Q, What changes have you experienced since your official debut as a high school student in Tokyo one year ago and becoming a professional now?
When I was in high school, I practiced for about two weeks before participating in the Levain Cup and then returned to my high school club activities. Now, as a member of the Tokyo team, I practice with the team every day, so I think the environment has changed significantly.
Q: Do you feel any pressure from the change in environment?
A, Soccer has become my job, and I feel that it is up to me to perform well in the future. High school and professional soccer are completely different, and I feel that there is a lot of pressure in training and games. I feel a sense of urgency within myself, but right now I am thinking about what I need to do to beat players in the same position, and I am working on my own training after practice while talking with my coach. I want to quickly get used to the intensity of professional training and be able to showcase my own strengths.
Q, I think you had a lot of communication with players and staff during the camp. There were also times when you went to talk to Nagatomo, but I think you gained a lot from that.
A, In Tokyo soccer, cooperation with surrounding players is required, so it is important to communicate with players on the same side. If there are moments where the timing is not right during play, we immediately discuss whether it would have been better to open up to the side or drop back into position. If there is something we don't understand, we make sure to ask right away. I feel that I still lack the driving force in my play, so I am learning basic training from Mr. Nagatomo.
Q, There was a discussion about communication with the side back players, but is there anything to learn from the play of players in the same position?
A, Players who play in the top team smoothly pass the ball and it's interesting to watch. I want to play that kind of soccer when I enter the game, so I watch the opening game again and learn about the movements of each player and the relationship between the side back and the wing.
Q: Are there any other challenges for player Arai in terms of playing?
A, When I was in high school, I often dribbled from my own side, but my playing style has changed and I am now using more one-touch and two-touch passes. I am struggling because I did not play like this in high school, so I feel that it is my current challenge. I want to smoothly pass the ball using one-touch and two-touch passes in my own side, and then use my dribbling skills in the opponent's area.
Q: Speaking of strengths, what are the areas where Araki stands out and doesn't lose to other players?
I think I'm good at making 1-on-1 plays on the side and crossing after cutting in, so I want to share that with my teammates and make plays that lead to goals when we enter the game.
Q: Are there any players who communicate well, including during off time?
Recently, I have been spending a lot of time with players Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI. They take care of me and take me out to eat. Since Matsuki is currently away for national team activities, I am with Abe almost every day.
Q, I also see some players practicing on their own, but it seems that player Arai has a strong impression of practicing one-on-one with the coach. Do you approach the coach yourself?
Sometimes I go to talk to them myself, but recently Coach Yasuma has been doing training instructed by Director Albert. Before, Kei Koizumi and Yasu Abe would decide the number of times and practice passing and control every day.
Q: Do you focus on practicing the areas you feel you are lacking in during individual training?
A, yes. Recently, I have been practicing direct passes with Coach Yukihiko SATO. The grass on the professional field is slippery, making direct passes difficult and hard to get used to. So, I asked Coach Sato to help me with basic training first.
<Practice game, Yuta ARAI receives instructions from coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q, on the player profile page of the website, they mentioned Kuryu Matsuki as one of the players who influenced them.
A, Matsuki has been talking to me a lot since last season and taking care of me. Now, I really feel the difficulty of performing well in my first year, so I respect Matsuki who has been playing confidently since his first year last season, and I also think I have to do my best. There is a lot to learn from Matsuki, so I want to listen to him and use it to grow myself.
Q: What have you learned from player Matsuki?
A, Mental Aspect. I used to think that addressing seniors with "san" or "kun" during games was important, but Matsuki calls players by their first names, showing a strong mentality and consistent thinking. In addition, I can feel his courage and strong mentality in moments where he encourages his teammates or gets fired up after being fouled by the opponent. I think it's amazing and something I lack, so I want to strengthen my mental game.
Q, the conversation will change a little, but when you mentioned your favorite player in the player profile, you mentioned Mahrez. Do you usually watch the Premier League?
I often watch Manchester City's games. The playing style is similar to Tokyo's, and coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA showed us footage of Manchester City's games during last season's camp, so I watch them because I want to play that kind of soccer. There is a lot to learn from foreign players, and I became a fan after watching left-handed player SANCHEZ score and assist. He is not a physically strong player, but I hope to imitate his clever use of shifting and shooting with his left foot.
Q, Please tell us about your future vision.
First, I want to achieve results in Tokyo and then try playing soccer overseas. But my top priority is still to succeed in Tokyo.
<Yuta ARAI, who is training at the Odaira Ground>
Q, the league has started and the Levain Cup will also begin. How do you feel about approaching it?
A, I have a strong desire to score as many goals as possible and help the team win as much as I can. I want to play in the Levain Cup and make an impact, and then be involved in the league games. Once I get a chance to play, I want to score a goal and make a statement.
Q, The upper limit of visitors has been lifted since the opening game, and it is now possible to cheer out loud. Did watching the opening game make you want to play soccer in that atmosphere?
When I was in elementary school, I went to the stadium to cheer with my relatives. I have always dreamed of standing on that pitch one day, so I have been working hard in my own training and never forgetting my efforts. I want to make that dream come true. I think the atmosphere there is amazing, and it would be the best to be able to play in it. To play in that place, I think the only way is to appeal through daily training and practice matches, so I want to continue my efforts.
Q, The Levain Cup is also a hot topic for young players to participate in, but are there any rivals for player Arai who are not from Tokyo?
A, Fukuda Shiou player and Hiroi Ranjin player. The two of them became friends in the high school selection of first-year high school students and have been playing together for three years. I have always wanted to beat them and have been playing for three years in high school, and that feeling has not changed. I want to achieve better results than them.
Q: Fans and supporters, I'm sure you are all looking forward to watching player Arai's performance. Can you share your enthusiasm with us? A: When I play in the game, I will give it my all and do my best to contribute to the team. Thank you for your support.
