Analysing the Rejuvenation of Keisuke Honda at AC Milan

Keisuke Honda is most comfortable playing behind the striker. He played in that position for CSKA Moscow and for Japan. He told Japanese media in March that it is “in my DNA." 

But moving to a new league is moving out of one's comfort zone. Honda had not yet competed in a top championship. He started with Japanese club Nagoya Grampus, then played two years with modest Eredivisie club VVV-Venlo before joining Moscow.

AC Milan: Now that was the dream. Except Honda joined them when they were languishing in 11th place at the beginning of this year. Within a space of three months, the 28-year-old had played under three different coaches and was deployed mostly out of position on the wing.

He scored once in that first half-season with Milan. Patience waned. Maybe it wasn't going to work out.

“I’ve never met a samurai," Honda told reporters in that first press conference in January, "but Japanese men are known for never giving up. We have a strong mentality and good discipline, so I hope I can show that kind of spirit on the pitch.”

And finally, better late than never, we are starting to see the real Keisuke Honda. 

He is still starting on the wing, on the right of a 4-3-3 formation, but is lively and looks motivated. He is a lot quicker on the ball and off. Clearly he is seeing the early benefits of pre-season training with Milan, something he did not have last season.

"

There's my boy Honda ... not sure where he caught that speed to catch up with SES .. mamma mia

— Antö (@rossoAnto) August 31, 2014"

Honda has scored two goals in two games—more than he managed from January to May. He scored in pre-season too. Different goals: one from his left foot, one from his right and a header. There is variety to his game.

When he first arrived in Italy, Honda could not break the defence, run past defenders or even send the killer pass. Now he is matching the pace of the game—nay, even setting it—and taking big fouls as a result. The teams can’t keep up.

“I just need to score and provide assists,” Honda said in January. Months later, he is doing it. He is finding himself and the open lanes. Little passes go his way, and Honda can dish off the ball quickly for a timely assist. He’s even better at doing those little layoffs.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Without Kaka—who left for Sao Paulo and Major League Soccer—the Japanese playmaker has the space to do what he loves. 

But Fernando Torres has not yet played, and once he is fit he could make things easier or harder for Honda. Currently Jeremy Menez is thriving as a false nine and has to stay in the squad. Menez could displace Honda on the right flank once Torres comes in (Stephen El Shaarawy already owns the left side).

That leaves Honda in another weird situation. Coach Filippo Inzaghi could adopt a 4-2-3-1 and finally place his No. 10 in his favourite spot. Or perhaps Honda can play among the midfielders, deeper but still a threat in that same 4-3-3 formation.

In the end, it may not even matter. Honda has already moved out of his comfort zone. He even gave an interview this week in Italian. He almost looks happier when a teammate scores than when he does. Honda is part of the team.