Ryotaro Araki Scout Report


 Date of birth: 29 Jan 2002

Country: Japan

Position: Am/ RW

Height: 170cm

Preferred foot: Right

Club: FC Tokyo (On loan from Kashima Antlers)


Ryotaro Araki has been on my radar for many years now, having broken through at Kashima Antlers at 2020, having a breakthrough year in 2021, winning the J League rookie of the year. Just like many Japanese legends such as Shunsuke Nakamura, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, Araki is a technically brilliant attacking midfielder.

In the 2021 season, Araki made 6 assists and notched up 10 goals as he won the award. However a few injuries including a herniated disc has set him back. However this season, Araki has reminded us all just how brilliant he is. In 10 J league appearances this season Araki has already got 6 goals at a very impressive goal conversion rate of 33%. Despite averaging less than a shot on target per game with 0.8, Araki's attacking skill set puts him in fantastic positions to convert his chances. His anticipation got him 2 goals in a match vs Cerezo Osaka, first reacting quickest to a long shot and then running into the box to get on the end of a cross, timing his run to stay onside whilst waiting for the ball to come in.

Araki's high pressing is very good especially for the J League. Araki averages 1.4 tackles per game and 3.1 ball recoveries per game. He rarely fouls with 0.8 per game and gets fouled 1.5 times per game. However something I am intruiged by is his low dribble rate, only attempted 0.8 per game. I can't help think this should be much higher as Araki has fantastic pace and in European football players with high pace are used to dribbling much more per game. Should Araki move I expect his dribbling numbers will take a hike upwards.

Araki's low assist number might put off potential buyers who want their attacking midfielders/creative forwards to be creating chances. However do not be alarmed, Araki is simply not getting the justice from his team mates. Putting out 1.1 key passes per game, often in the form of fast low crosses across the 6 yard line, there is simply no takers majority of the time. Playing with faster strikers should see a much bigger success in his numbers. Looking at his season with Kashima where he won the Rookie of the year award and notched up 7 assists he was setting up future Japan international and Feyenoord striker Ayasa Ueda. Ueda, a quick forward with great off the ball movement linked well with Araki and was well rewarded. This shows just how effective Araki can be playing with a player similar to Ueda's skillset.

There is no doubt Araki has the potential to be a regular for both club and country and will continue to get better. There is improvement needed with some technical areas in his game, particulary dribbling and ball control. However Araki should be able to improve his game under European coaching. Some injuries have set him back a little but should he keep fit the future is bright.

Ideal Club:

Ryotaro Araki's ability is clearly above Japan and a move to Europe is needed to improve his talent and chances to be in the national team. Luckily his transfermarkt value is less than 1 million euros meaning a real bargain is available for majority of clubs. Clubs that are looking for attacking midfielders or right wingers that play in an attacking formation that come to mind include Hajduk Split, Dinamo Zagreb and Celtic. All 3 clubs play attacking football with a front 3, are well known for developing talents and making profit, are top teams in their domestic leagues and can easily afford the transfer fee. A move to Celtic to pair him with his fellow countryman and quick smart striker Kyogo Furuhashi would be a great move.

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