*This content was translated by AI.
The Japanese media pointed out the painful reality of Korean soccer over the results of the Asian Best 11.
The International Federation of Football History Statistics (IFFHS) announced the "2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Men's Team of the Year" on its official channel on the 27th (Korea time).
Of the 11, Japan has the most, with five, followed by South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.
In the 3-4-3 formation, Son Heung-min, Salem Aldousari (Saudi), and Takefusa Kubo (Japan) were listed as the front-line three-top. Lee Kang-in, Mohamed Canno (Saudi), Sano Gaishu and Doan Ritz (Japan) were in the second line. The three-top was filled by Kim Min-jae, Hatate Leo of Japan, and Abdukodir Kusanov of Uzbekistan. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Suzuki Zaion of Japan.
Japan's "Sacker Digest" also reported on the 31st, saying, "It is unexpected that Hatate was selected as a three-back's left back. "I have experience as a sideback, but I rarely play in this position at Celtic," he said.
"It was not the best form in 2025, and considering the situation that has been moving away from Moriyasu Japan (Japan's national team) since March last year, it would be a 'surprise election'," he said.
Regarding the Korean media's concern that "Japan has five people selected, but Korea has only three," the media said, "Japan has consistently seen talents playing in the five major leagues like Sano. On the other hand, Korea still seems to be concerned about the phenomenon of relying on the 'big three'."
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*This content was translated by AI.
