5 Japanese Star Players in the Champions League, A Tough Challenge for the Indonesian National Team

Kapanlagi.com - Ahead of the highly anticipated match between the Indonesian National Team and Japan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on November 15, 2024, both teams' preparations are reaching the final stages.

The Japanese National Team is now the main focus thanks to the brilliant performances of several of its players in the 2024/2025 Champions League. Japanese players who are playing in top European clubs are showing very impressive performances, making them a serious threat to the Garuda squad.

One standout star is Hidemasa Morita, who recently led Sporting CP to an important victory against Manchester City. The extraordinary abilities of these players will undoubtedly further strengthen Japan when facing the Indonesian National Team.

This match is also part of the fifth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone. Now, a big question arises: how prepared is the Indonesian National Team to face the shining Japanese stars?

Let’s get to know five Japanese players who have performed brilliantly in the Champions League, as summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Friday (8/11).

1. Reo Hatate, The Shining Midfielder of Celtic

Reo Hatate, the talented midfielder of Celtic, managed to steal the spotlight as his team played against RB Leipzig on matchday 4 of the Champions League. The 26-year-old player shone by scoring a goal in the 3-1 victory, while also dominating the midfield with six shots that overwhelmed RB Leipzig's defense.

His dribbling skills are undeniable, with a success rate of 100 percent, showcasing his quality as one of the top midfielders from Japan.

Hatate's brilliant performance certainly serves as a valuable asset ahead of the match against the Indonesian National Team, where he is predicted to pose a serious threat to the Garuda squad's defense, which must prepare to face the creativity and high mobility of this Celtic playmaker.

2. Daizen Maeda, A Threat from Celtic's Attack Line

In addition to Hatate, Celtic also relies on the talented Japanese forward, Daizen Maeda, who showed impressive action against RB Leipzig. Although he did not score, the 27-year-old player was active from the start and became the driving force on the left side of the field.

Known for his incredible speed and ability to create space, Maeda continually pressured the opponent's defense throughout the match, generating several dangerous opportunities despite limited scoring chances.

His fighting spirit and explosiveness on the field left the opposing defense struggling, and now with his brilliant performance in the Champions League, Maeda is ready to be a key player for Japan in facing the Indonesian National Team.

The Garuda squad certainly needs to be extra vigilant to stop his sharp movements that could change the course of the match.

3. Wataru Endo, Central Midfield Pillar of Liverpool

Wataru Endo, an experienced midfielder now strengthening Liverpool, has come into the spotlight after his team achieved a spectacular 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on matchday 4 of the Champions League, even though he was not deployed on the field.

His presence in the squad reflects the high trust from the coach, and Endo, known as a versatile player with the ability to control the tempo of the game, brings valuable experience from the Bundesliga with Stuttgart.

With the quality he possesses, he has become a crucial figure for Japan ahead of the match against Indonesia. The Indonesian national team must be extra vigilant, especially if Endo is assigned as the playmaker, because his experience and skills at the highest level in Europe could be decisive in the upcoming match.

4. Takumi Minamino, AS Monaco's Attack Engine

Takumi Minamino once again showcased his skills on the Champions League stage with AS Monaco against Bologna on matchday 4. Coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute, Minamino, despite not scoring, managed to help his team secure a crucial victory.

With his ability and vision as an attacking midfielder, the former Liverpool star is often used as a supersub by the Monaco coach, thanks to his capability to change the dynamics of the game.

His speed and intelligence in reading situations on the field make him a valuable asset, and now, the Indonesian National Team must prepare to face Minamino's creativity, which is often hard to predict. His strategic role as a substitute could be a secret weapon for Japan in the upcoming match.

5. Hidemasa Morita, The Strong Wall of Sporting CP

Hidemasa Morita, the field general from Japan, delivered an impressive performance with Sporting CP on matchday 4 of the Champions League, leading his team to a magnificent 4-1 victory over English giants Manchester City.

Playing as a defensive midfielder, Morita exhibited extraordinary toughness and discipline, recording eight clearances, one interception, and seven successful defensive actions, making him a solid wall in defense.

His presence on the field provides calmness for his teammates, and now, he poses a significant challenge for the Indonesian National Team.

The Garuda's attacking line must be extra vigilant and work hard to penetrate the defense led by Morita, who has proven to be difficult to breach.

6. Who are the Japanese Players Who Shone in the Champions League This Season?

In the 2024/2025 Champions League stage, Japanese stars captured attention with their stunning performances.

Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, and Hidemasa Morita shone like stars in the football sky, carving out unforgettable achievements and proving that Japanese talent is increasingly shining on the European stage.

7. When Will the Indonesia National Team vs Japan Match Be Held?

The much-anticipated match between the Indonesia National Team and Japan will be held on November 15, 2024, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.

The atmosphere will heat up as both teams battle it out on the green field, and fans are ready to give full support to lift the spirit of Merah Putih!

8. Will the Performance of Japanese Players in the Champions League Affect the Match Against Indonesia?

With the brilliant performance of Japanese players in the Champions League, the Indonesian National Team is now faced with a serious challenge that requires mature strategic preparation.

This threat is not just a passing breeze, but a call to showcase the best abilities in order to face increasingly tough opponents.

(kpl/rmt)