Keisuke Honda (VVV Venlo)

Honda strikes a chord with Rafa

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Japan international Keisuke Honda, who is currently plying his trade in Holland with VVV Venlo.

Chairman of the eredivisie club, Hai Berden, has revealed several top European clubs have expressed their interest in signing the free-scoring midfielder.

Honda, who was Eerste Divisie's Most Valuable Player last year, has started life in the Eredivisie in style with three goals in his first two games.

In the season opener against PSV Eindhoven, his impressive display won him plaudits from opposing manager Fred Rutten.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," Berden told Algemeen Dagblad.

Liverpool scouts have been watching Honda this term and the 23 year-old admitted he would not hesitate to move to England if the opportunity arose.

"Playing in a league as prestigious as the Premier League would be a dream," he said earlier in the year.

"I would seriously consider any offers that come my way."

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,7555_5482874,00.html

Ok now we're starting to get linked with Streetfighter characters.

This pre-season is getting more surreal by the hour!!





Or was that Ed Honda? Its still very early....

Liverpool tracking Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda

10/08/2009
After a hugely impressive start to VVV Venlo’s Eredivisie campaign, Japanese attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda is a player in demand. This morning Sky Sports suggest Liverpool are "keeping a close eye" on the 23-year-old.

VVV Venlo chairman Hai Berden is widely quoted in the Dutch press this morning: "A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year."

After he was named Eerste Divisie's Most Valuable Player last year, leading Venlo to promotion with 16 goals in 36 games, Honda has begun the new 2009/2010 campaign in excellent form.

Honda has scored three goals and provided two assists in two games against PSV and ADO den Haag so far this season. According to reports, there were up to 30 scouts in attendance yesterday as Honda scored a brace in the 2-2 draw against ADO Den Haag.

The Japanese international (3 caps) predominantly plays behind the strikers but being two-footed he can also play on either wing. Honda is contracted to Venlo until the end of the 2010/2011 campaign but could leave if a 10 million euro offer is received.

Scouts in Holland describe Honda as a player "with great dribbling and very good technique. He is a great free-kick taker and although he isn't the fastest player he is very intelligent. A born number 10 with fantastic touch."

http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2791

i actually wouldn't mind tryin this guy.. if he gives us a striking or left wing option.. good enough

Sod. That.

I'm guessing Rafa needs a new car then?

Well never heard of this lad to be honest.

Just hope that if Rafa buys him then he'll be good enough to play for the team. I never had a doubt on japanese players, only worried if they cannot cut it out in the rough of the EPL.

On a side note, me and my mates just played with 3 japanese players a week ago, and all were about 10. Some of my mates are considered the best players in the school, and these kiddies gave my friends a run for their money, and in fact making us look like dumb fools on the pitch. What's more, we're 5 years older than them.

Hopefully he's in the same class as Nakamura, and Suzuki... and if we do get him, can't be all bad...

i feel like I'm talking about bikes...

He's a number 10. That's the same role Gerrard plays. Would he ever play ahead of him? No.

Having said that, any creative players are welcome (as long as they are good enough and don't have egos, obviously), we could do with some more players to come off the bench and change the way a game is going.

He's a great player, the most wanted player in the dutch league right now. The bigger dutch clubs want him but aren't willing or can't pay that much money. I think he will be a top player in the future, but I'm not sure he already is. He might need 1 or 2 seasons to develop. Obviously, from a commercial point of view he is very interesting, he's the hottest player from Japan right now.

Obviously, from a commercial point of view he is very interesting, he's the hottest player from Japan right now.

Might be Rafa's only viable source of income in that case, especially with those 2 bell ends in charge.

Code: [Select]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RfWXGAbZOw

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHoXRMGN6A&feature=related

Not bad LFCBAFC ... Not bad at all

Not bad LFCBAFC ... Not bad at all

Yup he looks like he is an expert at taking wicked free-kicks

For anyone that's interested to see more of him in action, here's a 9 minute recap of last week's game he played against PSV Eindhoven, his first game at top dutch level after they promoted last season. You have to understand that VVV is a lower league team that just promoted and should be fighting against relegation this season. Yet the game ended in 3-3 draw, mostly because Honda carried them in the 2nd half with a goal and an assist. He's easily noticeable by his yellow hair (unfortunately the commentary is in dutch)
psvvvv

Ok now we're starting to get linked with Streetfighter characters.

This pre-season is getting more surreal by the hour!!





Or was that Ed Honda? Its still very early....

I wouldn't mind him using his 100 hand slap on Neville, Rooney, Taggart or Owen though....

