Il Guerriero Giapponese: How Zion Suzuki Looks to Keep Hopes Alive for Fabio Pecchia’s Parma

Emerging as one of the best goalkeeping talents in Europe, top clubs in the continent are keeping close tabs on the progress of Parma shot-stopper Zion Suzuki. 

The goalkeeper came from humble beginnings. Born in New Jersey, he left the States at a very young age to go to Urawa, Japan. From there, a sparking passion for the game grew inside Suzuki and became the youngest player in the history of Urawa Red Diamonds to sign for the club. He made his debut in a cup tie against Shonan Bellmare to which he had a solid start to his professional career, keeping a clean sheet.

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As his first season progressed, the shot stopper got consistent gametime and was a key piece in the Red Diamonds’ cup run to which they successfully triumphed by the end of the season. Step by step, Suzuki impressed in training and was amongst the best in his position in the J-League. He made his AFC Champions League the season after but struggled from the start, being on the back end of an own goal.

The Japanese international made sure to let it go over his head and the Red Diamonds found themselves in another cup final, with them successfully winning the AFC Champions League. It was his time with Urawa Red Diamonds where he achieved his first cap for the Samurai Blue, debuting in net in a 6-0 thrashing against Hong Kong. 

Suzuki slowly but surely started to make a name for himself on the international stage, being heavily tipped as one of the goalkeepers for the future. A loan spell from Urawa to the city of Sint-Truiden for the goalkeeper only looked to bolster his game and test himself in European football. 

With an already eye-opening wingspan, his traits reach far and wide, with his notable asset being his immense presence in commanding the box and having that sense of composure and control. A year went by in Belgium and teams in the top European leagues saw the potential in the young goalkeeper and top-flight Serie A side Parma did not hesitate twice to sign the Japanese international on a permanent deal. 

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He put himself in the history books, being the first Japanese goalkeeper in Serie A and becoming only the second Japanese player to play in the league, joining legend Hidetoshi Nakata, who had a stint with I Gialloblu. The 22-year-old made his debut against Raffaele Palladino’s Fiorentina in a difficult first game for the newly-promoted side. Pecchia’s Parma held their own to snatch a point at home. 

I Ducali started their season strong with their new signing impressing early and solidifying his name on the team sheet. A tough run of games approaching the start of September saw Suzuki and Parma grab three points against former manager Fonseca’s Milan but a difficult away day in Naples saw Suzuki slightly slip up against Conte’s Napoli. 

Stellar performances for I Gialloblu approaching mid season saw Suzuki be the front man in all-important wins against Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna and Eusebio di Francesco’s Venezia. Pecchia utilises the goalkeeper’s assets in possession, with the Japanese international incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet and produces a high level of distribution towards the attacking third.

A momentous win at the Stadio Ennio Tardini against Lazio saw Suzuki grab man-of-the-match in an incredible display by the shotstopper, proving pivotal in huge matchups. It’s contingent on Pecchia’s choices however the Japanese goalkeeper has developed an unmatched mentality and reputation amongst the club, inserting himself as a popular pick amongst Parma fans.

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The task to uphold if he can reach the status of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, yet difficult to fully emulate, he’s showcasing that he’s one of the top goalkeeper prospects to be enthralled about in Europe. 

Il guerriero serve la pazienza e la responsabilità. 

By: Lorenzo Gagliotta / @LG24Sports

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Image Photo Agency / Getty Images