A powerful presence in the air, and a fairly effective dribbler as well, Nakazawa`s contributions are not limited to defence. He has several goals to his credit as well, and has good instincts for when to surge forward in support of the attack.
His speed and strength in the air, though, are valuable characteristics that are not particularly common among central defenders in Japan, and these skills are valued not only by the Marinos, but by Zico as well.