​Ryoya Morishita is primed to spearhead Blackburn Rovers from the front, as he prepares for his second season at Ewood Park. The 29-year-old winger joined from Legia Warsaw for an undisclosed fee in August 2025 and is keen to draw on his experience to help Blackburn mount a strong challenge in the upcoming Championship campaign.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, Morishita explained that he feels much more at ease entering pre-season with the squad this year. Last season, he arrived late in August as the season had already begun, which meant he did not have the chance to hit the ground running. This time around, he is determined to hit the ground running and contribute from the outset.
“I feel much more comfortable starting pre-season with the team because last season I joined at the end of August and the Championship had already started,” Morishita said. “Now I have to be a leader at Blackburn Rovers because I am nearly 30 years old. Last season I played for myself to some extent, but now I have to play for Rovers and for the team. We have many young players, so I have to take care of them, and I think that is very important.”
Blackburn finished 20th in the Championship last season, narrowly avoiding relegation by five points. Morishita, who has earned his first taste of English football at this level, is confident they can build on that foundation and push for a successful campaign under new head coach Tony Mowbray.
“Blackburn have the ability to be promoted, so this season my individual goal is 10 goals and 10 assists. I believe we can take Blackburn to the Premier League,” Morishita stated, outlining his personal targets as he looks to make a meaningful impact in the coming months.
Morishita also praised Mowbray, saying the new head coach brings a light touch to training and a sense of humor that helps the squad bond. “The new coach has humour and makes us laugh. He is a very good guy and I love him,” he added.
As Blackburn prepare to begin the new Championship season away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, 14 August (20:00 BST), Morishita’s leadership and ambitions are set to play a central role in the club’s hopes for a successful campaign. The squad will be mindful of the challenge that lies ahead, with the added motivation of a manager who is focused on unity, development, and a return to the upper echelons of English football.
Stay tuned for more Blackburn Rovers content and interviews on BBC Sounds as Morishita and the team gear up for a season that could define their trajectory for years to come.