Kashima Antlers teenage star Yuya Osako has been tipped for big things by club coach Oswaldo Oliveira.

The 18-year old forward has been in brilliant form in both the J-League and Asian Champions League this season and Oliveira believes he can be a force for Japan in the 2010 World Cup.

"I think this player will be in the World Cup," said Oliveira.

"Pele played at the World Cup when he was 17. Here in Japan everybody says we don't have strikers, but if he continues these performances he is a good bet.

"We have some players in Brazil who look like his style of play. He is not any better than I expected - that is why he starts the games."