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Toyama native Hiroki Aratani has had a chequered career which has taken him from one end of Saitama to the other. He broke into the league with the Urawa Reds, way back in 1994, but did not get a single opportunity to stand betwen the posts until he accepted a move to JFL club Kawasaki Frontale in 1998. When he moved back to Saitama, joining Omiya in 1999, he again found himself in a reserve role. He didn't make his debut until 2002 and had to wait until the promotion season of 2004 before replacing Tomoyasu Ando and getting a regular run in the side. While his displays in J2 were impressive -- he played the central role in the team's unbeaten run of 13 victories to clinch promotion -- he is often found wanting at the J1 level, and has made several high profile errors. Aratani's kicking is fairly consistent, but his reflexes and ability to react to powerful low shots are often found wanting. A favourite of the previous manager Miura, it is unclear whether he will retain his starting place in 2007. Some disgruntled Omiya fans have given him the nickname "Dracula," because he seems to be afraid of crosses. | |
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