The defensive "Iron Man" extends his contract without hesitation
Can he demonstrate his presence as a PK kicker?
DF 24 Alexander SCHOLZ
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
For the 2025 season, Alexander SCHOLZ, who supported the comeback in the second half of the league, has renewed his contract with Tokyo. The calm and composed intellectual center-back will once again wear the blue and red uniform to fight. The Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision is a special tournament where a penalty shootout is adopted if the score is tied after 90 minutes. How does the experienced player view this crucial moment?
Announced to join during the special transfer period in June last season, and expected to debut after about 1 to 2 weeks of adjustment... However, Alexander SCHOLZ's first game in red and blue came shortly after arriving in Japan, on June 28, in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 22 match against Yokohama FC. Although his condition did not seem fully peaked at first glance, and there were some concerns about intensity and speed, he demonstrated appropriate judgment and positioning. He helped limit the goals conceded to one and contributed to the 2-1 victory.
"At that time, I don't think I was physically fully prepared yet. However, the most distinctive feature of my playing style is using my head. When I get tired, that becomes difficult, so being conscious to concentrate as much as possible was the most important point for me."
Everyone knows about Scholz's performance as he gradually improved his condition from there. He played in all official matches except for the Sec. 33 Shimizu S-Pulse match, where he was unwell, and fought through the tough consecutive matches in the second half of the season without faltering. Remarkably, he was even preparing to play in the Shimizu match until just before the game. Truly an iron man. Without the efforts of him and the experienced defensive line, there would have been no comeback in the second half of the season.
"During the season, there are times when I am tired and times when I feel fresh. It also depends on the weather on match day and whether I have had a good night's sleep. If I am fatigued, my playing intensity might drop a little. However, I always made sure to be fully prepared and ready to face the game."
Scholz reflects, "I was able to do the work that was expected of the club." Looking at the results from the second half of the season alone, the team accumulated points to compete in the top ranks, rebuilt the team itself, and also advanced to the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round.
"During the six months since I joined, I found hope in the potential Tokyo has shown, and I also received a contract extension offer from the club. The decision to extend my fight here was not difficult. If I have the coach's trust and a place from an early stage, I believe I can deliver good performance. I want to repay the club's kindness through my play."
Scholz, who had a deep interest in Japan and whose Japanese has been improving daily, was already familiar with the Kodaira clubhouse when he came to Japan in the summer. It might have been a destined future for him to wear the red and blue uniform again in the 2026 season. In the special half-season tournament of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision, he emphasizes the importance of a strong start from a position deeply committed to the team, treating everything as his own matter.
"Since there are few matches, it is important to get off to a good start. In the event of a draw, it will immediately go to a penalty shootout, so it is also necessary for everyone to practice together."
The Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision adopts unique regulations. He, who also has high ability as a penalty kick taker, firmly demonstrates his skills in both offense and defense, and the spring when he will shine even brighter is just around the corner.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
