The 2014 football season has come to Japan, China and Korea Republic, driving forces of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF). After giant clubs from those countries appeared in the AFC Champions League’s opening matches in late February, their domestic leagues saw the new seasons begin in early March.

In Japan’s J. League, which kicked off the new season on the 2nd March, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, aiming for a third straight title, are expected to be pace setters. Coached by former Japan international midfielder Hajime Moriyasu, Hiroshima have enhanced both their defensive and attacking quality. In the Super Cup held on the 22nd February between the J. League champions and the domestic cup (Emperor’s Cup) winners, they beat their rivals Yokohama F-Marinos 2-0 to win their first 2014 title.

The Yokohama team lost again on the 26th February in the opening match of the AFC Champions League. However, they boast many experienced players such as midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and defender Yuji Nakazawa and therefore are likely to respond to the defeats properly and quickly.

After finishing fourth last season, Cerezo Osaka are attracting the most attention from home and abroad partly because of their new signing, Uruguay international forward Diego Forlan.

If Forlan fully adapts to the team where midfielder Hotaru Yamaguchi and forward Yoichiro Kakitani, who have also found their places in the Japan international squad, as well as 19-year-old striker Takumi Minamino play vibrantly, their first title dream could turn into a reality.

Guangzhou Evergrande are expected to set the pace again for the new season of the Chinese Super League to be opened on the 7th March. Deemed as one of the most competitive teams in Asia, Marcello Lippi’s side have brought in Italian international Alessandro Diamanti. They can also count on the services of Muriqui, golden boot winner of the last season’s AFC Champions League, and China international midfielder Zheng Zhi, 2013 Asian Footballer of the Year.

The chasing pack have also bolstered their squads. Last season’s runners-up Shandong Luneng Taishan boast powerful Brazilian forward duo of Vagner Love and Aloisio. In the back line, China internationals including Du Wei and Zheng Zheng provide a tight defence.

Finishing third last season, Beijing Guoan secured the services of Spanish coach Gregorio Manzano, setting the team the task of winning their first league title in five seasons. His first game in charge was the opening match of the AFC Champions League on the 26th March and Beijing earned a 1-1 draw at Hiroshima. Korea Republic international midfielder Ha Dae-Sung, a new signing from FC Seoul, scored an important goal.

Dejan Damjanovic also moved from FC Seoul to a Chinese Super League side, Jiangsu Sainty. The golden boot winner of the K League Classic three seasons in a row will no doubt boost the attacking quality of Jiangsu, who finished 13th last season.

FC Seoul lost the services of Ha Dae-Sung and Damjanovic, but coach Choi Yong-Soo made it his task to regain the K League title. Having added Spanish defender Osmar Barba from Thai giants Buriram United as well as Brazilian forward Rafael Costa, they keep their quality as high as ever.

Last season’s double winners Pohang Steelers saw several veteran players leave the club. However, coach Hwang Sun-Hong aims to win successive titles by further developing their typical free-flowing, passing style.

Ulsan Hyundai are keen to shake off the disappointment of last season, when they finished as runners-up. In addition to 1.96m forward Kim Shin-Wook, key players such as former Japan international Chikashi Masuda and former J. League’s Gamba Osaka player Rafinha continue to play in their own style where possession football and counter attacking are combined.

All these leagues are bound to see high-level battles while ties between Japanese, Chinese and Korea Republic clubs are also interesting. The EAFF can enhance their level with these three nations developing through competition.