While the speedy fullback has at times come under harsh criticism by Italian media and fans, nobody can doubt Yuto Nagatomo’s resilience. He has endured under no fewer than 12 managers at the San Siro, making 200 total appearances for Inter and rediscovering his role as a true fullback under current head coach Luciano Spalletti.
In November, the 31-year-old also became just the seventh player in Samurai Blue history to earn over 100 caps. He remains Japan’s strongest player at left back and will play a key role in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and perhaps beyond.
