The Newcastle Jets might just have found their secret weapon, and his name is Kota Mizunuma. The Japanese midfielder's return from a three-month hamstring injury last Sunday coincided with a crucial 3-1 away victory over Wellington Phoenix, extending his remarkable personal winning streak in Jets colours to six consecutive matches.
The Mizunuma Effect: More Than Just Luck
While coach Mark Milligan stopped short of officially labelling the 35-year-old a 'lucky charm', the statistics form a compelling argument. Since his arrival in the January transfer window last season, Mizunuma has been a catalyst for success. His signing sparked a seven-game unbeaten run, and he was a central figure in the club's Australia Cup campaign, featuring in all five wins on their road to the final.
In total, across 18 appearances in league and cup competitions, Mizunuma has been on the losing side only three times. This influence isn't confined to the pitch. Milligan was effusive in his praise for the veteran's professional standards, which he believes elevate the entire squad.
Leadership and Professionalism Set the Standard
"Kota's energy is infectious," Milligan said. "He wants the very best for Newcastle. He wants the very best for the fans. That is what is contagious." The coach highlighted that Mizunuma's impact goes far beyond just being energetic. It's embedded in his daily routine and his experience from a decorated career in Japan, where he won the J-League and Emperor's Cup and was named in the 2022 J-League Team of the Year.
"It is not just about him being energetic and bouncing around," Milligan explained. "It is what he does before training in preparing his body. It's what he does after training to be ready for the next day. There is no compromise with Kota. Every single day he brings a level he expects everyone else to be at."
Mizunuma, who earned two caps for Japan, played 20 minutes in his return against Wellington, with Milligan noting he had "never seen Kota that tired." Despite this, his leadership and decision-making in the game's crucial moments were vital for the team.
Jets Regroup for Sydney FC Showdown
The focus now shifts to a blockbuster clash against league leaders Sydney FC at McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday. The Jets will be without Max Burgess, who suffered a groin strain in the fifth minute against Wellington. Scans confirmed the injury, but the news was "as good as it can be," according to Milligan, with the player already beginning rehabilitation.
Eli Adams replaced Burgess against Wellington and starred, scoring a goal and threatening repeatedly. His performance provides a silver lining and gives Milligan options in the attacking midfield role.
The Jets will be seeking redemption after a 4-1 defeat to Sydney in round three, a match where Newcastle were outmuscled and made costly errors. Sydney, bolstered by the likely return of English striker Joe Lolley from a hamstring injury, have won four of their last five to sit atop the table.
Milligan believes his team is in a better place now. "Reviewing that game again this week, a lot of what happened was on us," he admitted. "It is important for us that we continue to grow." He also commented on the A-League's unusual fixture scheduling, which will see them play Sydney twice in six weeks and Auckland twice in quick succession around New Year's Day.
"Does anywhere in the world do it like this?" Milligan mused. "It feels like they get a heap of balls and throw them up in the air... Teams go through highs and lows. It's the luck of the draw." Regardless of the schedule, for the Newcastle Jets, having a fit and influential Kota Mizunuma back in the mix might just be the best luck they could ask for.
