CSKA Moscow's attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda, is arguably the rave of the moment - thanks to his brilliant displays for Japan, he has won the admiration of the movers and shakers of top European clubs including Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who took time from his duties to accord honour to whom he deemed fit.
Prior to their penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay in the second-round of the ongoing Fifa 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the impressive Honda, proved how resourceful he can be on the pitch by single-handedly powering CSKA's midfield to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, where the stiff resistance of the Italians under the tutelage of ex manager Jose Mourinho, ensured they exited the competition at that stage, losing both legs in the process.
Arsene didn't mince words in an interview with Eurosport, as he clearly stated the objective reasons why he believes so much in the lad's capability. Although Honda, scored two goals and created an assist during the group stages of the competition Arsene Wenger, believes the overall work rate of the Japanese team successfully consolidated Honda as their playmaker.
The gaffer who is currently busy commentating at the Mundial for French Tv spoke very well of Japan and Honda in particular:
This Japanese team is based on a solid and collective defence in which everybody knows exactly what to do.When they get the ball they can give it to Honda - and the magic starts.
When they get that genius Honda playing up front he had shown what a top class player he is. For me, he's the best performer of the competition so far.
Meanwhile, Italian giants AC Milan, who can boast of equalling Arsenal's number of linked players this summer, are reportedly on the move to land Honda, who is a self-confessed admirer of the Rossoneri' historical background, practically paving the way for a potential showdown with the aforementioned prospective clubs.
