Belgian media react to Tottenham loanee Kota Takai display in 'stunning' St Truiden win
Tottenham Hotspur loanee Kota Takai made his third appearance for St Truiden on Thursday night.
Takai signed for Spurs in last year's summer window, joining from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale.
A four-cap Japanese international, the central defender is yet to make his competitive Tottenham debut though.
He spent the second half of last season on loan with German Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, making eight total appearances.
After being unable to win a first-team role in N17 under Roberto De Zerbi this summer, Takai headed back out on loan.
Belgian outfit St Truiden secured his services for the duration of the 2026-27 season, as he attempts to show Lilywhites decision-makers what he can do.
What did Kota Takai do for St Truiden vs FC Midtjylland?
Thursday evening was matchday two in this season's UEFA Conference League.
It saw St Truiden travel to Denmark for a clash with FC Midtjylland, with the Belgians looking to follow on from their 2-0 win over Iberia 1999 in matchday one.
Frederic De Meyer's men were able to do just that, running out 1-0 winners at the MCH Arena, taking all three points back to Belgium.
Takai started in central defence and played the full 90 minutes, and Belgian news outlets have praised his performance.
HLN wrote: "STVV (St Truiden) showed themselves to be particularly eager right from the kick-off, with a knife between their teeth.
"(Abdoulaye) Sissako, Takai, (Visar) Musliu, (Nelson) Ishiwatari, (Robert-Jan) Vanwesemael: They all won their duels and the second balls.
"Impressive, especially against an opponent known for its power football."
Meanwhile, HBVL described St Truiden's win as a "stunning victory" that will be "talked about for a long time", and gave Takai a seven out of 10 rating.
So, just how good were Takai's underlying numbers from St Truiden's victory over Midtjylland, and will they catch Tottenham's attention?
How many duels did Takai win vs Midtjylland?
Takai's loan deal with St Truiden doesn't include a purchase option for the Belgians, so the 22-year-old will be returning to Tottenham next summer.
Given how he performed on Thursday night, Spurs will be delighted to get him back, as he looks ready to compete for a first-team role.
Per FotMob, Takai completed 31 of 33 pass attempts successfully, took one shot on goal and was accurate with two of his three long ball attempts.
He made eight clearances, six headed clearances, won two tackles, made two recoveries, one interception and one black.
On top of that, Takai won four of his five ground duels and four of eight in the air, whilst also winning two fouls.
This was a hugely impressive and complete performance from Takai, who showed his ability both as a ball-playing defender, and as an old-school duel-winning one.
De Zerbi may well have some quality centre-back options right now, but more showings like this and Takai will have to be in the Spurs conversation next season.