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All year long, we will be bringing you up close to members of the FC Tampa Bay team.

In this installment, we feature midfielder and defender Takuya Yamada, who is in his second season with FC Tampa Bay.

Yamada, who was born in Tokyo, is an iconic Japanese player known as one of the best utility players produced by his country. Yamada most recently played at Sagan Tosu in the Japan Professional Football League during the 2009 season, where he had 43 appearances and six goals.

Yamada began his professional soccer career in the J. League with Tokyo Verdy (formerly Verdy Kawasaki) in 1997 making 235 appearances scoring 22 goals over eight years. He served as team captain for three years and helped lead Tokyo Verdy to win the 2005 J. League Xerox Super Cup against Yokohama F. Marinos in penalty kicks and the 2004 J. League Emperor’s Cup against Jubilo Iwata.

Yamada also has four caps with the Japanese National Team between 2003 and 2004, including the 2004 Asian Cup in Beijing, where Japan defeated China 3-1.

What did you do during the offseason?
Boxing. Went back to Japan. Traveled and spent time with friends

What is your typical pre-match meal?
Udon noodle

What has been your most memorable soccer moment thus far?
Playing for the Japanese National Team

Who is your all-time favorite soccer player?
Zico

Who is your favorite athlete outside of soccer?
Takashi Uchiyama, world boxing champion

List your top three favorite movies:
The Shawshank Redemption, How to Train Your Dragon, South Pole Story

What are you listening to on your iPod right now?
"Changing Man" by The High-Lows

Is there one song that always pumps you up before a game?
"The Man of the Match" by The Mods

What is your favorite TV show?
Animal Planet

What is your favorite food?
Curry Rice

Which sporting event is your favorite to watch?
World Cup

What are you most afraid of?
Ghosts

Who’s your hero?
My grandfather, Father, Sakurai Man

If you had to pick three words to describe you what would they be?
Positive, elusive and peaceful

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Cameron Diaz

Pick one:
Hamburgers or Hot Dogs: Hamburgers
Facebook or Twitter: Facebook
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla
Country, Rock or Rap music: Rock