PROFILE | Reims’ Keito Nakamura adds numbers to his game | OneFootball

Numerous Japanese players have taken Ligue 1 by storm, with one at Reims quickly evolving into an elite footballer. Keito Nakamura is in his second full season featuring for the Champagne club and he has already exceeded his number of goals domestically from season one, netting six after 15 encounters in 2024-25.

Usually starting on the left wing, opposite his Japanese compatriot Junya Ito, Nakamura’s explosiveness has been evident this season. Ito has been among the best chance creators in the league, but the man born in Abiko, Chiba, is often in a perfect position to finish off his teammates’ deliveries. Nakamura may start out as a left-winger, but he tends to float into various central positions inside the penalty area, getting on the end of his share of Ito crosses. Like Ito, he’s also won his share of tackles, usually in dangerous areas for either himself or Oumar Diakité to pounce.

In the early stages of his international career, Nakamura has lived up to his billing as the next big star in Japan. He’s made 13 appearances for the Samurai Blue, finding the back of the net eight times.

Nakamura makes improvements in final third

Defensively, Nakamura has evolved a lot for his club side, boasting a handful of interceptions and over 50 recoveries in the top flight this season. Often, when he wins possession, it’s in the final third, leading to some quality scoring opportunities for his team. His discipline to return and chase when Reims are out of possession has been noticeable this season, along with his strong positioning to cut off the passing lanes of opposing fullbacks.

Like a season ago, Reims are in contention for a spot in Europe, with Nakamura among the reasons why. Elsner’s side reached the 20-goal mark after 13 domestic encounters this season, one match sooner than they had in the previous campaign under Will Still. Nakamura’s gotten himself into good positions in both the attacking and defensive areas of the field while showing precision with his clearances and shots on goal.

This season, his decision-making in the final third has been much sharper, leading to him being a key contributor for Reims on the scoresheet. His price tag on the transfer market will surely rise should he continue performing the way he has so far.

GFFN | Joël Lefevre