Scouting Reports

Modern Wingback - Riku Handa

Introduction

While the J1 League is famous for producing diminutive, technical playmakers, Riku Handa represents a different, highly coveted breed of Japanese export: the physically robust, tactically flexible modern defender.

Having cut his teeth in the gritty environment of J2 with Montedio Yamagata before becoming a pillar of the Gamba Osaka backline, Handa has developed a profile that is rare in Asian football. He is not just a wing-back who can run; he is a specialist in 1v1 duels and an aerial anomaly who provides a level of defensive security that allows the rest of the team to take risks.

For Sorare managers and European scouts alike, Handa represents the "safe bet"—a high-floor player with a ceiling that reaches the top tiers of European football.

Analysis

Name: Riku Handa
Age: 23
Dominant Foot: Right
Team: Gamba Osaka

Handa is a technically secure defender who excels in high-pressure environments. Standing at 176cm, he possesses a compact, powerful frame that allows him to compete physically against larger forwards.

Since joining Gamba Osaka in 2023, he has evolved from a traditional wide outlet into a "plus one" creator, often stepping into midfield or the half-spaces to assist in build-up play while maintaining the discipline required in a back four

Key Strengths

Aerial Dominance

One of Handa’s most standout statistical traits is his aerial ability. He currently ranks in the 93rd percentile for aerial duels won among J1 full-backs. His exceptional vertical leap and timing allow him to neutralize long-ball threats and cross-field diagonals, a skill set that often allows him to cover as a secondary

center-back when needed

Defensive 1v1 & Contributions

Handa relishes physical duels. He is consistently one of the highest tacklers in the league averaging over 2.4 tackles per 90 minutes. His quick turn of speed and physicality make him incredibly difficult for wingers to beat in 1v1 situations, as he possesses the recovery speed to track back even if bypassed initially

Ball Progression & Playmaking

He is a high-volume toucher (75th percentile), serving as a primary outlet for Gamba Osaka’s transitions. In 2025, he completed over 1,400 passes with an 80.4% accuracy rate. His vision is best reflected in his long-range distribution; he completed 50 accurate long balls this season, often switching the point of attack to catch the opposition's defensive block out of position.

Data

Elite Defensive Anchor: Handa ranks in the Elite (Top 10%) for core defensive metrics among J1 fullbacks, recording 8.88 defensive actions, 6.83 adjusted interceptions, and 2.29 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. He additionally leads his peer group in dribbles against won (1.41 per match) and clearances (2.28 per match).
Secured Ball Progression: He is exceptionally reliable in possession, boasting an Elite (Top 10%) dribble success rate of 77.78% and an above-average long pass accuracy of 47.77%. Across the 2025 campaign, he completed 1,412 passes with an overall accuracy of 80.4%.

Weaknesses/Concerns

Injury Resilience

The primary "red flag" remains his history of bone injuries. Two separate fibula fractures—one in 2023 and one just before the 2024 Olympics—have twice halted his career momentum. While these are considered "bad luck" contact injuries, durability is a key metric for European recruitment. IMO - not a factor given his solid 2025 season

Final Third Impact

While Handa provides exceptional stability, he lacks the "killer ball" often expected of modern European full-backs. His crossing accuracy (23.8%) reflects a tendency to favor safe or over-hit deliveries. To excel in a top-five league, he must refine his cut-backs and increase his direct goal contributions (1 goal, 4 assists in 36 games).

Potential Desitnation

Given his technical floor and physical readiness, Handa is suited for leagues that prioritize tactical discipline and ball-playing defenders.

Eredivisie (AZ Alkmaar / NEC Nijmegen): The Dutch league is a proven pathway for technical Japanese full-backs. Handa’s ability to "invert" and progress the ball matches the tactical requirements of possession-heavy sides in the Netherlands.
Scottish Premiership (Hearts / Celtic): Having previously been scouted by Hearts, Handa remains a high-value target for Scottish clubs looking for a robust defender who can handle the physical nature of the league while providing offensive output.