double. For his performance, Uchida was selected by popular vote to play in the 2007 J. League All-Star Soccer game. At the end of the 2007 season, he went on to make forty–four appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Uchida started the 2008 season when he started the whole game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Japanese Super Cup, as Kashima Antlers lost 4–3 on penalties after the game finished 2–2 throughout extra time. Uchida also made his AFC Champions League debut, starting a match and played 76 minutes, in a 9–1 win against Krung Thai Bank on 12 March 2008. Seven days later on 19 March 2008, he set up two goals In his second AFC Champions League's appearance, in a 6–0 win against CLB Nam Định. Uchida continued to remain in the first team, where he helped the side keep a clean in the first two league matches. This lasted until he suffered a hip injury that kept him out for between two and three weeks. On 11 May 2008, Uchida made his return to the starting line-up, playing 82 minutes, as Kashima Antlers lost 1–0 against Shimizu S-Pulse. After returning, he quickly began playing in the receiver role later in the season. After missing four matches, due to his international commitment for the Summer Olympics, Uchida made his return to the starting line–up against Vissel Kobe on 27 August 2008, and helped Kashima Antlers win 2–1. He then helped the side keep three clean sheets in a row between 28 September 2008 and 4 October 2008. Uchida helped the side keep four clean sheets in a row between 9 November 2008 and 6 December 2008. During which, Uchida played a vital role when he scored the winning and only goal of the game against Oita Trinita on 23 November 2008, to help the side win the league for the second time. At the end of the 2008 season, where he made 34 appearances and scoring once in all competitions, Uchida was named J. League Best Eleven for the first time. In addition, Uchida signed a contract extension, keeping him until 2012. Ahead of the 2009 season, Uchida was linked a move away from Kashima Antlers, as several clubs from Europe were interested in signing him. Uchida started the season well when he helped the side beat Gamba Osaka 2–0 to win the Japanese Super Cup. Uchida set