http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...success-it-is-not-enough-for-me-10107108.html A very interesting interview with Maya about his struggles with the language and physical demands in the PL. He is the first Japanese player to get a second contract in the PL which he puts down to hard work. He says he couldn't understand Rickie (don't worry, few can ), Shane and Steve Davis. He talks about players being monsters compared to Asian men...remembers the shock of first seeing Rickie in the gym...where he couldn't even lift the dumbbells. Says he is better at CB now because his English is good enough to give instructions and he has bulked up. I'm sure I'm not alone in recognising how improved Maya is...he puts this down to hard work and says Japanese players are just too lazy.
For me he is the most improved player this season.....he came in and has done a great job at CB and LB. Really glad he signed his contract extention .
I freely admit that I thought we had seen the best of him and he wasn't good enough for a top half PL side (except as a sub when desperate) and I never thought he would get another contract. Another player we had grown too big for. Koeman saw something in him and said what a good team player he was...training hard and accepting not being picked if it was for the good of the team. He has been a revelation this season and now we can see the reason for his struggles. Well done to the man.
