J-League - Why Frontale Are Certain Front-Runners

Gameweek one of the J-League saw more than just a few opening games - better described as blowing open the cordon from day one.

But one stat stood out like a sore thumb; Kawasaki Frontale had three goalscorers under the age of 23 in their game against Nagoya Grampus, two of which came off the bench later on in the game. While 20-year-old centre-back Kota Takai scored the opener, regular goalscorer Shin Yamada added another just a few minutes later.

But it was in the 77th minute when Hinata Yamauchi was subbed on, that Frontale slammed on the accelerator.

The substitute winger bagged his first ever goal for Frontale to make it 3-0, then later assisting fellow late sub Ten Miyagi to kill off the game.

After an early spectacle to Kawasaki's season many will expect them to forget about last season's 8th placed disappointment. Their combined rating of 7.46 falls just short of Shonan Bellmare (7.63) after their 1-0 win over the Kashima Antlers.

However, Kawasaki have totalled the top statistics for combined team expected goals (2.3) and shots on target per match (8.0) in the first gameweek. The energy displayed also matches their number of touches in the opposition box (31) which they sit top on par with the unlucky Gamba Osaka.

All seems positive for Frontale who look to mount a title charge early on in this J-League season.