While the Japan national team is preparing for their World Cup appearance in the final stage of the Asian qualifiers, the J.League is reaching the halfway point of the group stage of the Levain Cup. Tokyo will face Shonan Bellmare at their home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium.
In Tokyo, Yuto NAGATOMO has been called up to the Japan national team, while Kuryu MATSUKI has been called up to the U-21 Japan national team. In Shonan, goalkeeper Kosei TANI has been called up to the Japan national team, and midfielder Satoshi TANAKA has been called up to the U-21 Japan national team.
Shonan is currently in first place in the Levain Cup with 2 wins in 2 games, while Tokyo is tied for third place with 1 draw and 1 loss. Considering that 2 out of the remaining 3 group stage games will be away games, this will be a crucial match for Shonan to secure 3 points at home against the top team.
One of the key points of this match is the selection of players.
After the Iwata match, Manager Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said, "I want to use this Levain Cup effectively, give many opportunities, understand what possibilities we have, and further evaluate them in the future." With about a week of preparation time before and after this match, it is possible to work on new concepts and try out different player combinations during practice. If that happens, it is expected that there will be more options for tactics and player selection throughout the long season, such as actively using young players or using players in new positions that have been used so far.
For players who have had few opportunities to play so far, their performance in this match could lead to the next league match. For example, Yojiro TAKAHAGI and Rei HIRAKAWA, who made an impact when they came on as substitutes in the Levain Cup match against Iwata on March 15th, were also included in the squad for the J1 league match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. just three days later. TAKAHAGI, who came on in the second half, played a central role in possession with his high technical ability and contributed to the team's 3-point victory by "defending with the ball" (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA).
Albert Tokyo, who has steadily grown while permeating the team style, has achieved three consecutive wins in the league. Will the young players respond to their roles and shine, or will a new side of the players be discovered? We invite you to come to Ajinomoto Stadium while predicting the next move of the commander.
Series "Expectations for Young Players"
Interview with Yuto NAGATOMO
Interview with Yojiro TAKAHAGI
Interview with Keigo HIGASHI
Interview with Kensuke NAGAI
Interview with Masato MORISHIGE
