Shunta Nakamura: Sydney United 58’s shining Samurai

Shunta Nakamura has enjoyed a scintillating first campaign with Sydney United 58, emerging as the side’s most important player over the first half of 2024.

The midfielder joined United 58 from Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the offseason, after being a bright spark in what was a disappointing campaign for his former club.

“I knew Sydney United was a big club,” said Nakamura on the move.

“I had no hesitation in signing for the team.”

Nakamura went straight into what was an intense pre-season under new coach – and Socceroos legend – Zeljko Kalac – which formed a vital part of the club’s form so far this season.

“I ran a lot during the pre-season,” stated Nakamura.

“It was harder than the J-League pre-season.

“But I think it has improved the fitness of the team.”

All of Nakamura’s goals have come in the last nine matches as an attacking midfielder, which was a position change for the midfielder after their defeat to Sydney Olympic.

Since then, Nakamura has scored six times and has shown his quality with a range of finishes highlighting his tidy, well-rounded and incisive skillset.

“I started the season playing on the right wing and then moved to the number 10 role in the game after the loss to Sydney Olympic,” said Nakamura on his position change.

United 58 have enjoyed a fantastic campaign thus far, sitting in fifth spot, just three points off second place and seven away from top spot.

They are currently on a winning streak of three matches, which began with a stunning 6-0 dismantling of APIA Leichhardt, then a strong win over finals rivals Marconi Stallions before comprehensively defeating Sydney FC last weekend.

“It’s important for us to play 100% every week,” said Nakamura on the season thus far.

“Hopefully we can finish in a good position.”

Finally, the exciting attacking midfielder spoke about his future ambitions, which corresponded with looking to continue his exceptional form with United 58 over the remainder of the campaign.

“I need to become a better player to stay in Australia for a long time,” he said.

“I want to become a better player and play at a higher level.

“I believe in myself.”

-By Jack George