Borussia Dortmund play their fourth game of the pre-season campaign tomorrow against FC Tokyo. It marks their final clash of the BVB Evonik Japan Tour as the side aims to make up for the disappointing loss to Cerezo Osaka on Wednesday.
The Bundesliga giants will be buoyed by the return of some of their World Cup stars as Waldemar Anton, Maximilian Beier, Felix Nmecha, Carney Chukwuemeka and Daniel Svensson are all set for their first appearance of the pre-season.
FC Tokyo face Dortmund for the first time and are coming off the back of a narrow 2-1 win over Nagoya Grampus on 21 July as they've had a good 10 days to prepare for this clash, their last before officially kick-starting the 2026-27 J1 League season.
Although the side has never won the Japanese top-flight or the AFC Champions League before, Tokyo's current squad boasts some talented names that are worth keeping an eye on during their clash with Borussia Dortmund tomorrow. Here are three of the best:
1) Kota Tawaratsumida
One of FC Tokyo's most exciting attacking players, the 22-year-old winger can be a real menace on the wings for Dortmund's makeshift backline of teenagers with his electric pace and directness.
His uncanny dribbling ability is also highly publicised in Japan while his ability to deliver crosses inside the box for central players is second to none.
2) Marcelo Ryan
Signed from Sagan Tosu last year, Marcelo Ryan gives FC Tokyo a real focal point in attack as the Brazilian combines his sturdy physical presence with breezy pace to leave the opposition defenses in sixes and sevens.
Last season, he bagged eight goals for the capital side in the J1 League coupled with another five in cup tournaments to emerge as their reliable outlet upfront. Ryan will be licking his fingers at the prospect of going up against the BVB's leaky defense.
3) Kei Koizumi
FC Tokyo's captain Kei Koizumi is more than just that. He's vital in regaining possession in midfield and does so with impeccably-timed tackles. The experienced midfielder is adept at sparking counter-attacks with a long pass or by prancing forward at full pelt while catching the opposition defense out.
Neat and tidy in possession, Koizumi carries himself with great composure, possesses exemplary vision and can hold-up the ball well under pressure in tight spaces. Dortmund can expect an interesting midfield battle against the 31-year-old tomorrow.
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