A young point getter from the academy has been promoted to the top team, aiming to become a great striker. Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who expresses a desire to become a reliable presence like Diego TABA, sets his sights on both personal growth as a player and the club's dream of winning the league. His greatest weapon is his exceptional scoring instinct. As he prepares to embark on a significant challenge after overcoming injuries, what are his thoughts and the vision he holds for the future?
──FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi won the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-15) in their third year of junior high school.
I had never participated in a national tournament since elementary school, so winning the national championship in the last summer of junior high was truly incredibly joyful for me. Even back then, I had the desire to eventually join the top team.
──It is said that you were aware of the possibility of being promoted to the top team from U-15 Musashi, but what were your thoughts about your future at the time you were promoted to U-18?
First, I thought about immediately playing in the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League and getting involved with the national team activities. In my first year of high school, I couldn't quite get into the Premier League squad, but in my second year, I was able to play in matches, and from there I feel like I got on track. For me, scoring 10 goals in the Premier League and achieving results with the U-17 Japan national team during my second year of high school gave me confidence.
──And the promotion to the top team has been officially decided.
3I got injured right after becoming a third-year student, and for a while, I felt anxious, thinking, 'Honestly, what will happen?' However, I was happy to have my efforts recognized, which led to my promotion, and I was genuinely pleased about that.
──What did you gain from the Japan national team activities by age group?
In the national team, the surrounding players are quite skilled, which increases the variety of movements after receiving passes. It also expands what I can do myself, and since overseas players excel physically, being strong and fast, it has truly been a valuable experience to see how far I can compete against them.
──You will dive into the professional world right after graduating from high school. How do you feel about that?
For me, I have always wanted to play professionally right after graduating from high school. This time, by being promoted to the top team, I have been given the chance to take on the challenge I wished for, so I just want to give it my all.
──You have already participated in top practice matches, but what impact does it have?
I was really happy to be able to play with players like Diego TABA, whom I have watched since I was little. The intensity and speed are completely different from U-18, so I get tired in a way I haven't experienced much before, but I feel that my level is improving in those aspects.
──In the J.League YBC Levain Cup, Divine OTANI, who is a junior belonging to the U-18 team, scored a goal. How did you feel about that?
At that time, I was injured and could only watch the matches, so above all, I just wanted to get on the field as soon as possible. Since he plays the same position as me, I felt some frustration, but even more than that, my desire to stand there myself grew stronger.
──Parts that are helpful for the top team.
U-15I have been watching Diego since the Musashi era, so being able to see him up close was a great learning experience. His movements in front of the goal, including his shots, are on a completely different level. It was very informative. Moreover, I think Diego has an incredible sense of trust. It's like, "He will definitely score." I believe I can only earn that kind of trust from those around me by delivering results.
──The strengths of player Yamaguchi.
I believe my strength lies in scoring goals in front of the net. In addition to shooting, I am also good at post play and creating space up front. Regarding my sense of scoring, I have developed this feeling by continuously playing in sync with my teammates and anticipating where the ball will drop.
──The top team will start in January 2025, and the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League will kick off in February. What kind of adjustments are you envisioning?
Working backwards from the point of immediately playing in matches, I believe I have no choice but to make an impression during the January camp. As a forward, I have to deliver results in the form of goals. My goal for next season is to first aim to get playing time, score as early as possible, and be recognized as a forward who can lead the team to victory.
──Do you have a strong desire to perform at Ajinomoto Stadium?
I have received passionate support since my academy days, but being able to play at Ajinomoto Stadium where more people can watch is truly like a dream. I want to score goals in front of many fans and supporters and celebrate together with everyone.
──Do you have any numerical goals?
There are no specific numbers, but I want to score as many goals as possible, as quickly as possible.
──There are many rivals. How do you plan to compete as a rookie?
I believe that people still don't fully understand my style of play and strengths, so I have to be more proactive than the other players around me to make them understand. I think I have to do more than the players who are already at the top in order to truly showcase myself.
──Is there someone you are conscious of not wanting to lose to?
There are players of the same age who have already gone abroad, as well as players like Tokuda from Kashima Antlers who have scored the J1 Monthly Best Goal in the top team of a J club domestically. First of all, I want to catch up with them.
If I were to name players I want to compete against in the J-League.
This is Takai from Kawasaki Frontale. He has also made his debut for the Japan national team, and since he won the Best Young Player Award at this season's J.League Awards, I want to compete against him and come out on top.
──The players we aim for, including those overseas.
This is Karim Benzema. He can perform well in front of the goal, and when he played together with Cristiano Ronaldo and others at Real Madrid, he showed versatility not only in scoring goals but also in creating chances, so I take inspiration from that aspect.
We will be challenging the top team in blue and red, which boasts a thick layer of players.
They are all players worth learning from, but if you only use them as a reference, you won't be able to surpass them. If you fight here and become able to play in matches, I believe you will become a player who can compete anywhere. Although they are teammates, I think the experience of winning against such amazing players and being able to play in matches can only be gained here.
──What would you like to be called by fans and supporters?
"Sun".That's all there is to it.
I believe there are expectations for you to lead Tokyo from here. What kind of player do you want to become?
Diego is not very tall, but it is truly amazing that he has played the role of a reliable forward for many years. I want to become that kind of presence myself, and I believe that as long as I keep scoring goals, we won't lose matches. I want to firmly achieve results and become a player who can contribute to the club's goal of winning the league championship.
♢Taiyo YAMAGUCHI Profile
Date of Birth: August 18, 2006
Height/Weight: 183cm/79kg
Hometown: Saitama.S
Career: FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi → FC Tokyo U-18
Representative history: U-17 Japan national team
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