Maybe Rafa is planning on using him on the left. We'll see.

Code: [Select]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RfWXGAbZOw

Code: [Select]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHoXRMGN6A&feature=related

BANZAI!!!!!

Aww I wanted Yamaha.

Code: [Select]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RfWXGAbZOw

It's a nice free kick, pretty dumb of the other team to put an one man wall for a freekick that close to the goal though.

Maybe Rafa is thinking of the future already. Doesn't our sponsorship with Carlsberg run out at the end of this season? Maybe we could be sponsored by Honda next year and Keisuke could be wearing Honda on the front and the back of his top  ...wonderful foresight by Rafa 

Ok now we're starting to get linked with Streetfighter characters.

This is a strange prospect I've gotta say.

The possible shirt sales in Japan would be nice

He is god in fifa But otherwise never heard of him...

Looked great against PSV.. Although he reminds me of Yossi, and we have enough attacking midfielders, as is.

Reira           Gerrard           Kuyt
Babel          Benayoun        Benayoun
Doss           Pacheco          El Zhar

Now to backtrack 10 minutes later...

I really like what I've seen from this guy,  anyone think he could he play in our 'Torres role', where we need the depth?  Maybe Babel finally gets his move to striker and we get a new Honda on the left?

Wishful thinking, I know.

Damn, sign him for the name, Rafa!

I've found links to download PSV vs Venlo in a football forum. Can I post it here, mods?

Never seen him play but I must admit I like the idea of having a japa in the team

check this thread mate, because I think the youtube link you are talking about have  been already posted= post #14

The links I'm talking about are for the full match, not only highlights or goals

He looks good to me

good dribbler, great control, fast, direct, good ability to find space and a decent shot too.
looks lazy though and he's far too left footed.
he's only 23 though and this can be coached.
i agree with StevieIsStillGod, If the price is right he's make a good LW

thought he would be really light weight before i pressed play on that video , looks like he has potenial looks to be a really good dribbler . can see it now ..... Honda drives with the ball ..
I know terrible wasnt it

I believe this fellwer goes like the clappers,
he has loads of juice in the engine
And he does the hundred hand slap

But we dont need another midfielder atm

we need a striker.

Doesn't really look like a Japanese. It would be cool to have 'Honda' at the back of the shirt. Plus, almost have the same surname as him!

Looks like a decent dribbler in that 9 minute video and has good shots.

And he can do a flying headbutt better than Zidane

Any more news on this story ?

 "Liverpool are interested"

TOKYO (AFP) – VVV Venlo and Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda said Tuesday that Liverpool was interested in him.

"I was told before the match that a scout from Liverpool had come," Honda said on his website, two days after scoring twice in promoted Venlo's 2-2 draw with ADO Den Haag at home in the Dutch first division.

The 23-year-old Japanese, who won the MVP award in the second division last season, has already scored three goals in the first two games of the new season.

Japanese media have carried Dutch and English press reports quoting VVV Venlo chairman Hai Berden as saying that several top European clubs have expressed an interest in signing Honda.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," Berden said, adding two of England's top five clubs were among them.

Honda has scored 21 goals in 52 games for Venlo since joining the club in January last year after four seasons with J-League Nagoya Grampus.

Thats the news on him today, I can imagine our owners being very interested in him, they don't give a sh*t if he is any good but he will sell shirts in the middle east for them, so more money for them to pocket.

Nice eh to have a honda!

Btw, he's got a good left foot, can take good free kicks and most importantly can cut through defense. But the main thing is marketing value over in Japan.

Quick and goes like the clappers...check!
Can dribble his way out of a sack, leaving opponents bemused, looking not a little foolish and bewildered...check!
Has attacking flair that would add much needed footballing eye-candy to our game...check!
He is of Asian decent which means he will sell shirts aplenty in in an important and still growing market...check!
Still little known, thus would not be too expensive...check!
Oh Rafa, write the check already! The lad looks like he could be a star in the making!!!

Another advantage the Mankers currently have is their huuuuuuge following in Asia, if we can tap into that market with Honda - it will help us as a team on the pitch and financially... Bring Honda home...

Rather Nordin Amrabat. Watched him ever since we beat PSV in the group stages last season, F**k me he can play.

Don't know how much of a player he is.But one thing is for sure,he will definitely boost our shirt sales in the Far East. Like what  the Mancs achieved by signing Park.

Rather Nordin Amrabat. Watched him ever since we beat PSV in the group stages last season, F**k me he can play.

Actually, he's been doing rather poorly, very inconsistent. Also the reason why he didn't start last game.

