Shonan Bellmare started the J1 League with a win over Sagan Tosu. This was followed by two consecutive draws against Yokohama F.C. and Kawasaki Frontale. However, they were unable to maintain their unbeaten start and suffered back-to-back defeats. These results have pushed them into the second half of the table. Now the team will look to get results in the upcoming games and will depend on their players to turn around their fortunes. One of the players who will be looked upon is their 20-year-old attacking midfielder, Taiyo Hiraoka. He has impressed in the early games and has the potential to take his side to new heights. We now look at some of the stats of the player that show how he can be the key to Shonan Bellmare’s success.
Taiyo Hiraoka is in his third full season at the club. He was not a regular player on the side and made a few cameo appearances off the bench. Now the player is a regular starter and is proving to be the difference in the team.
Getting the goal-scoring touch
After scoring a goal and providing an assist in his debut J1 League season, the youngster failed to score or create any in the next season. This season, he is back on the scoresheet and has shown his creative side as well.
Averaging 1.54 shots per 90 minutes last season, Hiraoka managed to hit the target 33.33% of the time. He attempted most of the shots from outside the box and failed to create much of an impact.
This season, things have been a bit different, and the player has already netted two goals. The shot average has risen to 2.21 shots per 90 minutes, and the accuracy rate has been 66.67%. When comparing the two visuals, we can observe that the attacker has started to find space inside the opposition’s penalty box. Most of the shots have been attempted from inside the box, mostly from the left side.
What else does the youngster offer?
The 20-year-old youngster features on the left side of the midfield. He likes to progress with the ball down the left flank and also cut-backs to penetrate the opposition penalty box. In the 2022 season, Hiraoka averaged 1.41 progressive runs per 90 minutes, and this season they have gone up to 1.71 runs. He likes to dribble past the opposition defence and has the confidence to take them on inside their own box. Overall, the player has shown confidence to carry the ball.
Taiyo Hiraoka averages 23.8 passes per 90 minutes and has an accuracy rate of 77.3%. The pass map above shows all the successful passes that have been attempted by the player. These include eight passes to the opposition’s penalty box with a 50% accuracy rate. The 20-year-old has an assist to his name. Most of his passes have been towards the left flank. As the season progresses, he will look to add more assists to his name.
Another ability of the player is to make high recoveries. Taiyo Hiraoka has made 22 recoveries in the current season, with 15 coming in the attacking half. These include 11 counter-pressing and three dangerous recoveries. The recoveries made by him might lead to a goal-scoring chance in the future.
Betting analysis
As per the 1×2 betting odds, the betting odds for Shonan Bellmare will be slightly affected by Hiraoka’s inclusion. Since he is becoming a regular starter, the odds will lower against the weaker opponents. Looking at his creativity, the over lines are expected to thrive and will have a low odds rate.
Taiyo Hiraoka is making a name for himself in the J1 League. He is just 20 years old and has a lot of potentials. Hiroako will look to score more goals and become an important member of his team.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
