Kota Mizunuma is transforming Newcastle Jets after arriving from Yokohama F.Marinos in January. aleagues.com.au looks at the numbers behind the Japanese star’s extraordinary impact.
Few have ever made a bigger impact in a short space of time in the A-Leagues than Newcastle Jets’ prized recruit.
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He has also proved to be a transformative signing in Newcastle.
While this is Mizunuma’s first foray abroad after more than 300 appearances in Japan’s top flight, the 34-year-old has settled seamlessly in the Isuzu UTE A-League and inspired a four-game unbeaten run for the Jets. Before his arrival, Newcastle had not won at home since April last year but that changed against Melbourne Victory on February 8.
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No player has managed more assists than the Japanese veteran (three) since his debut on January 25. His exploits have not only given Newcastle a glimmer of hope in the finals race, but the Jets are now eyeing three straight wins for the first time since 2018.
“He is someone that has really made a big impact on that Newcastle team,” A-Leagues legend Archie Thompson said on this week’s episode of A-Leagues Download.
“All indications are that’s what was going to happen because he is someone who is really disciplined and played at a great level. His experience is something Newcastle needed being a young side.
“You can see already with his delivery – that header from Lachie Rose, the ball was just incredible. He has made an immediate impact.”
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Thompson was speaking after Mizunuma’s inspired performance in the shock win over Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium last week.
He teed up Lachie Rose’s opening goal in Adelaide, with his peach of a delivery making it three assists in four appearances since making the move Down Under.
To put it all into context, while Mizunuma made his first start in Round 19, he has played just 210 minutes of football.
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Yet, the experienced winger has been a standout across the entire competition.
Only Macarthur Bulls star Marin Jakolis (14) has created more chances than Mizunuma (13) since his January 25 bow. He is also fourth for chances created per 90 minutes (5.6).
With a wand of a right foot, Mizunuma ranks first for chances created from set plays (nine) – Jakolis is next best with four. He also tops the charts when it comes to successful crosses (13) and successful corners into the box (11).
There is also an unquantifiable aspect of Mizunuma’s impact on the Jets – his experience in a youthful team brimming with potential.
He is bringing out the best in those around him – from Rose to Clayton Taylor.
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“It took me two days once I got in contact with him. I knew Kota from my days at Sydney FC with Steve Corica. We coached against him (in the AFC Champions League),” Jets head coach Rob Stanton told reporters.
“Exceptional player. Sold him the project, what we’re doing. It was at the right time for him to do this.
“Japanese players like to go abroad as part of their career. They see it as a big thing to go abroad.
“He looked at the way we played, he looked at the youthfulness of the team. Once we had a good discussion about what we’re trying to do, he was really keen to come. I’m really happy to have him.
“Good human being but just brings a presence, a cultural thing in the change room that we’re getting good benefit from.”
