Yoshinori Moto has been given the tick of approval by his former coach Massimo Ficcadenti as he prepares for life in the Bundesliga.
Moto joined German side Mainz last May, with Nullfunfer fans hopeful he can fill the void left by countryman Shinji Okazaki, who last week joined English Premier League outfit Lecister City after a 14-goal season in 2014/15.
Ficcadenti, who coached the 22-year old striker in his time at FC Tokyo, believes Moto has the right attributes to make the grade among Europe's elite.
"What was immediately clear about him [Muto] as soon as I saw him at practice was his great power, his explosiveness. When I spoke with my assistants I told them, 'If he could also learn how to play, he can become an awesome footballer," Ficcadenti told Football Channel Asia on Saturday.
"He needs to improve in terms of how he uses his power and his agility. He needs to get deep into the other team's defensive line, and look more for space instead of directly challenging his opponents.
"He needs to improve his timing, his technique... But he knows, and he will.
"Step by step, he'll learn quickly playing at a higher level."
Mainz finished the 2014/15 Bundesliga season in 11th place.
