Honda's soccer passion showing in Australia

Watched an interview with him after last weeks game and was not only surprised at his English level(not perfect but v.g.), but at the relaxed ease at which he spoke. Quite different to after game interviews here.

He reminds me a lot of Hidetoshi Nakata arguably the best ever Japanese player.

Both played for multiple foreign clubs, both enjoyed the admiration of their european peers, both had Japan National success, both embraced the countries they lived in (culture and language), both gave up International soccer probably partially out of frustration for Japan National team not taking the next steps and both have/had dyed blonde hair.

Certainly a popular guy in Melbourne atm.

Just a pity I hate Melbourne Victory - lol.

A mediocre player in a medicore league....a good fit!

A mediocre player in a medicore league....a good fit!

I’d say a very decent player past his best in a mediocre league.

He reminds me a lot of Hidetoshi Nakata arguably the best ever Japanese player.

Both played for multiple foreign clubs, both enjoyed the admiration of their european peers, both had Japan National success, both embraced the countries they lived in (culture and language), both gave up International soccer probably partially out of frustration for Japan National team not taking the next steps and both have/had dyed blonde hair.

You forgot to mention that both, despite all of the above, were/are constantly disrespected by netizens that think they know better (like Jessie Lee above).

I am glad that  Keisuke Honda, in the twilight of his career, still be able to make a good contribution to Australia's A League. Perhaps more significantly, Honda's interpersonal and soccer skills is boosting the image of Japanese soccer as a whole.

I watched the after match walk around the stadium after the last game and he got pulled up so many times by Australian fans wanting selfies and signatures. He has definitely become a hit in Aus and doing some good work in his own way for Japan/Aus ties.

"Quite different to after game interviews here."

Indeed. I was actually impressed by how humble he seems to have become being Overseas, and what a contrast it is to how things play out in the media and with fans here. I mean, just look at the negative reactions to comments criticizing him -- the usual knee-jerk entitlement and anger when called out.