Sato starts for Japan and returns to Valencia at Aguirre's request | OneFootball

Ryunosuke Sato started for Japan against Venezuela on Monday and will now return to Valencia at Javier Aguirre's request, with Aguirre and Braulio keen on a deeper look at the 19-year-old.

He was withdrawn at half-time, having been left out of Japan’s previous squad. La Grada de Radioesport reports that the trip is intended to facilitate a first meeting with the Mexican coach.

His early pre-season spark has dimmed, yet the club still see him as useful and with scope to grow. Aguirre previously brought out the best in Takefusa Kubo and Kang In Lee before their breakthroughs. After starting in four of Valencia’s first five games, he has not featured in the most recent matches under Óscar Sánchez.

Valencia completed his move from FC Tokyo in July on a deal until June 2031. The club highlighted his ability to operate on both flanks and in central roles, which fast-tracked him into first-team plans.

He introduced himself against Eldense, opening the scoring with a powerful strike from distance and later hitting the post in the build-up to the second. He closed pre-season by scoring against Hércules after linking with Javi Guerra and Hugo Duro, playing 70 minutes and creating several chances.

Source: Superdeporte

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