Stefan Ishizaki

Stefan Ishizaki is an attacking midfield player aged 25 who has spent the majority of his career in the Scandinavian leagues. However, his talent cannot be denied and any reasons as to why he has yet to make a big move to a European league are unknown.

Stefan Ishizaki can play anywhere in the midfield and is capable of playing up front. When he was 18 he was playing regularly at AIK Solna and became a firm fans favorite. A move to Norway and Valerenga was in the offing after AIK were relegated, but lack of first team football brought him back to Sweden with Elfsborg. His arrival has coincided with the most successful period in Elfsborg's history. As Elfsborg won the Allsvenskan, Ishizaki was the man who was helping to churn out the goals, being particularly dangerous in dead ball situations and showing a wealth of talent when on the ball and a good range of passing. The 2007 season has come and Ishizaki has improved even on last season's performances with Elfsborg.

Scandinavian players often come with a reputation of being picked up on the cheap, and Ishizaki could command a fee of up to £3m for any potential suitors. This could be money well spent; Ishizaki is quite strong on the ball and his crossing ability allows him to get balls into the box quickly and precisely. The 1M EUR Elfsborg spent on the player looks money well spent.

Although the player is 25, he could and should have a career in one of the European leagues. His development continues and he still improves every season. Ishizaki is good enough for the Swedish side and has been on the fringes for a couple of seasons but players such as Ljungberg keep him out of the side.

It will only be a matter of time before someone picks up a bargain.

EYEFOOTBALL RATING:

Potential: 40/50

Current Ability: 35/50