RYOTARO TSUNODA: NOW OR NEVER?
- ccfcinsider
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Ryotaro Tsunoda has returned for pre-season training following another successful loan spell in Belgium, and under new Head Coach Brian Barry-Murphy, it really feels like now or never for Tsuno in a Cardiff City shirt.
The Japanese defender has had a quite peculiar spell since joining Cardiff City. Tsunoda immediately joined Kortrijk after signing for The Bluebirds and enjoyed a great start to life in Belgium, before a partial muscle tear in April, ruling out the defender for the rest of the season and into the following season.
Tsunoda did return to training in the November, and made a handful of appearances for the U21's. With City shipping goals, it wasn't an outrageous idea to suggest the defender should be given an opportunity, however Tsunoda was loaned back to Kortrijk in January. The 26 year-old enjoyed another good spell personally, as De Kerels faced relegation.
What does Tsunoda bring?
Ryotaro Tsunoda is a technically sound defender known for his calmness under pressure and ability to play out from the back with precise short and long-range passing. He reads the game intelligently, often stepping in to intercept rather than relying on last-ditch tackles, which helps maintain defensive stability. Aerially competent despite not being the tallest centre-back, Tsunoda also shows good anticipation and timing in duels, making him well-suited for a team that values possession-based build-up and structured defending.
Versatility:
Tsunoda offers Brian Barry-Murphy an option at both centre-back and left-back, two positions the majority of Cardiff fans would make a case needs improving this summer. The Japanese defender offers a good option at centre half with his intelligent positioning, and ability to read the game. He’s confident in possession, with a strong passing range that helps build from the back, and he times interceptions and challenges well. Tsuno can also something at left-back with his positional intelligence and passing range allowing him to contribute both defensively and in transitions.
Fits the BBM style:
The 25 year-old fits very well with the principles of Brian Barry-Murphy. City's Head Coach favours possession-based football with structured build-up from the back, press-resistant players, and intelligent positional play. His teams defend compactly, focus on technical control, and adapt tactically as needed. Tsunoda suits Barry-Murphy’s system well — he’s calm under pressure, strong in possession, tactically intelligent, and comfortable playing out from the back. His versatility and discipline align with the manager’s emphasis on control, flexibility, and smart defending.
Defensively Sound:
Cardiff conceded over eighty goals in all competitions last season, therefore the area of the pitch they need to improve is staring them in the face. Ryotaro Tsunoda showed his high level defending in his most recent spell at Kortrijk. He times his tackles well, rarely diving in recklessly, and uses his game intelligence to maintain a solid defensive shape. While not the most physically dominant, his reading of the game and disciplined approach make him a reliable and composed presence at the back.
See below Tsunoda's defensive stats during his most recent spell at Kortrijk:
Tsunoda’s defensive stats paint the picture of a proactive, intelligent, and physically capable defender who excels in key defensive actions — tackling, intercepting, clearing, and winning aerial duels — making him a standout defender at Kortrijk.
There's plenty positives to Tsunoda and what he could contribute next season, but to make a balanced argument, I will present some potential cons City and Tsunoda could face.
Adjusting to Physicality:
Whilst being astute physically, League One will pose a completely new threat for Ryotaro Tsunoda. As mentioned, Tsunoda is capable physically, but it's not exactly his game, the Japanese is more of a techincal player. League One is known for its physical and often direct style, which may challenge Tsunoda’s more technical, positional approach.
Fitness and Injury Concerns:
The physical toll of League One’s demanding schedule, with its frequent matches and tough challenges, could pose injury risks or fatigue issues for Tsunoda. The 26 year-old has already proved fairly fragile, as his return to Cardiff training in November was delayed a few times. Tsunoda has faced a fairly heavy injury in three of his last four seasons, whilst at Yokohoma F. Marinos, Tsunoda suffered a Metatarsal fracture as well as a fractured Jaw, then at Kortrijk, Tsunoda suffered a Partial muscle tear. So, with the aggressive and relentless nature of League One, it's hard to know if Tsuno's body will be able to make the adjustment.
Lack of Necessary Experience:
Whilst this may also be the case for the likes of Dylan Lawlor and Will Fish, both of those are young up and coming defenders. In Tsunoda's case, the defender at twenty-six has less than seventy games to his name. Naturally, at 26, you'd be looking at Tsunoda as one of the more experienced members of the squad, but that's far from the case. Granted it's not a massive con, it could cause concern to some sections of the City fan base.
Last year of Contract - Time to Cash-In?
This obviously isn't relevant to the on-pitch discussion, but with Tsunoda in the last year of his deal, City could see this summer as a fit opportunity to try and get some money for the 26 year-old, perhaps to Belgium where the Japanese defender has built some credibility. Dependent on how BBM assesses Tsunoda in pre-season, this could well be a choice that is explored.
Conclusion - Now or Never?
It very much is now or never for Tsunoda, for several reasons that have been discussed. This feels like his best chance of being integrated and getting a real chance here, but failing that it feels his days at Cardiff are numbered.
Having seen Tsunoda in action, I'd love for him to be given a chance as I feel he ticks the boxes of what Barry-Murphy will be looking for in a defender, but time will tell.
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