Bundesliga Comment: Shinji Kagawa Leading The Way At Borussia Dortmund

Goal.com takes a look at one of the Bundesliga's breakthrough stars this season - Japanese international Shinji Kagawa, who has been a revelation in Juergen Klopp's young side's march to the top of the Bundesliga. By Elmar Neveling (Translated by Gary Niblock) Nov 8, 2010 2:15:00 PM When Borussia Dortmund secured the signature of young Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa for a mere €350,000, not even coach Juergen Klopp could have imagined the instant impact the former Cerez Osaka man could have had. Kagawa has been one of Dortmund's leading lights as they have built up a four-point cushion at the top of the Bundesliga, a meteroic rise for someone who was playing in Japan's second tier a few months ago. He netted Dortmund's opener in their convincing 4-0 victory away to Hannover 96. Taking the ball from Nuri Sahin on the edge of the penalty box, he then worked enough space to get a low shot away, which found the bottom corner of the net with precision. Kagawa's return to goalscoring was welcome for he had suffered the inevitable dip in form after a lightning start to the season. It was the deserved reward for an outstanding performance, in which he displayed all his best attributes. He showed his terrific turn of speed, his considerable understanding of the game, a high level of technical ability allied to an ability to contest and win many 50-50 battles. He repeatedly drove the team forward with his non-stop running with the ball and stood up to be counted once more. Although at times he showed bits of sublime individual skill, he was also willing to pick up a better-placed team-mate. Considering that Dortmund's director of football Michael Zorc picked up Kagawa for just €350k, it is amazing to witness how the midfielder has taken to the Bundesliga like a duck to water. He has become a fans' favourite in record time as the Suedtribune take to a player who never shies away from giving his all for the team. Zorc may have taken his fair share of criticism for some of the signings he has brought to the Signal-Iduna Park but he deserves full credit for unearthing a real gem in Shinji Kagawa.