I have not seen anything of him but if he is good enough for Rafa he is good enough for me.I am sure he has had him watched many times and sometimes the best signing are the ones you have not heard of.

Actually, he's been doing rather poorly, very inconsistent. Also the reason why he didn't start last game.

Hmm, shame that. I watched him since probably November or thereabouts when i could and he seemed brilliant. I'll take your word for it, i dont think i'm in a position to judge him based on a handful of appearances.

Hmm, shame that. I watched him since probably November or thereabouts when i could and he seemed brilliant. I'll take your word for it, i dont think i'm in a position to judge him based on a handful of appearances.

I was quite excited about him too before he came to PSV, he had a great season at VVV the year before. Obviously he does have potential, but he's been very poor in his decision making so far at PSV. Ofcourse PSV as a whole hasn't been doing well lately, so that might have effect on his performance too.

Too right mate, been going downhill for about 2 seasons and abit now.

On topic!

Ok, back to Honda. Dutch media are reporting that last weekend at the game against ADO Den Haag there were scouts from Liverpool, Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, FC Porto, Anderlecht and several german clubs. But a move to the EPL seems quite unlikely since he won't get a work permit yet.

Personally, i'd prefer a Kawasaki or a Yamaha ! 

Yup work permit is another problem for us but like Gonzales we can push if we really want him.

I think him joining could only be a positive as our squad grows in quality are title chances increase i would love to have him in the squad he looks like a dead ball specialist he reminds me a lot of Nakamura with a bit more pace and flare.

Yup work permit is another problem for us but like Gonzales we can push if we really want him.

Well, according to Wikipedia he is not a regular in the national team yet, which would represent a problem.

UTR - VVV　本田圭祐　ミドルシュート！ゴール　Keisuke Honda

cracking goal today..

We could of done with some of that today.

Keeps doing the right things, this lad.

But today in the Everdise live he ruled out a move to a club outside of Holland .

need some pace going forward as Babel seems unable to deliver. this guy could do the job???

Like niksluvslfc said, he has said that he's staying in Holland this season. He's willing to go to Ajax or PSV, but if that doesn't happen then he stays at VVV for one more season.

Honda stalls on Reds link

Japanese ace not keen on English switch

In-demand midfielder Keisuke Honda has insisted he is happy to stay at VVV Venlo despite interest from Liverpool.

The Japan international is being closely monitored by Rafa Benitez's scouts, while a host of other clubs including PSV Eindhoven and Ajax are reportedly keen on his services.

Honda, though, has all but ruled out a switch to the Premier League, believing his development would be better served by an extended spell in the Eredivisie.

"I was told before the match (with ADO Den Haag) that a scout from Liverpool had come," he said on his personal website last week.

Although Honda would love to pit his skills against the best in England, the 23 year-old believes he is not ready for a move abroad just yet.

"I'm very happy and comfortable with life over here. The people I've met are friendly and I just don't feel out of place," he told Eredivisie Live.

"At the moment, moving to a club abroad is not an option I'm considering."

The news will come as a boost to Dutch giants PSV and Ajax, as both clubs have been tracking the talented midfielder for some time.

Venlo have slapped a €10million (£8.6m) price tag on Honda, and any move appears unlikely until the January transfer window.

Skysports

Basically confirms what's been said above, he doesn't want to move right now.

Worthy of a lock-a-doodle?

Worthy of a lock-a-doodle?

Not too sure. He could be making sure the fans don't turn on him in case we fail to agree a deal. See what happens over the next couple of days.

He said he would be open to move to Ajax or PSV but not abroad. I dont think he's looking after his image.

I dont know, if we do move for him his head could turn.

He said he would be open to move to Ajax or PSV but not abroad. I dont think he's looking after his image.

I dont know, if we do move for him his head could turn.

True. I'm sure if Venlo accepted an offer he'd hear what we have to say to him.

Nah. VVV are more than willing to sell him to anybody, he knows that. But Honda has the right mentality, he wants to play and he likes Holland. He has said he's not ready yet to move to a big league, he wants to develop more first. He's not ready yet for such a big and hectic league as the EPL and the life that comes with it, he's enjoying the friendly and calm environment he's currently in. To be honest, I don't even see him leaving VVV this season.

As mentioned though, he wouldn't even get a work permit, he hasn't even been a regular in the national team the past season.

here be a boss video showing just what mr honda is like....brilliant and so strong

http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/street-fighter-iv_dhalsim-vs-honda-1

here be a boss video showing just what mr honda is like....brilliant and so strong

http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/street-fighter-iv_dhalsim-vs-honda-1

He looks like a player who is used to rely on comebacks in games, which is good, but I don;t like the fact that he wears a skirt.

