Tokyo, led by coach Albert Pobor, is working to promote a positional play-based soccer style. The first season is approaching the halfway point. What kind of performance did Tokyo show in the first half? Five reporters who regularly cover Tokyo's matches and training were asked to look back on the first half of Tokyo's battles under Albert Tokyo in terms of "overall assessment," "best game," and "best player by position."
Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
▼First Half Summary
Both positive and negative evaluations revolve around "young players"
The concept of positional play has been quickly established, and it is gratifying that there is a clear goal of 11 players + α. On the other hand, injuries to key players have occurred, and the accumulation of matches with the current best lineup has not always gone well, giving the impression of stumbling. In the future, it will be necessary to expand the "+α" as in the case of using Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor. Even if there are reinforcements in the summer and winter, it is a story for later. We want a squad of around 20 players who can contribute immediately, not just 15. Another good news is the inclusion of registered players from the U-18 team and the activation of cooperation with FC Tokyo U-18. Renta HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA have had playing opportunities with the top team, and they have proven that they can play at a professional level, along with Yuta ARAI from Shouhei High School. The fact that the top team and U-18 team share Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's concept and have compatibility in tactics is also a plus. The relatively bad news is that this is only "young players playing". In the future, it will not be enough to just gain experience, but young players who are on the top team must also show some results, otherwise they will just be "there". The seeds have been planted for the second half. The battle to grow and expand possibilities awaits.
▼First Half Best Game
J League YBC Levain Cup Group Stage Sec. 5 vs Júbilo Iwata
(2022.04.23 @ Yamaha Stadium)
In terms of not giving in to strong opponents, the J1 League Sec. 1 match against Kawasaki and Sec. 6 match against Yokohama FM, as well as the high tension match against G Osaka in Sec. 10 at the National Stadium, can all be considered as good games. However, the Levain Cup away game against Iwata, where Yuki KAJIURA scored a goal and Tōkyō's future was foreseen through the passes made by Tōkyō's Tōkyō and Yojiro TAKAHAGI, stands out as the best game. If KAJIURA had scored more goals and Kojiro YASUDA had also scored, the evaluation of this match would have been different. The passes made by Tōkyō's Tōkyō and Yojiro TAKAHAGI, who embodied what coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA calls "pausa" (a Spanish term for a short break or calmness), foresee the future of Tōkyō. While the mentality of Kusei MATSUKI and the intensity of Shōto ABE are important, this match was a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead.
▼First Half Key Players
GK & DF
24 Jakub SLOWIK
There must be some skills that are not good, but the strength of the impact in stopping shots at close range surpasses everything. He emits an aura like an ace striker as a defensive hero, and is a rare existence worthy of the admiration of soccer fans. While this man is on the team, Tokyo should improve the level of goalkeepers and establish a defensive culture including defenders.
MF
44 Kuryu MATSUKI
When the media predicted the opening lineup, there were voices of opposition saying, "There's no way that's going to happen," but now he has become an indispensable player who leads the top team with his fighting spirit, even in times of disappointing battles. On the other hand, it is certain that he is still young and needs to be taken care of emotionally by those around him, but as a player, he is already a reliable man.
FW
15 Adailton
Among various forwards being rotated, the most durable and robust player is undoubtedly Adailton. His control shot, which he scored at his former team Yamaha, will surely be talked about. He possesses an overwhelming individual strength that can lead the team to victory even when the team is not functioning well. Undoubtedly, he is Tokyo's weapon.
