Samurai Blue defender Daiki Hashioka faced a trial by fire in his debut for English side Luton Town on Tuesday, coming off the bench in a 6-2 loss to holders Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Norwegian star Erling Haaland had already bagged five goals to put the visitors up 5-2 by the time Hashioka entered in the 62nd minute at Kenilworth Road.
Despite long odds of a comeback for his team, the 24-year-old right-back made strong contributions both in attack and defense, including efforts to help contain the rampaging Haaland.
"He's someone I'd only seen on TV until now, but when we're on the pitch, he's a man the same as me," Hashioka said. "I thought he was amazing, but I also feel there's nothing I can't do."
Hashioka, who arrived from Belgium's Sint-Truiden during the transfer window last month, is aiming to appear regularly in the English Premier League for promoted Luton as they battle to keep their place in the top flight.
"The competition for playing time is really fierce and it's make or break at training," the Urawa Reds academy product said. "I want to work hard every day and earn the team's trust."
Currently 18th in the 20-team Premier League, Luton will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they host Aston Villa this weekend.
Heavyweights City remained unbeaten in 18 games in their pursuit of a second consecutive FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League treble.
