Do Arsenal have a new Ronaldo in Miyaichi?

And no before you ask, not the fat one. I’m talking Cristiano, one of the most decorated players in world football; and that is exactly what Arsenal could have in Ryo Miyaichi.

After joining the London based club in January, Arsène Wenger highlighted to the frightening potential of this sprightly Japanese wonderkid possessed.

Ryo Miyaichi had previously trained with the Gunners last summer and Wenger acted quickly to sign the player, keeping the likes of Real Madrid’s prying eyes away from the youngster. Whilst the signing of Miyaichi is definitely one with the next few years in mind, he is already making steps to justify these daunting comparisons.

As soon as Arsenal announced the signing of Miyaichi, he was almost immediately loaned back out to Rotterdam based side, Feyenoord, where he has been earning glowing reports after his early performances for De Kameraden. The striker, who has been mainly deployed as winger whilst in Holland, was named Man of the Match in his debut against Vitesse.

He went on to score his first goal for Feyenoord against Heracles Almelo, before later adding a brace in the 6-1 thumping of Willem II. However, it isn’t just his goal scoring exploits that are catching the eye of many plaudits. His mazy runs, quick feet, startling turn of pace and unrivalled stamina are the very attributes that have led to his comparison with the likes of Ronaldo. His performances in Holland have even earned him the nickname of “Ryodinho” in the Dutch press.
 
All of this is from a teenager whose only previous footballing experience came from his High School football team, Chūkyōdai Chūykō. So it’s evident that Miyaichi has the ability to adapt to new surroundings and playing styles in no time at all, a trait that will be vital for his step up to the Premier League.

The fact that he is an Asian player will have monumental benefits for Arsenal as well. The arrival of Park Ji-Sung from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United sparked a massive rise in the Red Devils’ followers across in Asia. A huge marketing influx will reap untold profits as the Asian communities tend to go wild for European based compatriots.

Miyaichi will have the majority of pre-season to regroup with Arsenal’s squad, play and develop with his team-mates, and who knows, before long Arsenal could have the first Asian player to win the prestigious FIFA Ballon D’Or within their ranks.

Matt Mace

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