Yukinari Sugawara inspires Werder: Strong debut in the new team!

Yukinari Sugawara inspires Werder: Strong debut in the new team!

SV Werder Bremen is happy about a promising new signing: Yukinari Sugawara has proven to be a real asset for the team in the first few games. The 25-year-old right-back, who came on loan from Southampton FC, is already showing that he is at home on the pitch. Head coach Horst Steffen praises his new protégé and emphasizes that Sugawara plays as if he had been part of the team for a long time. This speaks for his quick integration and adaptation to the Bundesliga, which he himself finds a great challenge, as he emphasized in an interview with Werder.de.

Sugawara, who is considered a dynamic player, hardly had to let anything go defensively and was even able to make an impact offensively. He contributed an assist to Samuel Mbangula's first goal in the impressive 4-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. In previous seasons, Sugawara has scored 14 goals in 198 competitive games for AZ Alkmaar. A remarkable record for a full-back!

Good relationships in the team

Sugawara's integration is supported by the good relationship with his fellow players, especially with Mio Backhaus, who also has Japanese roots. They sit together in the cabin and exchange their experiences. In fact, the two already know each other from their time at AZ Alkmaar, where Sugawara scored two goals in a game against Backhaus. Such connections are important for quickly feeling at home in the new team, and they seem to be fruitful.

Peter Niemeyer, head of professional football at Werder Bremen, emphasizes Sugawara's high basic quality and emphasizes that he is an asset to the team not only in terms of sport, but also as a person. His mentality and desire to achieve something here are well received.

The proportion of foreigners in the Bundesliga

However, Yukinari Sugawara is not the only international player in the Bundesliga. According to current statistics updated in July 2025, the proportion of foreigners in the league, which also attracts Japan's talent, has increased steadily in recent years. This shows that the Bundesliga has developed into an impressive platform for players from all over the world and represents an invitation for footballers like Sugawara to show their skills here (Statista).

The new full-back has great expectations for his time in Germany. Sugawara is motivated to create special moments for fans and the support he already receives from his fellow players will undoubtedly help him do so. With a good hand from Werder Bremen, it is quite possible that Sugawara will find his place here and win the hearts of the fans.