Eiji Kawashima (川島 永嗣, Kawashima Eiji, born 20 March 1983) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg and the Japan national team.
He played in Japan for Omiya Ardija, Nagoya Grampus Eight and Kawasaki Frontale before joining Lierse S.K. in Belgium in 2010. He then played for another Belgian club, Standard Liege, from 2012 to 2015, and Dundee United in Scotland from 2015 to 2016. He played for Japan at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, earning over 90 caps, and has been named in the final 26 player roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
At Lierse, Kawashima received praise from the club. CEO Neil De Kewler said of him: "The movement within the goal is quick, the processing of the ball on the line is skillful, furthermore, the player with the leadership that can lead the defense line", while technical director Root Kelzer said: "I can not think of any bad points about him, I will not have anyone who dislikes him, He is a very professional athlete, seriously and disciplinedly open for everyone, every time he looks up, he asks for a handshake with a friendly smile, not only as a player but also as an individual."
Prior to signing for Dundee United, Manager Mixu Paatelainen said about him: "As for Eiji, he is quality. He is very agile and quick. He commands and is a leader behind the defence. He talks a lot and sometime demands better action from the defenders." |
