Japan coach Alessandro Zaccheroni is backing Yuto Nagatomo for success with Inter Milan.
Ex-Cesena full-back Nagatomo completed his transfer to Inter during the January window.
"I am confident he'll do very well at Inter," commented Zaccheroni.
"He reflects Japanese football today, as he is a hard worker and dedicated to his studies as well as football.
"Japan won the Asian Games in China with a side entirely formed of university students. It's not a coincidence.
"At the age of 21, a Japanese football player has technique and tactical nous, but also dedicates himself to learning and culture.
"In Europe, however, if a lad can play football then he pulls out of his studies. We should think about this."
