Nathaniel Atkinson reckons bonding over a language app can help him strike up an understanding with Yutaro Oda.
The Aussie defender and Oda impressed as a right-sided partnership in Hearts’ friendly 1-1 draw at Dunfermline. Atkinson hopes linking up with the Japanese ace will be a big feature for the Jambos this season. He believes Oda, 21, could be a revelation after settling in through the second half of last term.
The attacker joined from Vissel Kobe, making seven starts including one with an Edinburgh derby goal. And thanks to some tech that’s got them talking off the pitch, he and Atkinson can be a major hit on the Tynecastle turf. Atkinson said: “Every day we get closer. I find out different things about Oda, he finds out some different things about me. It’s good to understand the person before the footballer and I think we have been working at that. I look forward to more minutes with him.
