PROFILE | Junya Ito – a key man in Reims’ unlikely European push? | OneFootball

Many footballers have found success transitioning from the Belgian Pro League to Ligue 1, including the highly skilled Junya Ito.

The Japanese international who helped Genk claim the Belgian domestic title in 2018-19 has been an integral part of Reims since his arrival. He has assumed the mantle of creator-in-chief. Throughout this season, he’s been primarily used in a right-wing position and has once again produced some sublime performances at that spot.

The Reims playmaker has registered multiple assists in each domestic campaign since coming to Ligue 1, including the current one. He’s also provided excellent service to his teammates with his deliveries on the flanks. In 2023-24, he led the league in big chances created (19) and expected assists (9.9). He’s been among the best in those departments once again this season while also creating over 40 chances in the opening 15 league fixtures for Luka Elsner’s men. Ito’s skill on the ball have been exquisite, making him a nightmare for opposing defenders to dispossess.

It isn’t simply his technical ability that’s been evident yet again this season, but his defensive work rate has also been at a high level throughout the campaign. He’s won over a dozen tackles, with a handful of interceptions to boot. That’s been critical to the transitional game of Les Rouges et Blancs.

Japanese duo key to Reims’ attacking efforts

Ito may not always be heavily involved in Reims’ build-up, but his off-the-ball movement has also come a long way over the past couple of seasons, as he has been in ideal positions to finish off attacks or set them up for his teammates. Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Ito has continually displayed creative passing qualities and an ability to find his strike partners behind the opposition’s backline. His impressive passing numbers always figure near the top of Ligue 1, and even in his early thirties, his pace has proven to be challenging for defenders to contain. Ito’s always had tremendous raw attacking talent since arriving at Stade de Reims, but he’s looked like a much more complete player at this stage of the new campaign.

Alongside compatriot Keito Nakamura, he is an essential part of Reims’ attack, which despite the arrival of the supposedly more defensive-minded Elsner, has been expansive and dynamic in the first half of the season. A challenge for the European places may be a step too far for Les Stadistes, but if they are to do it, Ito will play a starring role.

GFFN | Joël Lefevre