Takehiro Tomiyasu has named Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara as his favourite player from the Spanish national team with Tomiyasu's Japan set to face the Spaniards in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup. However, Tomiyasu won't get the opportunity to face off against Thiago after he was a shock omission from Luis Enrique's squad.
The Arsenal full back could have also remained back in England for the World Cup after he picked up an injury against FC Zurich, but Tomiyasu is expected to play a significant role in an exciting Japan team.
Spain and Japan are joined in Group E by Germany and Costa Rica with their tournaments set to begin on Wednesday, with Spain playing Costa Rica and Japan faced with the difficult task of taking on the 2014 World Cup winners Germany.
