Ko Itakura
29-Year-Old
Ajax
Eredivisie
Expected to start in back line
Itakura has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to marshal Japan's back-three throughout the competition as the defensive organiser and leader.
ANALYSIS
Itakura made 18 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax this season after joining on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, bringing valuable Champions League and Bundesliga experience to the Amsterdam club while continuing his excellent form at the highest level of Dutch football. The defender's ability to read the game, his composure in possession and his effectiveness in one-on-one situations make him one of the most complete center-backs in the squad, and manager Moriyasu will count on his leadership and experience to organise the defensive unit throughout the tournament. Itakura heads into the World Cup as the defensive anchor of a Japan side with genuine ambitions of progressing deep into the competition.
Itakura made 18 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax this season after joining on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, bringing valuable Champions League and Bundesliga experience to the Amsterdam club while continuing his excellent form at the highest level of Dutch football. The defender's ability to read the game, his composure in possession and his effectiveness in one-on-one situations make him one of the most complete center-backs in the squad, and manager Moriyasu will count on his leadership and experience to organise the defensive unit throughout the tournament. Itakura heads into the World Cup as the defensive anchor of a Japan side with genuine ambitions of progressing deep into the competition.
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More Fantasy News
Injured for final match day
Itakura is questionable for Thursday's match against Olympiacos due to an injury, according to manager Fred Grim.
ANALYSIS
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Unused from bench
Itakura (undisclosed) went unused off the bench in Saturday's 2-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar.
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Misses due to injury
Itakura (undisclosed) missed Saturday's 3-3 draw against Sparta Rotterdam due to injury, coach John Heitinga confirmed in a press conference, according to ADSportwereld. "I think we've also had to deal with a lot of injuries in recent weeks. This morning Ko was absent."
ANALYSIS
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Makes five clearances at Marseille
Itakura generated five clearancesand one interception in Tuesday's 4-0 defeat to Marseille. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 66th minute.
ANALYSIS
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Features 67 minutes Saturday
Itakura has featured 67 minutes in Saturday's 3-1 victory against Zwolle, confirming he is fully fit for Ajax.
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Several clubs after him
Itakura is expected to leave Monchengladbach in the summer due to the interest in his services, according to Ekrem Konur.
ANALYSIS
The Borussia Mönchengladbach and Japan defender is wanted by Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. He's shown he's more than ready to play for a more competitive side after a series of impressive displays for BMG over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach and Japan defender is wanted by Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. He's shown he's more than ready to play for a more competitive side after a series of impressive displays for BMG over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.