Former Bolton player Hidetoshi Nakata is one of the most famous Japanese players to have played against Liverpool, but more stars are emerging from the land of the rising sun. Japan continues to produce great success at both the senior and youth international levels, which has resulted in an increase in the number of players migrating to Europe.

Shunsuke Mito in action for Japan U21 vs Portugal in an international friendly. 

Wataru End and Takumi Minamino are the Reds’ only two Japanese players, having both been bought by Jürgen Klopp, but Liverpool should keep an eye on one of the recent J League standouts. Shunsuke Mito stands out for his distinct dribbling style, in which he can glide past his marker while seeming at ease on both feet — and his technical ability is growing.

Along with constantly having an impact on games, the 21-year-old is already exhibiting good decision-making in key times, and all signs point to him having the potential to become one of the finest dribblers in the world. He was named the Breakout Campaign’s Best Young Player in the J League for 2023 earlier this month, and as his reputation increases with each match, European clubs will be calling.

According to Calciomercato, clubs in the Bundesliga as well as in Belgium are keeping a close eye on Mito, who was compared to Lionel Messi during a recent 5-2 international friendly triumph against Argentina U23 in October.

Belgian interest makes sense, given that Liverpool’s recent opponents Union St-Gilloise signed Kaoru Mitoma before he moved to England. That indicates that the Belgian team, which is presently atop their domestic league, is employing a scouting methodology that allows them to uncover diamonds by exploring in locations where others aren’t.

At the young level, Japan’s dominance over the reigning world champions is notable, and it suggests the possibility of a trend forming in which players from the Samurai Blue appear on the radars of elite clubs considerably sooner.

In August, Liverpool fans monitored a jet heading to Merseyside via social media, and it turned out to be Wataru Endo on his way from Stuttgart. He joined Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal) and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) as the third active Japanese player in England’s top flight.

Mitoma is a current example who has already shown himself in the Premier League following a string of great games against Liverpool. He has made the same number of league appearances as Luis Daz this season, but has contributed seven goals to the Colombian’s three.

Of course, Dáz is still recovering from a severe injury last season and has dealt with various off-field concerns. As evidenced by Virgil van Dijk’s great performances thus far, it can take some time for players to return to their best, especially when previous levels were so high.

If Liverpool signs Mito, Klopp could avoid spending a large transfer fee later on. Even if he is not yet ready for the roughness of the Premier League, there are indicators that he could be the next Japanese star on his way to Europe, and the Reds would be able to loan him out to gain experience.

A move for Mito, a player with a playing style modeled after Messi, may be the next piece of transfer business that keeps Liverpool’s dominance without matching the investment of some of England’s state-funded sides. Mito’s versatility means he may be played in numerous situations, giving Klopp with his next fascinating project and the next budding star of Japanese football, in addition to providing a potential future successor for Mohamed Salah on the right wing.