Yasuhira Baba (Football Writer)
▼First Half Summary
Planting a New Style and the Struggle of the Next Stage
The first few games of the J1 League from the opening to the 10th round against Gamba Osaka gave the impression of using up the savings from last season to accumulate points. This allowed for the time to establish a new playing style. During this time, the team has transitioned to a more strategic approach with positional play and utilizing more localized tactics. However, in the past few games, this strategy has not been functioning as intended. In the 11th round against Avispa Fukuoka on May 3rd, Leandro was placed in the center of the front line. The intention was for Kuryu Matsuki and Shuto ABE to fill the space left by the false number 9, but as a result, the team fell behind and had to change their formation during the game. In the 13th round against Jubilo Iwata, Yojiro Takahagi was placed in the attacking midfield position with the intention of receiving the ball in the open space. However, the team once again fell behind and had to make changes to their system during the game. From here on, it will depend on how well the team can execute their tactical patterns and increase their success rate. Attention to detail, such as pre-movement before receiving the ball, is also crucial. Will the team be able to find a winning strategy before using up their savings? Fortunately, the team has a wealth of talented players. It may also be a test of coach Alber's skills to instill confidence in the players.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 1 vs Kawasaki Frontale
（2022.02.18＠Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium）
The opening game was filled with the ambition to master a new playing style and the hope for the new season. Leandro, who created many scoring opportunities in this game, said, "The style of soccer that the coach is aiming for is familiar to us Brazilian players, so it was easy for us from the start." And it's no wonder. The Brazilian national team, which is known as the strongest team in history, also lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. It was a game where the blood of trying to embody the artistic football that flows through them was stirred. However, the best game of this season is yet to come.
▼First Half Key Players
GK & DF
24 Jakub SLOWIK
The new goalkeeper for this season has been making big saves from the beginning of the season. Off the pitch, he is a nice guy and after the away game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, he asked, "Can I say one last thing?" and expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank all the supporters who came all the way to Hokkaido to cheer us on, it was a great encouragement." He is undoubtedly the team MVP for the first half of the season.
MF
31 Shuto ABE
He has been playing a tactical role in both offense and defense since the opening game, and has continued to make his presence felt. In addition to his natural athleticism and intensity, the results of the repeated training of "stopping and kicking" that he has been doing since last season are also showing. Abe himself is aiming for the next stage, with the goal of competing for goals with Kuse.
FW
15 Adailton
The heavy tank dribble is still alive this season, leading the team's attack with 4 goals so far. Despite being immature and having poor combination play, he has often saved the team during the transitional period. Adailton also mentioned that "it's easier to know where my teammates are and where the pass is coming from", suggesting that he is one of the beneficiaries of the new playing style.
Sato Kei (Soccer Magazine Web)
▼First Half Summary
Passing Grade as an Initial Stage of Reform
To be honest, I thought it would be more difficult. I thought it would take more time for a team that had been mainly focused on counterattacks to "switch" to a style based on positional play. In fact, we even lost three games in a row in May, but our ball possession, which was 46.1% last season and ranked 16th out of 20 teams, has now exceeded an average of 52% after 13 games and risen to 7th overall. It is clear from the numbers that the players have changed their mindset and are putting the new style into practice. It can be said that it is a passing grade as an initial stage of reform. However, if we focus on where we hold the ball, we are still far from ideal. We often get stuck in build-up play and have to pass back. We spend a lot of time possessing the ball in our own half. In order to move forward while the opponent is taking measures, it is necessary for the players to stand in the right places and change the speed of their passes. Quick passing to avoid the opponent's press and the technical ability to make it possible are required. Will we overcome these challenges through personnel changes or wait for individual growth? Personally, I feel that this is the key to the second half of the season. I am interested in the solutions that the coach, who says "we have entered the next phase," will take.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 7 vs Vissel Kobe
（2022.04.06＠Ajinomoto Stadium）
Out of the 5 wins the team has achieved in the first 14 games, they were able to dominate possession and earn 3 points in the matches against Kyoto, Kobe, and G Osaka. Among them, the game against Kobe was the one where the team was able to play the ideal style of football. Despite conceding the first goal, they maintained a high center of gravity and controlled the ball with vertical and horizontal passes, leading to consecutive attacks from the opponent's half. The pressure from the opponent was not too intense, but in the second half, they scored 3 goals and successfully turned the game around. They moved the ball from inside to outside and vice versa, and also made precise vertical passes to change the tempo. Especially in the second half, the players' coordination was excellent, causing the opponent's defensive line to panic multiple times. It was truly a resounding victory.
