Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent, next up is Naoki Yamada.
We run the rule over Japanese starlet Naoki Yamada
Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find.
Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal.
Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player.
You can only nominate a player by
emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line.
Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager Live! - which includes a pre-paid four-month subscription.
Latest under our scout's gaze is Urawa Red Diamonds midfielder
Naoki Yamada - recommended by
Sky Sports reader
Cormac Woods.
The scout reports...
Naoki Yamada has emerged as one of Japan's most promising young players in a generation.
A product of the Urawa Red Diamonds youth system, he has really broken through in the last year.
A dynamic midfielder, who has a wonderful eye for a pass, he loves to get forward and join in the attack.
Yamada at 5ft 5in, is small in size but is full of energy and uses this to get himself around the pitch - indeed he likes a tackle too, even though he may not always get what he intends.
The 18-year-old's progress this year was rewarded by a shock call-up to the Japanese national squad last month and he became one of their youngest ever internationals.
But Yamada is no flash in the pan and looks to have everything going for him.
Indeed his progress has been so good that he looks like he could very well be on the plane for South Africa 2010.
The scout says...
An excellent talent, who you could liken to Paul Scholes, is surely ready to come onto the radar of some top European clubs in the coming months.
But this boy is not just a potential marketing tool - he has the potential to become one of Japan's best ever.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 7 out of 10
Passing: 9 out of 10
Tackling: 7 out of 10
Heading: 6 out of 10
Pace: 8 out of 10
Vision: 9 out of 10
Current ability: 8 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 64/80
Current value: £3million
Potential value: £20million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Yamada - now we want your views. Have you seen Yamada? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?
And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature, then please get in touch. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.
