Enjoy the evolution of Tokyo with Albert Pobor [Player Edition]
~2022 Blue and Red Warriors, A Must-Check Recommendation!~
Hello Tokyo fans and supporters!
Excuse me for being abrupt, but please bear with me for a little personal talk...
I served as the Tokyo correspondent for the soccer newspaper "El Golazo" until the 2020 season. I am deeply grateful for all the support I received from everyone through my weekly articles. Even when I stepped down from my position, I received many kind messages on social media and I am still grateful for them.
After leaving the journalism industry, I have changed to be able to enjoy Tokyo with the same feeling as everyone else. I have moved away from the reporting scene and now work in the business field as the head of all Ergorasso reporters and business development. I mainly watch games on DAZN and go to the stadium with my son instead of sitting in the press box. In both work and watching games, there are many views that I couldn't see during my time as a journalist, which can be described as a fan/user perspective.
Of course, for fans and supporters who work at a company, this is nothing special. In such a busy life, I think there are many people who see "soccer" and "Tokyo" as a temporary pleasure to forget about work.
As a journalist, I used to always think about "tactics" and "player analysis" in a complicated way. Of course, I still keep the knowledge and perspective I gained at that time in the back of my mind, but I am able to enjoy "soccer" and "Tokyo" with pure excitement and sometimes frustration, joy, and sadness. By the way, I am writing this article right after the 13th round match against Iwata. Currently, the team has lost 3 consecutive games... I can understand how everyone must feel (bitter smile).
There was an opportunity to make a prediction for the champion at the start of this season.
In my heart, I was thinking, "Tokyo, could it be this season?" Normally, it would be impossible for a team that struggled last season to suddenly win with a new coach. However, I am no longer a calm journalist (laughs). In the past, the two letters "champion" would never come to mind so easily, but now that I am purely focused on Tokyo, I may have naturally become more optimistic. "This team is strong this season, right?" I am definitely in a "brainwashed fan" state. Yes.
However, this is not entirely an unfounded opinion.
The reason why I recommend Tokyo this season. It is because they have a strong lineup and are challenging an aggressive style.
Tokyo's history has been characterized by a back-and-forth between styles. In recent years, there has been a tendency for the team to achieve results when playing defensively. The eras of coaches Massimo FICCADENTI and Kenta HASEGAWA are good examples of this.
However, I would like to see how far we can fight with an attacking style of soccer when we have good players. There may be some people who have been holding onto such thoughts deep in their hearts. And now, after a long time, that long-awaited moment has finally arrived. The players in Tokyo have the potential to put on a fight that will make people want to watch the game at the stadium at a high level.
And yet, coach Albert. He also has a surprisingly severe side. While it takes time to build a style of connecting passes, he also emphasizes quick counterattacks, high intensity plays, and hard work, all essential elements for victory. Despite being an idealist, he also values results. Seeing this balance, it only increases the excitement for the game and expectations for the winner.
The club asked me to focus on the players in this article. But wait, I've only been talking about myself... That's because this season, there are so many players who play attractive football under an attacking style, and to be honest, I can't write about all of them.
Above all, it's great to see all the players showing new sides of themselves, big or small.
Goalkeeper with Big Saves
Newly joined goalkeeper, Jakub SLOWIK. He is outstanding. He is making the stadium roar with big saves, just like he did in Sendai. But what I am paying attention to is his play at his feet. He does make mistakes, but he is connecting passes more solidly than I expected. Don't you all think so? He said before the start of the season, "I know the importance of absorbing new things. I want to fit into Tokyo's style." You can see that attitude in his current play. He is a hard worker, it's amazing.
The defender combination that becomes the starting point of fun
Masato MORISHIGE and Yasuki KIMOTO, both center backs. They are modern, aren't they? In modern football, defenders cannot just defend. For a long time, Morishige has supported the team with his high-precision kicks, but this season, KIMOTO has joined and a versatile combination has been born. KIMOTO's vertical passes are also sharp and smooth, just like Morishige's. Under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's football, these two have become even more important as key players in the attack. Football is something that gets more and more exciting as you get closer to the opponent's goal, and this season, for Tokyo, the "play in the back=Morishige and KIMOTO's timing with the ball" is the starting point of that excitement. This cannot be overlooked.
Handsome, lively, fresh lefty
As you all know, the charm of Kuryu MATSUKI, also known as the "handsome, lively, fresh midfielder", is already well known. He is sparkling and shining. However, if you have never seen Matsuki play live, you should definitely watch him at the stadium. He is a rising star in Tokyo, always moving and running well. He is also physically strong. Watching him play is refreshing and exciting, and his movements jump out at you. He always stands tall and runs on the pitch with good posture, captivating the stands. He is becoming increasingly important tactically, and by developing your eye for soccer, you will gain a deeper understanding of him as a player. He is perfect for those who want to enjoy the game in an easy-to-understand way, as well as for those who want to observe from an expert's perspective.
Versatile ace of the blue and red attack
The banner's attacking lineup. Adailton's powerful breakthrough, Leandro's technique that scored a super goal at the Japan National Stadium, Kensuke NAGAI's explosive speed. In addition, this season, Kazuya KONNO's ever-changing dribbling has also been added, but among them, the one I am truly rooting for is vice-captain Diego OLIVEIRA. To be honest, he used to be a more inconsistent player, but since joining Tokyo and gaining awareness and responsibility, it has led to his selfless performance in every game. Diego's selfless play is even moving to me lately. I don't know, but I feel a sense of sadness on his back, as he has always played well but couldn't become a winner. That's why his determination to win becomes more and more apparent every year. The versatile ace of the blue and red attack. In addition to his skilled and powerful play so far, Diego's passionate play this season is a must-see.
I have written it down in a rambling manner. One thing I can say for sure is that this season's Tokyo is different from the past few years, and they are showing a visible excitement in their battles. Looking at it from a fan/user's perspective, I personally feel that it is a very entertaining team with lots of movement from the ball and players. And Albert's coach's SNS posts also play a role in bringing the team closer to everyone. In this interactive era, this sense of closeness is important.
On the board of an attacking style, a variety of casts dance. As the training level of the team organization increases, the individuality of the players will not be added but multiplied, and that is the charm of Coach Albert's soccer. This season, it is exciting to see how far it will reach.
Finally, I have an important message that I want to convey to all of you. I will deliver it in the style of the nostalgic comedy show "Bakusho On Air Battle" that I just watched the other day.
"Creating a new Tokyo... is up to the coaches, players, club staff, and all of you who are heading to Ajinomoto Stadium!"
See you again! Thank you for staying with us until the end (lol).
Text by Yuki Nishikawa (Ergolasso)
