Bristol City manager Liam Manning has praised Japanese winger Yu Hirakawa after he proved pivotal in the Robins’ 3-1 victory over Preston.
Hirakawa opened the scoring at Deepdale after just six minutes, expertly anticipating a loose headed back pass from Jordan Storey before poking the ball (somewhat suspiciously, to say the least) past Freddie Woodman and tapping it into an open net.
Effective at both ends of the pitch, Hirakawa then assisted Max Bird for City’s third and was also a nuisance out of possession, often sneaking up on Preston players and pickpocketing them to regain the ball.
After joining in the summer on loan from Japanese side Machida Zelvia, it seems as though the winger has already won favour with the Robins faithful who were singing his name after his early opener, which was his second goal for the club.
“You can see the fans love him,” Manning declared after the game.
“He’s a terrific character. He’s a terrific professional. We knew what we were getting.
“I think he’s really exciting and he’s only going to get better when he settles culturally and with the language.”
The 23-year-old had to wait slightly longer than he would have wanted to get stuck into the City team due to an injury he picked up whilst representing Japan at this summer’s Olympic Games, but he’s managed two goals in his last four matches as he looks to lock down a place on the wing.
Moving to England was a big step for him as he has been thrust into a new environment, but Hirakawa looks to be adjusting well.
“We were slightly disappointed when he picked up the injury at the Olympics which set things back a little bit,” Manning admitted.
“But you’re seeing how he’s such a good footballer. He’s dynamic, he’s quick, he’s agile. Technically he’s excellent as well.
“He’s still really young and you have to remember in the J-League they break through a little bit quicker. So, although he’s 23, I think he’s quite a few games behind many other lads at that age so he’s one that’s going to continually improve.”
Despite the fewer games for his years, Hirakawa seems to be right on track to catch up with his peers as he makes a name for himself with the Reds and no more so did he make a name for himself than with that first goal on Saturday.
On first glance for most in the ground, the Japan Under-23 international’s goal looked nothing more than your standard intuition to win the ball from a risky pass back.
However, on viewing of the replay, it is clear that Hirakawa took the phrase ‘by any means necessary’ quite literally as it appeared he nudged the ball past Woodman with his hand before tapping the ball in. The Preston players were not happy and surrounded the referee in angst at the goal being given.
“It is what it is,” Manning said regarding the decision. “We’ve had plenty go against us as well. It hurts and it’s horrible when it goes against you [but] you get a few that go your way along the way as well.”
City now come up against relegated side Sheffield United on Tuesday night at Ashton Gate. The Blades finished rock bottom of the Premier League last season but Chris Wilder’s side currently lie in third place in the Championship after defeating Blackburn Rovers last time out.
It will therefore be another tough ask in Manning’s men’s quest to remain unbeaten at Ashton Gate this campaign and extend their total run without defeat to nine games. The Robins now sit pretty in ninth, two points off the play-off places.
“All the stats and all the things you talk about are great but it’s another game,” affirmed the City head coach.
“It counts for nothing when the whistle starts on Tuesday so it’s really important now that we rest and recover, assess everybody and see where they’re at. [I’m] looking forward to getting back home and trying to put in another performance and get a win.”