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Ryota Tsuzuki came straight out of high school to challenge and soon replaced veteran Hayato Okanaka as the starting keeper for Gamba Osaka. His sure hands, quick reflexes and agreessive style in the net also won notice from national team coach Phillippe Troussier, and Tsuzuki found himself in the role of third-string keeper on the national team for a brief spell, though he was dropped prior to the 2002 World Cup.
Following the 2002 World Cup, the Kansai native slipped into a period of difficulties, however. After being sidelined for several matches due to injury, Tsuzuki found himself in a second-string position at Gamba, and by 2003 he was no longer viewed as central to Gamba's plans. Agreeing to his request, Gamba traded him to the Urawa Reds so he could vie for more playing time.
Tsuzuki's career has been a series of ups and downs, though, and after moving to Urawa, he once again worked his way into a starting role. Towards the end of 2003, he even edged his way back into the national team, appearing as a late substitute in a match against Malaysia in early 2004. This was his first NT cap in three years, and also probably his last. Nevertheless, he has established himself as a central player on the current league champions, even though he does share duties with teammate Norihiro Yamagushi. Tsuzuki was in net for Urawa's Emperor's Cup final on January 1, 2007, and practically won the match singlehandedly, holding Gamba scoreless with some spectacular work in net. Even as a part-time starter, Tsuzuki deserves to be viewed as one of the best "clutch" performers in the league. |
