Former Newcastle United striker Yoshinori Muto spearheads all-conquering Vissel Kobe’s bid for a third straight J. League title when the new Japanese season kicks off on Friday.
The 32-year-old has refound his mojo since joining Kobe in 2021 and he played a crucial role in last season’s league and cup double on his way to being named J. League player of the year.
Muto, who spent two frustrating years on Tyneside after a spell in Germany with Mainz, almost left Kobe over the winter before signing a new deal.
The former Japan international’s presence will be crucial as Kobe chase honours at home and abroad, with the club already through to the knock-out stages of the AFC Champions League
Kobe lost last weekend’s curtain-raising Super Cup 2-0 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Muto knows they still have work to do as the season gets underway.
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