Reo Hatate is fretting over his place in Japan’s World Cup squad.
The midfielder is part of a 28 man squad currently in Germany with coach Hajime Moriyasu leaving the Celt out of the squad that was stripped for the friendly victory over the United States.
Not many in the Japan squad are involved in this season’s Champions League but despite impressing against Real Madrid ad Shakhtar Donetsk Hatate appears to be on the borderline of the 26 man squad to travel to Qatar.
The 24-year-old only made his competitive international debut in March, after Japan had qualified for the finals and has a friendly on Tuesday against Ecuador to book a place in November’s World Cup squad.
Picking up on a report from a Japanese publisher The Sun reports Hatate saying:
Honestly, I’m really disappointed that I was left out of the squad. I feel that I am strong enough.
Everything is decided by the coach, so it’s not up to me. I have a role here, and if I have a chance to play in a game, I will play wherever I am told.
While there are many players who have various experiences, I’m trying to come up with ways to leave the mark of coming here. I think there is something to be gained from the national team.
I’m progressing with the technical part (of my game), and on what I did last half a season.
I’ve built a relationship with my teammates and I’m able to play calmly even on a pitch like (the Champions League). I think I’ve grown a lot.
With four Champions League tie coming up over the next six weeks Hatate has additional opportunities to impress but game time against Ecuador looks vital to his World Cup hopes.
