Koya Hayashida (sp) (mid) Oita Trinita; Ryunosuke Ota (sp) (att) Fagiano Okayama – end of loan;
Ventforet Kofu struggled in attack all of last year. Only 37 goals scored in 38 rounds meant just 11 wins were achieved and Kofu couldn’t even make the top 10.
Improved displays during the Vision League in spring saw Kofu top their mini league, 12 wins in 18, but then lost both play-off games and had to settle for fourth place.
Both in this tournament and last year’s J2 season captain Torikai struggled with injuries. When he was available the forward actions were much better. Him missing large chunks of time cost the team though.
Ventforet also had problems controlling the midfield last season. To address that two solid inner midfielders have been signed. Both Sueki and Wada have the potential to bring much better possession stats. Sueki had 5 assists in 4 friendlies and he is already shaping as a key player.
The main core of regulars is staying put so Ventforet need only minor improvements and they could be back in the mix for promotion.
