The 4-2-3-1 That Delivered: How Cerezo Osaka Claimed Their First Win
🇯🇵 First Win Secured for Cerezo Osaka
Cerezo Osaka earned their first victory of the season with a structurally disciplined performance against Avispa Fukuoka, executing their 4-2-3-1 system with balance and efficiency.
Man of the Match Energy.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
GK
23 Kosuke Nakamura
Back Four
66 Ayumu Ohata (LB)
10 Shunta Tanaka (CB, Captain)
4 Rikito Inoue (CB)
27 Dion Cools (RB)
Double Pivot
8 Shinji Kagawa
5 Hinata Kida
Attacking Three
11 Thiago Andrade (LW)
48 Masaya Shibayama (CAM)
17 Reiya Sakata (RW)
Striker
9 Solomon Sakuragawa
🔍 Tactical Success – Proper Breakdown
🧱 Defensive Platform
The defensive line of Ayumu Ohata, Shunta Tanaka, Rikito Inoue, and Dion Cools stayed compact horizontally, limiting central penetration.
- Shunta Tanaka led the line as captain, organizing positioning.
- Rikito Inoue maintained cover balance when Tanaka stepped forward.
- Dion Cools provided defensive solidity on the right while still supporting buildup.
- Ayumu Ohata controlled the left channel conservatively.
Behind them, Kosuke Nakamura maintained a stable presence in goal, keeping distribution simple and controlled.
⚙️ Double Pivot Control
The midfield pairing of Shinji Kagawa and Hinata Kida was central to the structure.
- Hinata Kida acted as the deeper stabilizer, screening defensive transitions.
- Shinji Kagawa operated slightly higher in possession phases, linking play and dictating tempo.
This pairing ensured Cerezo could:
- Control rhythm after taking the lead
- Prevent central counterattacks
- Sustain structured buildup
🎯 Attacking Structure
The front four executed clear role separation:
Solomon Sakuragawa (ST)
Led the line, occupied centre-backs, and attacked space inside the box. His positioning created lanes for wide players to cut inside.
Thiago Andrade (LW)
Provided direct vertical penetration from the left. Aggressive diagonal runs and attacking intent were constant threats.
Reiya Sakata (RW)
Maintained width on the right, stretching the defensive line and allowing overlapping support from Daichi Cools.
Masaya Shibayama (CAM)
Functioned between the lines, connecting Shinji Kagawa to the attacking unit. He occupied pockets intelligently and facilitated progression in tight central spaces.
The structure worked because spacing was disciplined — width from Sakata and Andrade, central occupation from Shibayama, and pinning movement from Sakuragawa.
⭐ Key Players
Solomon Sakuragawa
- Led the attacking line
- Intelligent off-ball movement
- Constant presence inside the box
Thiago Andrade
- Vertical threat from the left
- Direct dribbling impact
- High attacking rating in the lineup
Masaya Shibayama
- Key connector between midfield and attack
- Effective positioning in central pockets
Shinji Kagawa
- Controlled buildup phases
- Maintained composure in possession
- Tactical intelligence in transitions
Shunta Tanaka & Rikito Inoue
- Organized defensive structure
- Maintained compact spacing
- Crucial in preserving control
⭐ Man Of The Match - Dion Cools
The Malaysian right back was the top performer according to the SofaScore Rating. His contributions in the match was not only at the backline, but he was involved during the transitions in the final third, providing accurate passes and important crosses, providing width on the right flank and creating overloads when in defensive mode.
Summary
Cerezo Osaka’s first win of the season was built on structural discipline within a clear 4-2-3-1:
- Defensive compactness from Tanaka and Inoue
- Midfield balance through Kagawa and Kida
- Width from Sakata and Andrade
- Central connection via Shibayama
- Forward presence from Sakuragawa
This was not chaotic attacking football — it was measured, organized execution.
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