Looked great against PSV.. Although he reminds me of Yossi, and we have enough attacking midfielders, as is.

Reira           Gerrard           Kuyt
Babel          Benayoun        Benayoun
Doss           Pacheco          El Zhar

When did we sign another Benayoun? :S

I think that shows he is an option for the right and through the middle.

Can't say I've ever heard of him before.

But I bet he could knock up a good fried rice.

Probably end up in the chippy over the road from the Kop.

He scored again last night:

Keisuke Honda 1-0 VVV Venlo - FC Groningen

Keeper doesn't look very good there though

5 goals and 2 assists in 4 games so far.

Superb. I think the big test is consistency now - Amr Zaki was as similarly impressive in the early stages of the EPL but faded. Hope this fella can kick on for his sake.

He scored again last night:

Keisuke Honda 1-0 VVV Venlo - FC Groningen

Keeper doesn't look very good there though

5 goals and 2 assists in 4 games so far.

Well its Holland. Everyone scores there these days. Afonso Alves was a hot shot there. Kuyt had some 70 goals in 100 games.

It doesnt traslate to England.

But it is not all about the goals have you seen the quality of the goals there all brilliant.

But it is not all about the goals have you seen the quality of the goals there all brilliant.

Then again, keepers in Holland are no great shakes these days.

I do see where you're coming from but he has the technique to score the goals. Well if we did get him he would be an impact sub in my eyes so i cant see it happening as he looks like the type of player that wants to be the center of attention.

Well its Holland. Everyone scores there these days. Afonso Alves was a hot shot there. Kuyt had some 70 goals in 100 games.

It doesnt traslate to England.

Van Persie, Kalou, Van Nistelrooy the list is endless. We bought 2 dutch strikers, probably the only 2 dutchmen in football who are sh*t technically - i don't think we can dismiss someone because of the league they play in based on who has come out of the league before them.

Obviously you should never just look at someone's stats, but at the player and person as a whole.

Afonso Alves was succesfull for just 1,5 seasons in Holland before he left to the EPL at age 27. During the short time in Holland there were plenty of vague issues surrounding him. He is of very low intelligence, he never went to any school and he only speaks Portuguese and even that not well, and he can't read. Does that sound like someone who will easily adapt and be succesfull in a top league in another country with all it's pressure etc? Not to me, it screams risk.
Kuyt, well, look at him. Look at any striker in the world that's been succesfull at the top. How many weren't very technically gifted and very precise? The only way a striker like Kuyt with his talents can be succesfull as a striker at the top is when he's really tall. Dutch football focusses more on the technical part, it's the dutch way. Kuyt with his physical strength, endurance and mentality was unmatched there. But the EPL is a much stronger and physical league which undermines Kuyt's talents more than in the dutch league.
And Babel, when he left Ajax he was still a talent, he hadn't even made it yet in the dutch league. He scored like 7 goals in his last season. Still, I think he does have the talent, just not the mentality.

That said though, people from every league fail in the EPL. Obviously when someone's succesfull at a  good club in La Liga then he's more likely to succeed in the EPL too, but certainly not by definition.

There's still some players in the dutch league right now though who I believe could handle Liverpool level now or in the very near future:

Luis Suarez - S/SS/RW at Ajax
Stijn Schaars - DM/CM/LM at AZ
Sergio Romero - GK at AZ
Balázs Dzsudzsák - LW/LM at PSV
Ibrahim Afellay - AM/W at PSV

Being the most obvious ones I can come up with right now.

Like crouchino said though, if Keisuke plays like this consistently, then he certainly belongs in that list too in my opinion.

That said, dutch media reported today that Japanese investors are looking to buy him for Feyenoord.

Close the topic now.

He has signed for CSKA.

CSKA seal deal for Honda

CSKA Moscow have completed the signing of VVV Venlo star Keisuke Honda.

The Japan international has put pen to paper on a four-year deal and will cost the UEFA Champions League hopefuls around £8million.

"We feel sad that Honda will be leaving us, but the transfer will help the club in the long-term," VVV chairman Hai Berden told his club's official website.

"The transfer fee was close to what we asked for, so we are very happy with the outcome."

Honda joined VVV from Nagoya Grampus in January 2008 and was named Eerste Divisie's best player for the 2008/2009 season after guiding the club to promotion.

The talented playmaker continued to impress in the Eredivisie this term, scoring six goals in 16 appearances.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_5818737,00.html

Thank you.

Locked and moved.