Kaoru Mitoma vs Takehiro Tomiyasu
Japan against Japan. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Kaoru Mitoma
Japan · 2018–26 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Japan
- #6 of 33
- Clubs
- University of Tsukuba Football Club, Kawasaki Frontale, Brighton & Hove Albion
With the ball apparently gone over the byline in Doha on 2 December 2022, Mitoma stretched and hooked it back a fraction inside, and Ao Tanaka turned in the goal that beat Spain 2-1. He won the J1 League and Emperor's Cup double with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020, was Japanese footballer of the year in 2021, and his solo goal against Chelsea was voted the Premier League's goal of the season in 2024-25. Career record: club career at University of Tsukuba Football Club, Kawasaki Frontale, Brighton & Hove Albion.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Japan · 2016–23 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Japan
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 23
- Clubs
- Avispa Fukuoka, Bologna F.C. 1909, Arsenal
Hajime Moriyasu sent him on at half-time on 23 November 2022, Japan a goal down to Germany, rebuilt the back line as a five around him, and won 2-1 on the day of Tomiyasu's World Cup debut. Runner-up with Japan at the 2019 Asian Cup, he won the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship with a back line that conceded nothing in six matches and took the 2023 Community Shield during four years at Arsenal. Career record: 23 caps for Japan; club career at Avispa Fukuoka, Bologna F.C. 1909, Arsenal.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.