After three years in Belgium, Daiki Hashioka’s time at Sint-Truiden came to an end. A number of clubs were interested, such as Leeds United and fellow Pro League side Genk. However, the Japanese international has left the Pro League to join Premier League side Luton Town. But what can the clubs fans expect from their new signing?
After leaving Urawa Red Diamonds in January of 2021, Hashioka joined up with Sint-Truiden. He has since gone on to make 91 appearances for the Canaries, scoring twice and providing 14 assists. During that time he has also played a handful of times for the Japanese national team.
From the 2021/2022 season onwards, Hashioka has been a regular starter for the club. Over that time Sint-Truiden have operated with a three man defence and used wing-backs, with Hashioka having made the right side his own. Under Bernd Hollerbach, the side were one of the best defences in the league for two seasons, with the Japanese international a part of that defence. Under the defensive minded coach, he still managed to provide seven assists across two seasons. Hashioka gave the side energy and width on the right of the pitch, and was more than willing to work hard in and out of possession.
This season however, Sint-Truiden have gone from a defensive minded side to a possession based team that look to create at every opportunity. Despite the change in tactical style, and the signing of Frederic Ananou to provide competition on the right, Hashioka has adapted seamlessly to the transition. He scored his first goals for the club this season and has started 17 of the 18 matches he played.
While the likes of Aboubakary Koita, Jarne Steuckers and Matte Smets have been taking most of the plaudits, none of what Sint-Truiden try and do would be possible without the play of Hashioka and Eric Bocat on the flanks. Both are reliable consistent performers who ensure that the side can play with width in attack, but also transition to a defensive formation that aims to be difficult to break down.
Sint-Truiden will certainly miss Hashioka as the regular season of the Pro League winds down. For the player, he has certainly earned the right for a move to a bigger league after putting in a number consistent seasons over the past few years.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