▼First Half Key Players
GK & DF
24 Jakub SLOWIK
The team that has taken on a significantly different style from last season is currently staying within the top 10, thanks to their presence. In particular, their performance in the Sapporo match in Sec. 9 was impressive. With a series of great saves, they saved the team and secured a 1 point draw. It's no wonder they are revered as the "Kuba God" for their outstanding performance.
MF
31 Shuto ABE
In addition to the high level of standard equipment such as running power, interception power, and dedication, it seems that this season has been polished to make plays that advance to the goal and become receivers. If the movement of actively attacking the pocket next to the goal can work well with the surroundings, it should lead to an increase in the team's scoring ability. I hope that the tries shown in the first half will bear fruit in the second half.
FW
9 Diego OLIVEIRA
Played in all matches from the opening to the 14th section, and started in all except for Tosu. The visible results may leave something to be desired as a FW, with 2 goals and 2 assists, but the attitude of always playing for the team first, without cutting corners in both attack and defense, is worthy of praise. He is the number 9 that the blue and red should be proud of, and probably the vice captain.
Shintaro Inoue (Sports Hochi)
▼First Half Summary
Surprising Speed of Change Beyond Opponent's Expectations
When asked "How is Tokyo this year?", it's difficult to answer. The coach who came from Catalonia via Niigata has been using the keywords "positional" and "possession" since before the start of the season, and I thought they would play an ideal style of soccer. However, when I opened the lid, there were short counters that utilized speed, and in the midfield, there were scenes where intensity was demanded, and there were also many moments where they played a realistic style of soccer. It's understandable that there are a certain number of people who say "It hasn't changed from last year."
The direction we are heading is not wrong. The obvious change is the ball possession rate, which was 46.1% last year. Although both games were lost, the possession rate was 59% against Tosu and 65.6% against Iwata. Both teams pressed from the front in the early stages, but the defensive line continued to move the ball without retreating. As Iwata's staff admitted, "We couldn't take the ball as much as we thought," and they were forced to change their plan to defend by setting up a block. The changes are happening at a speed that exceeds the opponent's expectations. We have also made sufficient investments. In the Levain Cup, despite the impact of the corona pandemic in the early stages of the season, we utilized young players such as 17-year-old defender Renta HIGASHI in the evaluation tournament. There is also the excitement of watching when the seeds we planted for the future will bloom.
However, as coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says, professionals should be judged by their results first... It's still difficult for Tokyo this season.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 10 vs Gamba Osaka
(2022.04.29 @ Japan National Stadium)
It was a game that showed the future as a capital club in the heart of Tokyo. The first league game at the renovated Japan National Stadium. With about 500 fireworks and LED lights in the club colors of blue and red, the 43,125 people who gathered in the pouring rain were invited to an extraordinary space. The game was also filled with a continuous attack full of speed, with Leandro's brilliant goal as a bonus from his fancy dribbling. It was the best entertainment space where the efforts of the players on the pitch and the club staff came together (I really wish the National Stadium was renovated for ball sports...).
▼First Half Key Players
GK & DF
3 Masato MORISHIGE
Ironically, the importance of the team was highlighted by a three-game losing streak while being absent due to injury. There are many strengths such as aerial battles and build-up, but the most important thing is that he gives the team "pausa" (meaning a short break or calmness in Spanish). In the league comeback match on May 21 against Kashiwa, Yasuki KIMOTO, who formed a partnership as a center back, was constantly challenging with long feeds and vertical passes. The impact of the captain, who turned 35, is immense.
