The upcoming match against Yokohama F.Marinos, held at our "National" stadium. Although the Red and Blue team succeeded in their season-opening dash with three consecutive wins, they suffered their first defeat in the previous round. For them, this match is crucial and they must win to aim for the championship. Motoki NAGAKURA has contributed outstandingly to the team with excellent stats and has been involved in many scoring opportunities, but he is frustrated by not being able to shake the net by just one step.
For the team, and to become the ace of the "team worthy of the championship." One of the league's top versatile strikers faces the big match with determination and responsibility.
Determination and Responsibility as the Ace
Determination and responsibility — these are the powerful phrases that now fill Motoki NAGAKURA's heart.
Tokyo has created many chances with a flexible style since the opening match and has shown toughness in close battles on defense. After the first four matches of the season, they boast the highest number of shots in the league, rank fourth in expected goals, have the lowest expected goals conceded, and the second fewest shots conceded—impressive stats overall. The sense of progress felt while watching the matches is clearly reflected in these numbers. Among them, Motoki NAGAKURA's outstanding individual statistics stand out as a significant point.
In the first four matches, he played full time and recorded a total running distance of 50.5 km and 109 sprints, both of which are league-leading. When he sees an opportunity to exploit space behind the defense, he darts forward, and when building an attack is necessary, he drops back to midfield to receive the ball. He applies intense high pressing from the front line, relentlessly chasing opponents, and is not hesitant to press back to the last line and block attacks with sliding tackles. He has played full time in all four matches since the season opener. From the opening whistle to the final whistle, jersey number 26 runs tirelessly, using his extraordinary stamina to support the team.
Why can they run so much? The underlying reason is very simple: the desire to play for the team.
"I always try not to slack off. Whether I go back or not in the moments when I think 'I have to go back' makes a huge difference, and above all, I run with the feeling of 'for the team.' Showing defensive plays that fight gives a good influence to those around me, and in attack, I want to draw the flow with plays that annoy the opponent and help my teammates, leading to results. Of course, it's difficult to give my all in everything, so I control my stamina while using my head."
The high level of contribution goes without saying. In the first four matches since the season opener, Nagakura himself recorded an expected goals value of 1.717, ranking 8th in the league. He is taking nearly two decisive shots per game. However, he has not been able to accomplish his primary task of shaking the net. Despite feeling that the team is creating many chances through good soccer, he says, "There is frustration and a sense of apology to the team" because the results have not followed. His calm tone becomes passionate.
"Whether I score or not changes the course of the game. (In the first two opening matches) If I had scored, I think we could have won within 90 minutes or progressed the game more comfortably. The flow of the match against Kashiwa Reysol would have changed as well, and it would have contributed to the team accumulating points. While not dwelling on it, I want to take responsibility and play in each situation. I have been involved in chances, so I want to finish them. If I can score once, I believe something will change within me, so I just have to keep trying. I've been given a lot of playing time, so above all, I want to score goals."
Both Rikizo MATSUHASHI and the fans and supporters have high expectations. Nagakura himself also feels this, but he tightens his focus, saying, "Rather than expectations, I think I should play with responsibility." Receiving the words from the manager, "Let's become a team worthy of winning the championship," he is filled with the determination to become a key point scorer.
And from Nagakura, we received a message for the Blue-Red family.
"To win the championship, we absolutely must not have consecutive losses, and the next match at Japan National Stadium is truly an important game for the team. We will play with responsibility, so please give us your support more than ever to empower us."
It will be a game that tests true value both as a team and as a striker.
Exciting the stadium with his speed and igniting the National Stadium with goals. Motoki NAGAKURA's determination and responsibility, along with play worthy of the title "New National Man," are sure to bring victory to the blue and red.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tomo Aoyama
