The first year of promotion was truly immersed in soccer
An 18-year-old aiming for the heights with stoicism
GK 31 Masataka KOBAYASHI
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what determination do they have as they face the year? The stories of the players who hold in their hearts their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill. Recently promoted from the academy to the top team, Masataka KOBAYASHI. There lies the effort of an 18-year-old who spends his days devoted to soccer.
In a good way, Masataka KOBAYASHI looks worn out. It is probably evidence that he has been going through rigorous training. "Since I started as a goalkeeper, I have always been good at stopping shots, so I want to use that as my weapon to make a strong impression, express myself on the pitch, and win the position of guardian deity." Saying that, the smile he showed at the announcement of the new system changes to a serious face after going through a long camp. He had also been accompanying the top team in training while enrolled in FC Tokyo U-18. However, once he becomes a professional and lives a life dedicated to soccer, he will pour everything into the sport. It is truly the baptism of a professional.
During the Okinawa camp, Kobayashi responded to many shots and crosses in the overall practice, after which GK coach Hisanori FUJIWARA and GK coach Shota YAMASHITA worked closely with him for an extended training session. Furthermore, not only did he focus on strength training at the facilities on the field, but he also spoke stoically, saying, "There are still things to do at the hotel." It was a training session that made one realize that in order to elevate a goalkeeper, who is exceptionally talented as a material, to a level that can compete professionally, both the club and the team must dedicate significant effort, and the player himself must continue to tackle the challenges with determination.
The style of goalkeeping can vary greatly, to the point where both coaches and players can be said to have their own unique approaches. However, what is common among all of them is the need to be able to respond to the diverse situations that arise during a match. A wide range of judgments and skills, from the basics to advanced techniques, are required, which means that one must learn continuously, as if turning the pages of a book, repeating this for hundreds or even thousands of days. Kobayashi understands that without doing so, one cannot reach a certain level as a professional. "Since this is a position where experience speaks volumes, I want to sharpen my situational judgment by treating regular practice as if it were match situations." With this determination, he approaches his daily training.
It is harsh, but the person is very positive. "It's truly an environment where I can concentrate on soccer, so I can only grow. I think it's a very good thing that I can prioritize soccer above everything else in my life and live for soccer, for soccer." Kobayashi, who has just been promoted from youth to the top team, is now enjoying every day immersed in soccer.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
