Ryunosuke Sato
VAL
Poor showing offensively
Sato had four shots (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against Betis. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 26th minute.
Analysis: Though Sato put up four shots and five crosses, he didn't have a single accurate service and only one of his shots found the frame. That'll sting in a 1-0 loss. The midfielder has an interesting matchup looming as Alaves did allow 56 goals a year ago in LaLiga but have only conceded once through two games this season.
Signs five year deal with Valencia
Sato has signed a five year contract with Valencia CF through 2031 after the club reached an agreement with FC Tokyo for his transfer, becoming the first Japanese player to represent Valencia's men's first team, according to the club.
Analysis: Sato became the youngest player in FC Tokyo's history to debut for the first team at age 16 in 2023, and registered six goals and one assist in 19 official appearances back at the club last season following a loan spell at Fagiano Okayama, where he won the J1 League Young Player of the Year award. He has been a key figure for Japan's youth national teams, helping the country win the AFC U23 Asian Cup as the tournament's MVP and top scorer with four goals, and became the youngest player in Japan's history to appear in a World Cup qualifying match following his senior debut last year. Comfortable across multiple midfield positions with his pace, technical quality and ability in tight spaces, Sato joins Valencia as a versatile long term addition to the midfield.
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