Soccer Digest evaluates the performance of Maya Yoshida, Shinji Okazaki and Yoshinori Muto in the English Premier League, and see how they fared in the 2018/19 season.

MAYA YOSHIDA (SOUTHAMPTON)

Premier League: 17 matches [0 goal, 1 assist]

Carabao Cup: 3 matches [0 goal, 0 assist]

Endured a difficult opening half of the season under then-manager Mark Hughes, where he made just three appearances in 13 league matches. Upon the appointment of Ralph Hasenhuttl in December last year, he regained his place in the first team and played in a three-men defence.

Was briefly excluded from the team when he went off to participate in the Asian Cup in January, but managed to play eight consecutive games from matchday 28. With a system built on playing out from the back of an aggressive and organised defence, Southampton successfully beat off relegation.

High point of the season came in the 0 – 0 against Chelsea on 2 January, in which he contributed in shutting out an Eden Hazard-led offence.

Final Grade: 70 (Well Done)

SHINJI OKAZAKI (LEICESTER CITY)

Premier League: 21 matches [0 goal, 1 assist]

Carabao Cup: 3 matches [0 goal, 0 assist]

FA Cup: 1 match [0 goal, 0 assist]

Despite the emotional farewell in the final home match after four years at the club, it had been a difficult season for the forward, who did not see much playing opportunities that resulted in a season without a goal.

Of his 21 league appearances, his one and only start was against Brighton on matchday 13. He did score one goal, though that came in a reserves game against Chelsea in September last year.

Various rumours have already surfaced that his next destination will be Spain, Italy or Italy. Will be interesting to see if the forward can make a comeback on an elite level.

Final Grade: 40 (Some Dissatisfaction)

YOSHINORI MUTO (NEWCASTLE UNITED)

Premier League: 18 matches [1 goal, 0 assist]

Carabao Cup: 1 match [0 goal, 0 assist]

Overall a bittersweet debut season. Made a massive impact after scoring his first goal against Manchester United in October last year, but never reached that high again.

His place in the team was taken by Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon after he was called up to replace Takuma Asano in the Asian Cup. Ended up spending much of the second half of the season warming the bench as the team’s fortunes improved.

After having endured a tough first year and acclimatised to the game’s physicality and a different lifestyle, he should be able to make great strides next season.

Final Grade: 30 (Dissatisfied)

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Source: Yahoo

Images: gettyimages