involvements this summer, scoring one, assisting three and forcing another via a shot off the post. Five decisive actions have made him Valencia’s most influential pre-season performer. Staff are pleased with his conduct on and off the pitch.

With no new signings out wide, he has earned a starting berth on the left, driving infield. If Valencia began LaLiga tomorrow, Sato would start.

Whether he can sustain this level in his first season in Spain remains to be seen. The competition will provide the answer. For now he keeps moving forward, breaking down the adaptation barrier and winning the trust of coaches and team-mates.

The club have strong belief in him. Ron Gourlay regards his arrival as a triumph for the recruitment team and is proud to have got in ahead of Premier League clubs who, sooner or later, will come calling. Team-mates emphasise his pace, dribbling and close control, and Stole Dimitrievski said integrating him quickly in pre-season would help him feel comfortable and produce his best, adding that he can be important for them.

Source: Superdeporte