Ryotaro Ito is making no secret of his interest in a move away from Japan with the Ronaldinho-idolising reported Celtic target perfectly-suited to Ange Postecoglou’s stylish brand of football.
When quizzed about his ideal destination, in conversation with Goal this week, Ito was quick to mention Spain’s La Liga.
That does not mean, however, that he would not fit in nicely at Celtic too. Postecoglou’s possession-heavy, free-flowing style would not look out of place alongside the Barcelonas of the world, and should appeal to a player who considers himself more of a purist than a pragmatist.
A disciple of Jogo Bonito who sets himself a target of ‘creating one big chance in every match’.
“Even if I can’t score, I want to be a player who creates one big chance in every match. I think it is most important to continue this,” explains 25-year-old Ito, who has six goals and two assists in 14 games for J-League outfit Albirex Niigata this term.
“I want to play an active role throughout the season. Not just for one or two games.”
Will Celtic sign another J-League star in Ryotaro Ito?
According to the Daily Record, a Celtic side inspired by the success of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and the masterful Kyogo Furuhashi could return to a familiar market this summer, the Osaka-born Ito now on Postecoglou’s radar.
The skilful attacking midfielder, who scored a hat-trick against Avispa Fukuoka recently, possesses many of the attributes often associated with Japanese forwards; quick feet and excellent technical ability. Ito takes a mean set-piece, and boasts the dead-eyed composure to pick the right pass at precisely the right time.
He scored nine times and set up 11 more as Albirex earned promotion from the second tier last term.
“First of all, I really liked Ronaldinho. He was a player that I definitely watched at least once a day,” Ito adds. “He’s a player I really like. I try to imitate and pay close attention to the footwork of Brazilian players.”
Ito has spent his entire career in Japan, starting out at Urawa Red Diamonds. Having turned 25 in February, he is ready to consider moves from the Far East to the European West. And the opportunity to develop his game alongside Kyogo and co is one that must appeal.
“It’s still the case now,” Ito adds. “But I’ve had a very high awareness of (the benefits of moving) overseas since I was little.”
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