Hailing from the beautiful Yokohama, Japan, Kou Itakura has taken the world of modern football by storm with his skills on the field. Beyond his eye-catching performances on the World Cup 2022 games with Japan, he’s also making a name for himself in the Euro football scene with Borussia.
Aside from a key player in his home country Japan’s national team, Itakura is also a sought after defender following his performances with his current Bundesliga club, the famous Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Let’s get to know Kou Itakura in a closer lens and learn more about this talented young athlete and his achievements so far.
Getting to Know Kou Itakura: His Early Beginnings
Born on January 27, 1997, Yokohama native Kou Itakura was brought up in a football family and developed a passion for the sport as a young child. Itakura kicked off his football career in local clubs in the area before moving on to the Youth Academy of Kawasaki Frontale. When he made his professional debut at Kawasaki Frontale, his hard work had finally paid off!
During his time at Kawasaki Frontale, Itakura’s potential made it impossible for scouts to ignore his skills. He played an important role in their winning the 2017 championship season. Following that, he was loaned to Vegalta Sendai where he scored an impressive three goals in a total of 24 league matches. By then Itakura had developed his skills as both a defender and a holding midfield on the pitch.
Kou Itakura’s Transfer to European Football Clubs
After his leading performances on the field in Japan, England’s popular Manchester City FC set their eyes on Itakura which led to his transfer to the team in January 2019. He was then loaned to the Dutch team Groningen for some more important experience.
Itakura’s time in the Netherlands resulted in him playing 22 times in the Eredivisie league in the 19/20 season. Groningen, as a result, secured a seventh place finish, earning football fans’ love and respect.
Followed by his Dutch adventures, he was loaned to Schalke 04. Playing mainly as a centre-back, Itakura was active in 31 games in total and scored four goals, helping Schalke win the second division championship and finally return to Bundesliga! After these stellar achievements, Kou Itakura earned a well-deserved spot in Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Kou Itakura’s International Success in Football
Leaving his club accomplishments aside, Itakura’s international career has been nothing short of amazing. He proudly represented his home country Japan at the U-20 World Cup in 2017 before moving on to his senior team debut during the 2019 matches in Copa America where Japan was an invitee.
What’s more, Itakura’s performances at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 helped carry the Japan National Team to the semi-finals, further cementing his reputation in the football world.
In the 202 World Cup championships, Itakura took on a major role in helping his teammate Takuma Asano’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Germany. As a solid defense player, he is a crucial addition to the Japan’s national team.
What Makes Kou Itakura a Rising Star in the World of Modern Football
Likened to Benfica’s former Tottenham defender Jan Vertognen in style, Itakura is a rangy football player who is quick on the ground. While mainly right-footed, he is comfortable enough on the ball to have played as the left-sided centre-half in many games. Like Vertongen, Itakura also perfected his skills as a dedicated athlete in the Netherlands before he entered the prime of his career in the challenging league of Bundesliga.
At Borussia Mönchengladbach, Itakura quickly became a valuable member of the team’s defense owing to his tactical intelligence and fast feet. Kou Itakura’s composure on the ball, strong defensive skills, and ability to read the game like a pro has made him a key player in multiple setups.
Despite facing numerous challenges such as injuries and suspensions during his time at Borussia, Itakura’s resilience and his way of intercepting passes, winning aerial duels, and contributing to the building of the play from the back has earned him the praise of fans and authorities alike on the modern football stage.
Keep an Eye Out for Kou Itakura in Euro Leagues!
As he carries the defense for Borussia Mönchengladbach or steps up for Japan’s national team on the international football scene, Itakura brings all that a modern football player should to the field. In what is a story of dedication and passion for the beautiful game of football, Kou Itakura’s journey from the local clubs of Yokohama to the high-ranking Euro leagues such as Bundesliga is an adventure to take notes of.
The exciting part? Kou Itakura’s road to football superstardom is far from over. As the Japanese athlete continues to rise above his peers, break barries, and set new goals in the world of football, we’re simply typing down a glimpse of what he’s capable of so far. Keep your eyes peeles and cheers loud, as Japan’s Kou Itakura is on a way that promises far more action-packed moments and unforgettable gameplays.
