Keisuke Honda's move to Mexico from AC Milan may take him even further away from Japan, but it could mean that one of Asia's most creative stars returns right to the heart of the national team, with vital 2018 World Cup qualifiers approaching.

The man they call the Emperor has joined one of Mexico's leading clubs in Pachuca. With his contract at Milan ending this summer, there had long been links with moves to Major League Soccer, China, and England -- as well as back home to the J.League.

Honda's dream move to the San Siro came in January 2014, but it did not go to plan. Playing time was limited, and when it came, it was sometimes out of position for Japan's attacking talisman. The season just finished was especially frustrating, with Honda starting just two games.

Such inaction has affected his performances for the national team as they strived to qualify for a sixth successive World Cup. Coach Vahid Halilhodzic warned his star in the final days of 2016 that being a peripheral figure in Milan was a problem.

"I need Honda to play more on a regular basis," Halilhodzic said. "The national team needs Honda. He is our best goal scorer and best passer. But if he doesn't play enough, I think the message I have sent is clear. I've explained to Honda that if he wants to keep playing for the national team, he has to play more."

The Bosnian had a point, as Honda has not been at his best for his country for some time. Genki Haraguchi has stepped up to the plate a number of times in qualification, and the Hertha Berlin man scored the decisive goal against Saudi Arabia in November as Honda was dropped. Even if his contract in Milan was not ending, staying at the club was not an option in terms of his international career.

As such, his move to Mexico is likely to be applauded by Halilhodzic, as it should give Honda some playing time ahead of the vital qualifiers coming up.

There are only two left. Japan host Australia on Aug. 31 and then travel to Saudi Arabia five days later. At the moment, the Samurai Blue top Group B, a point ahead of those two rivals. But with only the top two progressing automatically to Russia, there is still work to do. Should Japan defeat Australia, then it is job done with a game to spare. But any other result means that it all goes down to Jeddah where, after a long flight, there will be 60,000 fans waiting.

A fit, fresh and in-form Honda would be a major boost, and there is now a chance that it may happen. Instead of just finishing his European holidays with Milan and waiting for the season to start, with the prospect of sitting on the bench, Honda will be playing in Mexico.

Former Japan and Mexico boss Javier Aguirre told ESPN FC in 2016 that the Mexican league would be good experience for Japanese players. While Liga MX may not match Serie A, that is only an issue for a player who is an automatic choice in Italy.

The games are coming thick and fast for Pachuca in the coming weeks and, assuming all goes to plan, Honda will get some serious game time. The only downside for the coach is the distance and time involved in returning to Asia. But instead of welcoming an inactive and frustrated player back from Italy, Halilhodzic could have a busy and happy one jetting in from Mexico.

And Honda should have some tales to tell in a country that is pretty much unknown territory for Asian stars. Honda has, however, done the unexpected before. At the end of 2009 when he had established himself as a genuine star in the Netherlands with VVV-Venlo, instead of following interest from all the big European leagues, the Osaka native decided to head east to sign for CSKA Moscow.

It was a move that paid off in the beginning as he was soon scoring goals in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. But with the Russians asking potential suitors for big money, Honda had to wait until his contract ended to join Milan.

It is to be hoped that this unexpected move does not end in similar, frustrating circumstances. It should not. Honda arrives in Mexico desperate to play, and with a point to prove. He should get multiple chances to do just that, with the games coming thick and fast.

This is also good news for Japan's chances of reaching Russia -- and spells danger for Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by JOHN DUERDEN

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]