The former Japanese international became an instant hit with The Angels supporters since joining on-loan from Buriram United.
Hajime Hosogai, 34, showed up to the Thai League with over a hundred Bundesliga games under his belt, representing Buriram United in 2019 before switching the northeast for Bangkok a year later. A perfect match for Mano Polking‘s possession-based football, Hosogai has featured in all four games ahead of the lockdown where he also got himself on the scoresheet and helped the side maintain a 100% win record.
“Winning the opening match was very important to me,” Hosogai told Truebangkokunited “It was the first match since I join BUFC, so I needed to show my value to the fans, supporters, sponsors, everyone who supported BUFC and my teammates.”
“I’m not a technical player, however, I fight every match with a great passion – more than anyone else – so that I can lead the team to better results in the future.”
“Fortunately, I and my teammates were able to perform well in the opening match and BUFC was able to achieve good results. It was a great moment and one that made me felt I am now part of the BUFC.”
Hosogai excelled in the deep midfield role; disrupting opponent’s attack and dictating the tempo from the base of midfield. Mano’s team have always been a thrill to watch going forward but often collapse against any teams with decent counting-attacking prowess. However, with Hosogai’s experience and composure in the heart of the team, Bangkok United is much better at game management as seen in the 2-1 away win over Muangthong United where they killed the game completely in the last 15 minutes following the second-goal.
In an interview with Football-Tribe’s Gian Chansrichawla, Mano Polking revealed that the club is more than happy to sign Hosogai on a permanent deal after his loan deal and contract with Buriram United ends – meaning the 2011 AFC Asian Cup winner will continue with the club for the entirety of the now-reschedule 2020/21 season.
