Hiroki Sakai vs Ko Itakura
Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season
Data Verdict
Ko Itakura commands a higher market value (€10.0M vs €1.5M). Hiroki Sakai leads in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. Ko Itakura is stronger in goals / 90 and clearances / 90. The two players are closely matched across most statistical dimensions.
Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →
Playing Style Profiles
Sakai is a seasoned veteran performing like a defensive cheat code in the A-League, blending the physical dominance of a center-half with the creative output of a modern playmaker. While his 71.3% pass accuracy seems pedestrian, it masks the reality of his high-risk, high-reward distribution; he is not recycling possession but rather carving teams open, ranking in the top 5% for both key passes and assists.
Itakura is the kind of defender who wins games in the margins — not with last-ditch tackles, but with the quiet authority of a man who rarely puts the ball in the wrong place. His 93.3% pass accuracy sits in the top 5% of Eredivisie defenders, which tells you this isn't a player just lumping it clear; he's building from the back with genuine precision.
Per-90 Statistics Comparison
| Metric | Hiroki Sakai | Ko Itakura | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals / 90 | 0.00 | 0.07 | Ko |
| Tackles won / 90 | 1.53 | 0.66 | Hiroki |
| Interceptions / 90 | 1.32 | 1.22 | Hiroki |
| Clearances / 90 | 5.98 | 6.67 | Ko |
| Press intensity / 90 | 2.44 | 1.62 | Hiroki |
| Pass accuracy % | 68.70 | 89.10 | Ko |
All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the better player — Hiroki Sakai or Ko Itakura?
Ko Itakura commands a higher market value (€10.0M vs €1.5M). Hiroki Sakai leads in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. Ko Itakura is stronger in goals / 90 and clearances / 90. The two players are closely matched across most statistical dimensions.
How is this comparison calculated?
Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →
What are their market values?
Hiroki Sakai has a market value of €1.5M, while Ko Itakura is valued at €10.0M.