Still don't know who's got what to offer in the J. League? Here's a quick guide to some of the players who should pique your interest in the coming season.
Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama F. Marinos) Last year's MVP, although the award should have gone to Kashima Antlers defender Yutaka Akita who, Japan manager Philippe Troussier claims, earned the award because of his appearances for Japan. (Shouldn't that be in spite of?)
Of course, the "Prancing Petal" has more delicate skill than almost the rest of the league put together, but he still has various deficiencies that must be ironed out to make him effective at the national team level. One thing his appearances for Japan did confirm was that he does actually realize that midfielders have to get back and cover. At Yokohama, he doesn't appear to have to do that.