The 2020 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League kicks off on February 21.
Ahead of the opening day, let’s look at the key player of all 18 teams.

This fifth installment looks at the key players of last season’s League Cup winners Kawasaki Frontale as well as Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Cerezo Osaka.

■Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Achievements in 2019
J1: 6th place
Levain Cup: Quarterfinals

・Player to watch
MF 14 Ezequiel
The new signing from Brazilian side Botafogo boasts excellent speed and skill. He plays on the flanks or behind a striker, and likes to torment the opposition’s defenders with his dribbling. If the 21 year old can get adjusted well to Japan, he might have a breakthrough this season.

■Cerezo Osaka
Achievements in 2019
J1: 5th place
Levain Cup: Playoff stage

・Player to watch
MF 10 Hiroshi Kiyotake
The experienced attacker who played for German side Nürnberg and Sevilla in LaLiga has been struggling with injuries since he returned to Cerezo three years ago. Still, he is one of the most talented players in Japan, and hopefully this could be the year of his comeback.

■Kawasaki Frontale
Achievements in 2019
J1: 4th place
Levain Cup: Winners

・Player to watch
MF 10 Ryota Oshima
Oshima has become the playmaker who directs Kawasaki’s attacks. After the past season, during which he often endured several injuries, he is eager to contribute more in 2020. In addition to extraordinary passing in the midfield, he is expected to increase his presence in the final third of the pitch.