Genki Haraguchi was recalled on Monday for the Japan Olympic men's soccer team's upcoming must-win qualifier in Malaysia.
Coach Takashi Sekizuka is counting on the Urawa Reds midfielder to galvanize Japan's attack for the Feb. 22 match in Kuala Lumpur after suffering a crippling 2-1 defeat to Syria earlier this month in Jordan.
"I've been keeping a tab on Haraguchi, and he's very fit at the moment," Sekizuka said as he unveiled a 20-strong squad. "He excels at pushing the ball up from midfield, and can set up his teammates or create his own shots.
"First and foremost, we have to win. Then we need to pump in as many goals as we can."