Source: Daily_Mail
WORLD CUP 2010: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hails Japan's Keisuke Honda as player of the tournament
Arsene Wenger has lauded Japan playmaker Keisuke Honda just a few months after missing out on signing the Japan star. [LNB]The Arsenal boss is understood to have been close to taking the 24-year-old to the Emirates Stadium in the winter before CSKA Moscow outbid all suitors to buy him from Dutch minnows VVV Venlo for £5million. [LNB]He seamlessly fitted in at CSKA, helping them to the Champions League quarter-final, and has now been hailed as the star performer at the World Cup by Wenger. [LNB] Full throttle: Keisuke Honda has been firing on all cylinders at the World Cup[LNB]'This Japansese team is based on a solid and collective defence in which everybody knows exactly what to do,' said Wenger in analysing Japan's World Cup performance. [LNB]'When they get the ball they can give it to Honda - and the magic starts. [LNB]'When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he has shown what a top class player he is. For me he's the best performer of the competition so far.' [LNB]Liverpool also watched Honda at VVV Venlo, while Ajax, PSV and Twentewere also keen before CSKA move quickly to strike a deal in December.[LNB] Cool: Honda scored his penalty kick in Japan's shootout loss to Paraguay[LNB]The 6ft forward, who can play on either wing or behind a centre forward, speaks good English and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admitted last week that he had been tracking Honda's progress in Russia. [LNB]Reports in Catalonia say Barcelona have an eye on him as a potential future recruit, but it would take a big bid to convince CSKA to part with a player just seven months into a four-year contract. [LNB]Honda's rise has been impressive. Little more than 12 months ago he was playing second division football in Holland, helping VVV Venlo to promotion with 16 goals in his first full season since heading to Europe from Nagoya Grampus Eight in January 2008. [LNB] Fabregas hints Barca deal may be on rocks as star repeats love for ArsenalParaguay 0 Japan 0 (Paraguay won 5-3 on pens): South Americans march onHonda power will help Japan flourish, says buoyed ex-Arsenal man Junichi InamotoArsenal unveil their new kit... but does it remind you of a previous Gunners shirt?[LNB]
