Tatsuya Tanaka did all he could to convince Japan coach Ivica Osim to pick him for the upcoming friendly against Cameroon with a blistering display for Urawa Reds in a 4-1 victory over Ventforet Kofu on Saturday evening that moved the defending champions to the top of the J. League.

News photoReds forward Tatsuya Tanaka (left) nets the first goal of the game in the first half against Ventforet Kofu at Tokyo's National Stadium on Saturday. Urawa won 4-1. KYODO PHOTO

Osim was at Tokyo's National Stadium primarily, rumor had it, to run the rule over the in-form Tanaka, and the pocket-sized striker didn't disappoint with a ferocious attacking display book-ended by two well-taken goals.