Step in the Right Direction

If the word out of Japan is true, that Perth Glory have signed 21-year old promising striker Ryo Nagai from J-League outfit Cerezo Osaka in a four-month loan deal, then this is more exciting than the signing of Alessandro del Piero. As we stated in “Del Piero inspired signing or not” it is time the A league clubs looked to attract talented youth rather than players on the downside of their careers.

Nagai is a former under-19 representative for Japan, who has come through Cerezo’s youth academy and has made 25 J-League appearances, including eight as a substitute in 2012.

His loan period is expected to start on October 1, and conclude on January 31 2013.

By all accounts he can play in a number of positions, and is an attacking player. He could be the perfect player to bring in off the bench in a close game if he fails to force his way into the starting line-up.

Congratulations to Ian Ferguson and his coaching staff for opting for a talented young player who is likely to excite the fans even if he is only here for four months. This is definitely a step in the right direction.