Takarada is Leicester City’s ‘missing link’ says Kirk | OneFootball

Leicester City head coach Willie Kirk says that latest signing Saori Takarada is his side’s missing link.

The Japanese international midfielder is set to join the Foxes on 1 January 2024 after signing a pre-contract agreement with the East Midlands club.

Leicester City boss Kirk spoke to the media following the announcement and expressed his excitement for Takarada’s move to The King Power Stadium.

“Saori is an exceptional technician,” Kirk said. “I’ve seen a lot on social media saying she’s this, she’s that, she’s an attacking player – she’s a six, an outstanding six.

“She’s so technically good, her awareness is great, her out of possession awareness is really strong in terms of getting her defensive positioning ready for transitions against you. She starts builds, she progresses the ball into the next line.”

Kirk also reflected on the player’s versatility in positioning, commenting on how important the signing will be for his Leicester City side going forward.

He said “It’s really interesting because when she was young and she played in the Under-20s World Cup, she was a forward. I think she managed either top or second-top goalscorer in the Under-20s World Cup and she’s changed quite a bit. She ended up playing a little bit at full-back at Washington Spirit, but when she’s been at Linköping in the last two years, she’s been a six and she’s been an outstanding one at that. She can drop into the backline and play there but we’ve signed her as what we think is the missing link for us.

“She’s a great person, she’s been across with us for a few days already. She’ll obviously join us properly in January in terms of training and there will be a little bit of adaptation time for her. We’re really excited to work with her and get her on the pitch.”

Leicester City are next in action on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Broadfield Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays Women’s Super League.