Coach Alberto Zaccheroni hailed Keisuke Honda as Japan's "extra man" after the CSKA Moscow star delivered a typically robust display on his long-awaited return to the team in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifying tuneup.
Honda, back with the Asian champions after an injury-enforced nine-month absence, helped set up a cracking opener for Shinji Kagawa three minutes before halftime and created the second for Shinji Okazaki to earn top marks from Zaccheroni.
"I always ask for a bigger contribution from Keisuke because I know he will give it to me," said the Italian tactician. "Today he was an extra man for every attacking player because he defends well. That's why Kagawa and Okazaki were able to concentrate on getting forward."