SakaMOTM (1 Viewer)

M3rcian · Mar 8, 2026

Just a little recognition of the impact he's having this season. Been a big influence in key games (boro, not least) and again yesterday, being brave for the header (especially considering his previous back injury (from landing badly)), and in fighting to win a chance for Wright, again, aerial challlenge he was unlikely to win.

Basically highlighting he's a fucking massive contributor to our fighting spirit.

StrettoBoy · Mar 8, 2026

I agree. He’s a very good player who always gives his all, both in attack and defence.

Given his small stature I can’t believe how good he is in the air. He has a good leap on him

Bristol sky blue · Mar 8, 2026

I think Sakamoto is a fantastic player, his workrate is second to none and his contribution yesterday was vital.

However, got to say, I disagree with you in terms of MOTM performance. He passed the ball backwards to MVE a hell of a lot yesterday and his attempted crosses were blocked frequently.

Personally I would go for Bidwell as MOTM (yes I know he only played half a match). Resolute and like he had never been away. Helped him that we had backs to the wall defending to do, TBF.

Bristol sky blue · Mar 8, 2026

Obviously, Rushworth was absolutely great too before I get slated for not saying that!

Gynnsthetonic · Mar 8, 2026

Shame he can't get in the Japan National side, they must know of him surely

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 8, 2026

The leap and control for the header was top championship class
The defender thought he’d kept him out

KenilworthSkyBlue · Mar 8, 2026

Yeah I couldn't really fathom why certain posters were creaming over Esse when he came in thinking he was going to automatically displace Sakamoto.

His two goals aside I think he's been very underwhelming and Sakamoto has been a crucial component to our uptick in form.

With his workrate he offers so much more than goals and assists, and with how FL has shifted tactics in recent weeks meaning we're having less of the ball that has been highlighted tenfold.

Jamesimus · Mar 8, 2026

KenilworthSkyBlue said:
Yeah I couldn't really fathom why certain posters were creaming over Esse when he came in thinking he was going to automatically displace Sakamoto.

I was one of these posters!

At the time Esse had already scored a couple of goals for us though and is undoubtedly a really good player.

I would not be dropping Sakamoto out of the starting line-up now though, I have learned my lesson!

Esse will get a fair few more chances to impress in remaining games this season though I think.

KenilworthSkyBlue · Mar 8, 2026

Jamesimus said:
I was one of these posters!

At the time Esse had already scored a couple of goals for us though and is undoubtedly a really good player.

I would not be dropping Sakamoto out of the starting line-up now though, I have learned my lesson!

Esse will get a fair few more chances to impress in remaining games this season though I think.

I don't really doubt Esse's talent however his inexperience is pretty glaring.

His decision making on the ball is poor and I think he's got a huge amount to learn about positioning as he's often all over the place.

Against opposition where we're likely to see more of the ball I can see the argument for including him as he's able to stretch defensive lines and take on opposition defenders pretty easily.

But even then I don't see him displacing Sakamoto now.

harvey098 · Mar 8, 2026

My favourite player in the squad by a distance. The most exciting player with the ball at his feet, the biggest heart, highest work rate and even the positional intelligence.

I hope if we go up, he stays involved in the squad.

curly_tom · Mar 8, 2026

harvey098 said:
My favourite player in the squad by a distance. The most exciting player with the ball at his feet, the biggest heart, highest work rate and even the positional intelligence.

I hope if we go up, he stays involved in the squad.

He’s my favourite player also. Just his work rate and commitment is enough to make him really appreciated but he also contributes so much in terms of bringing the ball away and getting crosses in as well as popping up with a few goals. If we do manage to go up I think he will part of the squad even not a starter every week.

ptr · Mar 8, 2026

been fucking brilliant considering he died against Preston that time

Torquay Sky Blue · Mar 8, 2026

He cares and it shows

PVA · Mar 8, 2026

He showed so much more desire and determination than the defender for both goals.

(think it was the same defender each time as well).

Para1140 · Mar 8, 2026

Got to be a contender for pos

covcity4life · Mar 8, 2026

Gynnsthetonic said:
Shame he can't get in the Japan National side, they must know of him surely

Maybe they don't know he's Japanese?

*Just trying to set up the talksport anti niemi clip sorry

TomRad85 · Mar 8, 2026

Gynnsthetonic said:
Shame he can't get in the Japan National side, they must know of him surely

Kyogo having over 20 caps makes it even more baffling.

