5. Yuta Kinowaki
Yuta Kinowaki started his youth career with Kyoto Sanga and moved to India during the 2015-16 season to join newly promoted side Aizawl FC. Following a season in Shillong Lajong, Yuta Kinowaki joined Mohun Bagan AC as a replacement for fellow Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa during the 2017-18 season
His performance in the derby win against East Bengal was hugely lauded by Pundits where in the midfield battle with compatriot Katsumi Yusa, Yuta Kinowaki did not get overwhelmed by the occasion playing in his first Kolkata derby against East Bengal.
He managed himself well in the season despite suffering a collarbone fracture in his second game against Churchill Brothers.
Back from injury, Yuta continued from where he left in the central midfield role. Yuta was instrumental in orchestrating Mohun Bagan’s midfield play to intercept opposition passes in midfield, absorbs the pressure and find his way out of congested patches.
Yuta doesn’t have the pace of Katsumi but is an intelligent footballer who uses his clever passing skills, composure in keeping possessions and knitting the team together while exploiting gaps in opponent’s defensive structure.
With the upcoming Super Cup to showcase his talent against bigger ISL teams, Yuta Kinowaki could entertain Indian fans with his skill and intelligence in the central midfield on a bigger stage.