Kaishu Sano
JPN
MainzCM
Box-to-Box
Dec 30, 2000 (25)
Right
5'9"
148 lb
JapanAnother decent option in midfield
Sano has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to compete for a starting role in the midfield throughout the competition under coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Analysis: Sano made 48 appearances for Mainz across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and five assists while providing the defensive solidity and pressing intensity that has made him one of the most consistent Japanese midfielders in European football over the past two seasons. Sano's energy, ball-winning ability and intelligent positioning give Japan a compact and difficult-to-play-through midfield presence that complements the more creative players around him, and his Bundesliga experience gives him the credentials to perform under pressure at international level. Sano heads into the World Cup as an important midfield option for manager Moriyasu and a player who could play a key role in Japan's efforts to progress beyond the group stage.
Records one shot
Sano registered one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over FC Heidenheim.
Analysis: Sano ends his season on a three-match streak without a goal contribution, not seeing his best efforts Saturday with only one shot and a chance created. That said, it wasn't the most productive second season in Mainz for the midfielder, although better than his first with the club, notching one goal and two assists in 34 appearances.
Earns assist
Sano assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Analysis: Sano earned an assist early Saturday as his club took an early lead, with the midfielder finding Dominik Kohr in the 15th minute for the opening goal. This is only a third goal contribution all season, coming as his second assist. This comes despite having yet to miss a match all season, starting in all 31 appearances.
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