KickAIMatches
Eiji Shirai
Albirex Niigata

Eiji Shirai

Midfielder at Albirex Niigata

🌍 JPMidfielder#8🎂 30 years📏 176cm👟 Right

Current Team: Albirex Niigata

Market Value
€0.5M
SofaScore Rating
6.82

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Eiji Shirai Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
2025J1 League21206.82
2025J. League Cup4007.03
2024J1 League37126.86
2024J. League Cup2006.55
📅 Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Eiji Shirai Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Mar 20, 2025J. League Cup6.9
Apr 6, 2025J1 League6.7
Apr 16, 2025J. League Cup7.0
Apr 20, 2025J1 League6.8
Apr 29, 2025J1 League6.6
May 21, 2025J. League Cup7.4
May 31, 2025J1 League6.3
Jun 4, 2025J. League Cup6.8
Jul 16, 2025CompetitionNaN
Jul 20, 2025J1 League6.7
Aug 11, 2025J1 League7.1
Aug 16, 2025J1 League7.5
Aug 23, 2025J1 League6.9
Aug 31, 2025J1 League7.2
Sep 13, 2025J1 League7.0
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 4 seasons, 2 competitions
3
Career Goals
2
Career Assists
64
Total Apps
51
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Albirex Niigata

Full Squad →
Abdelrahman Boudah
Abdelrahman Boudah
F
Matheus Moraes
Matheus Moraes
F
Yamato Wakatsuki
Yamato Wakatsuki
F
Yuji Ono
Yuji Ono
F
Keisuke Kasai
Keisuke Kasai
F
Miguel
Miguel
M
Danilo Gomes
Danilo Gomes
M
Kaito Taniguchi
Kaito Taniguchi
M
Takuya Shimamura
Takuya Shimamura
M

📊 Season Statistics

J1 League 2025
21 appearances
2
Goals
0
Assists
6.82
Rating
1471
Minutes
21
Shots
4
Key Passes
25
Tackles
10
Interceptions

📝 About Eiji Shirai

Eiji Shirai is a 30-year-old JP professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Currently representing Albirex Niigata, Eiji Shirai stands at 176cm and is predominantly right-footed. With a market valuation of €525K, Eiji Shirai represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.

Eiji Shirai's professional career began at their academy. Over their career, Eiji Shirai has made 5 transfers. The most recent move saw Eiji Shirai join Albirex Niigata in 2025.

This season, Eiji Shirai has contributed 2 goals in 21 appearances. Accumulating 1471 minutes, averaging 70 per game.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Eiji Shirai has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Eiji Shirai's role as a midfielder at Albirex Niigata, examining their JP playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Box-to-Box

Eiji Shirai profiles as a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch. At 30, experience now matches physical capability – peak performance window.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-3-3 (central midfield)4-2-3-1 (as part of the double pivot or attacking trio)

✅ Key Strengths

    ⚠️ Development Areas

    • No significant weaknesses identified

    **Playing Style**: Eiji Shirai fits the profile of a modern Box-to-Box – a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch.

    ✨ What Makes Them Special

    Eiji Shirai brings a well-rounded skill set to the midfielder role, contributing both on and off the ball.

    🔄 Career Turning Point

    The Defining Move: Eiji Shirai's career trajectory changed in 2014 when their previous club agreed to let them join Mito Hollyhock. Though not a high-profile transfer, this move proved pivotal for Eiji Shirai's development. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

    🔮 Future Outlook

    Future Outlook: At 30, Eiji Shirai has 3-4 seasons of top-level football remaining. Experience is now the key asset – expect a leadership role at Albirex Niigata and potentially a move to MLS, Saudi Pro League, or a return home to JP.

    📊 J.League 2025 Analysis

    In the current season, Eiji Shirai has made 21 appearances in their competition, contributing 2 goals. With an average rating of 6.82, Eiji Shirai has been consistent. Accumulating 1471 minutes, Eiji Shirai averages 70 minutes per game.

    🔥 Recent Form

    Over the last 5 matches, Eiji Shirai has maintained solid form with an average rating of 6.80. Performance ratings ranged from 6.6 to 7.0, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

    📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

    OldestLatest

    📊 Performance Statistics

    How Eiji Shirai compares to league average this season

    ⚽ Goals2
    0Avg: 325
    📅 Appearances21
    0Avg: 1538
    ⭐ Average Rating6.8
    0Avg: 6.510
    ⏱️ Minutes Played1471
    0Avg: 9003420
    🎯 Shots on Target4
    0Avg: 1060

    Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

    🩺 Player Status & Availability

    Fitness Status

    Available

    No reported injuries

    📋Contract Status

    Under Contract

    Current club: Albirex Niigata

    🔄Transfer Rumors

    No Active Rumors

    Last updated: 1/14/2026

    📈Market Trend

    €0.5M

    SofaScore estimate

    💹 Career Value Trajectory

    Transfer fee history and market value trend

    2025
    Kashiwa Reysol→Albirex Niigata
    Unknown
    2024
    Tokushima Vortis→Kashiwa Reysol
    Unknown
    2022
    Fagiano Okayama→Tokushima Vortis
    Free
    2020
    Mito Hollyhock→Fagiano Okayama
    Free
    2014
    Kashiwa Reysol→Mito Hollyhock
    Free

    🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

    Avg Rating: NaN
    3/20/2025J. League Cup
    6.9
    4/6/2025J1 League
    6.7
    4/16/2025J. League Cup
    7.0
    4/20/2025J1 League
    6.8
    4/29/2025J1 League
    6.6
    5/21/2025J. League Cup
    7.4
    5/31/2025J1 League
    6.3
    6/4/2025J. League Cup
    6.8
    7/16/2025Match
    NaN
    7/20/2025J1 League
    6.7
    8/11/2025J1 League
    7.1
    8/16/2025J1 League
    7.5
    8/23/2025J1 League
    6.9
    8/31/2025J1 League
    7.2
    9/13/2025J1 League
    7.0

    Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

    💰 Transfer History

    5 transfers
    DateFromToFee
    7/16/2025Kashiwa ReysolAlbirex NiigataUnknown
    1/8/2024Tokushima VortisKashiwa ReysolUnknown
    1/9/2022Fagiano OkayamaTokushima VortisFree
    1/4/2020Mito HollyhockFagiano OkayamaFree
    2/1/2014Kashiwa ReysolMito HollyhockFree

    📅 Career Progression & Journey

    Eiji Shirai's professional football journey began at a local academy, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Eiji Shirai developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

    The career path of Eiji Shirai has taken them through 5 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer.

    Currently, Eiji Shirai represents Albirex Niigata, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2025, Eiji Shirai continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Eiji Shirai into the player they are today.

    📈 Performance Analysis & Context

    When evaluating Eiji Shirai's performance in context, their average rating of 6.82 positions them among solid contributors to their team. With 2 direct goal contributions (2 goals, 0 assists) in 21 appearances, Eiji Shirai averages 0.10 goal contributions per match. Averaging 70 minutes per appearance indicates rotational presence in the squad. For a midfielder at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Eiji Shirai's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

    🔗 Related Content & Categories

    Explore more content related to Eiji Shirai, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

    Albirex Niigata(Current club)JP footballers(Players from JP)Top midfielders(Best players in this position)Kashiwa Reysol(Former club)Tokushima Vortis(Former club)Fagiano Okayama(Former club)

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Eiji Shirai

    What position does Eiji Shirai play?▼
    Eiji Shirai is a professional midfielder who currently plays for Albirex Niigata. As a midfielder, Eiji Shirai is primarily responsible for controlling the midfield, linking defense to attack, and box-to-box contributions.
    How old is Eiji Shirai?▼
    Eiji Shirai is 30 years old, born on September 26, 1995. At 30, Eiji Shirai is an experienced veteran bringing valuable leadership to their team.
    What team does Eiji Shirai play for in 2026?▼
    Eiji Shirai currently plays for Albirex Niigata. They joined the club in 2025.
    How tall is Eiji Shirai?▼
    Eiji Shirai stands at 176cm (5'9") tall. This height is typical for a midfielder.
    What is Eiji Shirai's market value in 2026?▼
    Eiji Shirai's current estimated transfer market value is €525K according to professional football valuation metrics. Market values fluctuate based on form, age, and contract situation.
    What nationality is Eiji Shirai?▼
    Eiji Shirai is a JP footballer.
    What are Eiji Shirai's career statistics?▼
    This season, Eiji Shirai has made 21 appearances, scored 2 goals, and provided 0 assists. Their average match rating is 6.82.
    Where did Eiji Shirai start their career?▼
    Eiji Shirai's professional career began at a youth academy. Since then, they have made 5 career moves across various clubs.
    What is Eiji Shirai's preferred foot?▼
    Eiji Shirai is predominantly right-footed. This conventional preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
    What are Eiji Shirai's main strengths as a player?▼
    Detailed player attributes are being compiled.
    What was Eiji Shirai's highest transfer fee?▼
    Eiji Shirai has primarily moved on free transfers or loan deals throughout their career.
    What is Eiji Shirai's current form like?▼
    Based on their average rating of 6.82 this season, Eiji Shirai's current form can be described as consistent. They have scored 2 goals in 21 appearances.
    What shirt number does Eiji Shirai wear?▼
    Eiji Shirai wears the number 8 shirt for Albirex Niigata. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
    What is Eiji Shirai's playing style?▼
    As a midfielder, Eiji Shirai brings versatility to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a mc or defensive midfielder.
    K

    ✓ KickAI Analysis Team

    Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

    Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

    📅 Last Updated:

    Verify data from official sources:

    📊 SofaScore💰 Transfermarkt📚 Wikipedia

    📋 Quick Facts

    Full Name
    Eiji Shirai
    Nationality
    JP
    Age
    30 years
    Height
    176 cm
    Position
    Midfielder
    Foot
    Right
    Shirt
    #8

    📅 Season Stats

    2
    Goals
    0
    Assists
    21
    Apps
    6.82
    Rating

    🔗 Explore