Fernando Torres may still be seeking a first goal in Japan but the Spanish striker is encouraged by the upturn in Sagan Tosu's results since he arrived in July.
Torres, 34, has yet to hit the target in six league appearances for the struggling Kyushu side since arriving but a haul of eight points has taken the team out of the relegation zone.
The latest result was a fine 0-0 draw at the home of title-chasing Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday that took Tosu, with just 17 goals in 22 games this season, into 15th in the 18-team league.
It was another defensive display by the visitors but it left the former Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea striker isolated in attack and without any shots on goal over the 90 minutes.
"This was a good draw for us." Torres told reporters. "Kawasaki Frontale are the best team I have faced in Japan and are placed high in the league. We defended well and fought well and got a good result."
At times Torres cut a frustrated figure on the pitch but worked hard to keep the Kawasaki backline busy, and he is confident however that he will find the net sooner rather than later.
"I wanted to get more of the ball in attack but I didn't see that much of it," he added. "We were focused on defending and there wasn't as much opportunity to get forward as we would have liked but it was important that we got the draw.
"My condition is improving all the time and the team is improving. Today I felt good and I think I am getting better too."
"The J League is at a good level and it is a difficult league, I knew before I came that it was a hard league and that is why I wanted to come and play here. Now we have to focus on the next game and it is especially important for us."
Sagan Tosu return home on Sunday for a relegation six-pointer against Nagoya Grampus, level on points but with an inferior goal difference.
