top of page

J1 League 2023 Team Guides

Yokohama F. Marinos

YokohamaF_edited.jpg

Introduction

Yokohama F Marinos are one the original 10 founding teams that took part in the inaugural 1992 J1 season. Based in the port city of Yokohama just south of Tokyo, the club have been a permanent fixture in the J1 league, winning it 5 times including last season.​

​

The team are majority owned by the famous automobile company Nissan and play at the aptly name "Nissan Stadium" which is also the biggest capacity football stadium in the J League. City Football Group also have a 20% stake in the club and this partnership has allowed the club to gain access to world class coaches and scouting networks which has taken to the next level in recent season.

2022 Season

Yokohama F Marinos claimed the 2022 league title after after pipping Kawasaki Frontale to the post on the final day. They were deserved champions that played a fluid and attacking brand of football throughout the season & delivered the most goals from a team in the league.

 

There were some hiccups through the season though, especially towards the start where the defence was continually changing and making unforced errors. There was also a disappointing early exit from the ACL when they were heavy favourites against Kobe and had a excellent chance to make the final.

 

Overall the season was a huge success and we saw the entire squad being used at different times. This rotation led to the team being fresh at key stages and also kept the atmosphere of the dressing room positive. For Sorare it made them much harder to predict with confidence and led to lots of frustrating at times!

​

2022 Top Scorer: Leo Ceara & Anderson Lopes (both 11 goals)​

2023 Squad Depth

YokohamaFMarinos.png

Transfers in:

DF Takumi Kamijima (Kashiwa Reysol)
MF Kenta Inoue (Oita Trinita)

FW Asahi Uenaka (V-Varen Nagasaki)
GK Hiroki Iikura (Free Agent)

Transfers Out:
RW Teruhito Nakagawa( →FC Tokyo)
DF Tomoki Iwata(→ Celtic)
FW Leo Ceara (→Cerezo Osaka)

MF Ryonosuke Kabayama (→Sagan Tosu)
GK Yohei Takaoka →Vancouver *TBC
 

(Please note these are the main transfers as of 09/02/2023. Squad depths for each team which are updated weekly can be found on Patreon here)

Notes

Tomoki Iwata was the J1 League player of the year and his move to Celtic was a huge blow to the champions. This has been compounded by the very recent exit of their keeper and also last seasons best J1 keeper, Yohei Takaoka. Further departures include the forwards  Ceara and Nakagawa. These were understandable in that both players wanted to be given more guaranteed minutes.

​

Although the squad have lost key players, YFM remain extremely strong and depth in almost all spots. Players such as Yamane, Koike, Tsunoda etc can play in multiple roles which allows them to be extremely flexible. They have also brought in cover in defence with Kamijima and added further attacking power in Inoue and Uenaka. Yokohama FM also have an excellent youth setup and players such as Fujita are expected to continue to develop and grow.

 

The keeper situation is as of the time of writing still more uncertain. Ex Marinos player Iikura was brought in and its unclear if he is seen as a starter or more of a mentor/training coach for the other 3 keepers. These 3 keepers have limited J1 experience and Muscat (the manager) himself said he wasn't sure who he preferred as he hadn't watched them in game situations enough. Obi will start the Super Cup on 11th February and if he does well we can assume he carries on. Whether he has the ability or playstyle that Muscat/YFM are looking for will be something to monitor!

 

This makes it tricky from a Sorare perspective and my general advice when there is doubt for a keeper is that its better to wait/avoid until things become clearer! Keepers are usually the most expensive player in a lineup so from my experience its better to go for where things are more stable. 

Key Players for Sorare

Eduardo.png

​Name: Eduardo

Position: Defender

​L15: 71

Notes

  • Elite level scoring making with L15 of 71 and L40 of 61 which are one of the best in the game

  • In over 50% of games played he scores >60 points and has a high point celling and is capable of reaching 70-100. Also takes freekicks in goal scoring positions

  • Has had injury/conditioning issues so is liable to be rested during a busy schedule. 

  • Now there is more uncertainty with the goalkeeper, the keeper + defender stack is somewhat more risky.​​

​Name: Joel Chima Fujita

Position: Midfielder

​L15 average: 48

 

Notes​

  • One of the rising stars in Japan and considered and seen as a potential future leader of the national side

  • Versatile and combative midfielder that suits the matrix with high levels of interceptions and passes

  • There is rotation risk at YFM with Watanabe and Kida especially often used ahead of Fujita. His role in the team is expected to grow in the season ahead.

  • Risk of a move to Europe - there has already been several rumoured offers made from teams in the Jupiler and Bundesliga.

  • u23 utility till July 2024

​​​

​Name: Takuma Nishimura

Position: Forward

​L15 average: 56

 

Notes

  • Became YFM main attacking midfield last season. Can play as a forward too which is more important now that Ceara has left

  • Especially in home games is very effective, averaging 62pts last season when starting.

  • 38% of games >60 points with 12 goals

  • Competition & rotation risk with Marcos Junior who had a very injury prone season and is in better condition this year.

​​​

J1 League and Sorare

image.png

I have done an introduction guide to Hiroshima which can be found here and an introduction guide for Nagoya here

 

I have also done an introduction guide to the J1 League and Sorare which can be found here
 

You can find my favourite players from the J1 league for the 2023 season on the John Nellis Youtube channel here

 

You can also find more about me and my Sorare SO5 record here. Posts I have made for Sorare and the J1 league here 

​

I have a Patreon service which offers:

​

  • J1 League Squad Depth info for each teams (live document updated with transfers and news!)

  • In depth scouting including u21s 

  • Capped league analysis, strategy and tips

  • Calendar analysis for all leagues on Sorare

  • Predicted lineups and strategy info each GW in the J1 League

  • Transfer Rumours and analysis

  • Access to an Exclusive Discord Server

  • Monthly giveaways including SRs, Rares and Limited cards!

 

More info about the Sorare Tactics Patreon can be found here !

Sorare Tactics Discord

Click above for the J1 League Sorare Discord channel, you can keep up to date with the latest info and get other peoples opinion in the community!

bottom of page