The Great Eastern · Mar 8, 2026

Gynnsthetonic said:
Shame he can't get in the Japan National side, they must know of him surely

Get the fuck out of here. We dont need him travelling round the world getting jet lagged, fatigued or injured.

hologram · Mar 8, 2026

I had a vague memory of Tats bring on the fringes of the Japan sqaud when he first arrived so I checked it out.

He's got 2 caps and looks as if he was only involved in one squad, June 2021. 1 start, 1 sub appearance, 1 assist and didn't come off the bench against Serbia. Up against Ritsu Doan and someone who plays for Real Sociedad. Might get a chance if one of them gets an injury near the World Cup I guess.

Potbellypig · Mar 8, 2026

A lesser man could have went into his shell when his club brings in a player on loan to replace him. So fair play to him.

Probably helped by Esse deciding he'll play where he wants and won't track back and defend, but still. Good on him.

Ccfcisparks · Mar 21, 2026

One of the best value signings we’ve made in the last 15 years

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 21, 2026

Recovered from a broken back!!!!

skyblueinBaku · Mar 22, 2026

KenilworthSkyBlue said:
Yeah I couldn't really fathom why certain posters were creaming over Esse when he came in thinking he was going to automatically displace Sakamoto.

His two goals aside I think he's been very underwhelming and Sakamoto has been a crucial component to our uptick in form.

With his workrate he offers so much more than goals and assists, and with how FL has shifted tactics in recent weeks meaning we're having less of the ball that has been highlighted tenfold.

"uptick"

CovValleyBoy · Mar 22, 2026

skyblueinBaku said:
"uptick"

I rate Esse. He has done great given his limited game time. Valuable addition. Made an immediate impact & gave Saka a rest.
Saka just preferred.

Very underwhelming. I don't think so.

DT-R · Mar 22, 2026

M3rcian said:
Just a little recognition of the impact he's having this season. Been a big influence in key games (boro, not least) and again yesterday, being brave for the header (especially considering his previous back injury (from landing badly)), and in fighting to win a chance for Wright, again, aerial challlenge he was unlikely to win.

Basically highlighting he's a fucking massive contributor to our fighting spirit.

Its actually spelt Sakamoto. The M isnt even near the O on the keyboard so not quite sure how you managed that typo!

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CovveeBreak · Mar 22, 2026

Tatsu in the prem is gonna hit different

Sky Blue Pete · Mar 22, 2026

Didn’t cover his man a couple of times in the first half but like most of the team so good second half when an onslaught was expected

DT-R · Mar 22, 2026

CovveeBreak said:
Tatsu in the prem is gonna hit different

Hopefully will be protected by the refs and VAR a bit more. That tackle by Stamenic today was atrocious and didnt even see a yellow card! Appalling that he got away with that. And then later picked up a yellow against Eccles that either would've led to a red, or he wouldnt of took the booking on Eccles meaning we go through on goal and have a chance. Shit officiating as per. Tha fully not cost us any points today, but its still awful!

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CovveeBreak · Mar 22, 2026

DT-R said:
Hopefully will be protected by the refs and VAR a bit more. That tackle by Stamenic today was atrocious and didnt even see a yellow card! Appalling that he got away with that. And then later picked up a yellow against Eccles that either would've led to a red, or he wouldnt of took the booking on Eccles meaning we go through on goal and have a chance. Shit officiating as per. Tha fully not cost us any points today, but its still awful!

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Not gonna lie, that was just a very very hard tackle from Stamenic that looked worse than it was. Was all ball but wanted the chance to rock the little man. He knew what he was doing though.

DT-R · Mar 22, 2026

CovveeBreak said:
Not gonna lie, that was just a very very hard tackle from Stamenic that looked worse than it was. Was all ball but wanted the chance to rock the little man. He knew what he was doing though.

He went through the back of him and got none of the ball. How much more yellow card could it have been?

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CovveeBreak · Mar 22, 2026

DT-R said:
He went through the back of him and got none of the ball. How much more yellow card could it have been?

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I thought exactly the same but watched it back and he a) takes the ball and b) was more side on than through the back

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 · Mar 22, 2026

The fact he is such a humble and hard working player makes you just love him. Any time he scores, the other players go mental. I think that speaks for itself.

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