MF
44 Kuryu MATSUKI
Considering only the playing field, Aoki, who excels in crisis detection, and Abe, who has improved his scoring ability, may be better. However, the impact of a high school rookie starting in the opening game cannot be expressed in numbers. His fighting spirit, clinging to the ball and fighting with his whole body, is enough to ignite the audience. While there is room for improvement in his technique and decision-making after receiving the ball, it can also be seen as potential for growth. With his growth directly affecting the team's progress, we can only hope for further improvement.
FW
11 Kensuke NAGAI
A must-have for every household, that's what it is. It's true that having zero goals as a forward can be unsatisfying. However, there is no one else besides Nagai who can serve as the switch for the team's lifeline, pressing from the front line. Whether starting or coming in as a substitute, he always manages to break through the defense line and create chances every game. The number 11's feet undoubtedly play a crucial role in making the team function.
Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
▼First Half Summary
Dropping the style after gaining confidence with a victory
I was surprised when I imagined a cheerful romanticist. Coach Albert is quite a realist. The reason why he did not mention specific numbers or goals before the opening is probably because he said, "Reform takes time." In his first year as coach this season, Albert is focused on growth rather than winning, and does not seem to be particularly interested in points or rankings. He seems to be putting his energy into permeating his own style and assessing players for that purpose. If you think about it, it makes sense that they won three consecutive games at the beginning of the season when they were focused on a realistic way of playing, and then suffered three consecutive losses in the mid-season when they started to incorporate their own romanticism little by little. If you think about it, it makes sense that they won three consecutive games at the beginning of the season when they were focused on a realistic way of playing, and then suffered three consecutive losses in the mid-season when they started to incorporate their own romanticism little by little. In order to "gain stability by winning," they first face reality, and once they surpass that stage, they incorporate the style they believe in to "continue winning in the future." As a long-term team style building strategy, it seems reasonable. The opponent for the last home game of the first half is Kashima Antlers, who also brought in a new coach this season and is undergoing team reform. There will be a lot to see in the match against an opponent who started at the same starting line. I want to see what kind of performance they will show when they face Kashima, who is already competing for the top spot. That is how I want to interpret it as the answer to the first half of Albert Tokyo.
▼Best game of the first half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 3 vs Cerezo Osaka
（2022.03.06 @ YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM）
Albert's first official victory in Tokyo. The players' condition was a concern due to the team's activities being suspended immediately after the game due to the impact of the new coronavirus, but in the first half they dominated the game. The high press of the front three created numerous chances as Shota Abe and Kusei Matsuki repeatedly intercepted in the opponent's half. The joy of Kazuya Konno's goal, the embrace with coach Albert, and the sight of all players running without stopping despite being one man down in the second half, were all filled with passion. It was a strong impression of the team's style of high press and short counter attacks in the early stages of the season, in the 90 minutes of the game.
▼First Half Key Player
GK & DF
30 Yasuki KIMOTO
As soon as he joined, he declared that he wanted to compete as a CB, and he demonstrated a solid performance in his main position. His solidity and stability when paired with Masato MORISHIGE are among the best in the league, and he was one of the key players who supported the team's strong defense in the early stages of the season. In addition, his accurate kicks and wide vision have been crucial in switching the team's attack, making him an indispensable player in Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's positional play.
MF
Shuto ABE
The length of playing time proves its presence more than anything else. As a field player, he has started in every game so far, making him the longest in the league. His endless stamina and strong ball-winning ability stand out even among positional plays. In the future, what the team and Abe himself need to move on to the next stage is the quality of on-the-ball play. It will be interesting if he can deliver the final pass.
FW
11 Kensuke NAGAI
No matter which game you watch, the one maintaining the balance of attack and switching to defense is number 11. Whether it's breaking through the side with the SB or inside half, or using speed to approach the goal, they are always leading the high press at the front and returning to their own half with full force when countered. Their contribution in areas that don't show up in numbers is exceptionally high, and their dedication on both offense and defense is number one.
