Japan: A Great Launchpad to Europe
An Australian player thinks few leagues are as good as Japan’s. As the new J.League season gets ready to start, many players are likely to stand out and get big chances in Europe. Perfect Stepping Stone to Europe.
Lately, the J.League has become a well-known spot for talent scouts from Europe. Players like Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton have moved smoothly to European football after shining in Japan. Adam Taggart, who played two seasons with Cerezo Osaka, isn’t surprised that players use this league as a way to get to Europe.
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Having played in Australia, England, Scotland, and South Korea, Taggart believes Japan has the best football he’s seen. He feels the league shapes players well for success in Europe right away.
Japan’s Football Quality is Top-Notch
On Optus Sport’s Takes from the Terrace, Taggart spoke highly of the J.League’s quality.
“For me, in terms of pure football, Japan was among the best I’ve ever been part of,” he shared.
“It was such a good experience because it’s all about pure football. In my experience, it was the highest level I’ve played.”
He also noted how easily J.League players fit into big European teams.
“You see so many players from the J.League go to major European teams and make an impact right away.
They all look good, and it’s rare for them to go there and not play or get lost in the system.”
Taggart believes that the J.League’s quality and setup help players succeed in Europe.
A Special Way of Playing
Taggart moved to the J.League in 2021 after doing well in the K-League. He faced some challenges adjusting because of COVID-19 rules, but he learned a lot about Japanese football and its culture.
“When I went there, I was stuck in Australia for about four or five months because of their COVID rules,” he explained.
“We had a big group of players stuck in different countries.
As nice as it was to be in Australia, it affected that first year, and I was playing catch-up when I finally got there.”
Despite some early issues, Taggart loved how disciplined Japanese teams are and their focus on technical, structured play.
“They aim for the perfect goal every time—like scoring after 30 passes— which is fantastic to see.
No matter the score or situation, they stick to their style of football.”
J.League 2025 Season About to Start
The 2025 J.League season kicks off on February 14, and Optus Sport will again broadcast it in Australia. With the league bringing out top talent, expect more players to shine and earn spots on big European teams. Perfect Stepping Stone to Europe.
