First year of promotion is all about soccer immersion
18-year-old striving for the top with stoicism
GK 31 Masataka KOBAYASHI
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are approaching the opening, thinking and what kind of determination are they facing for the year? The story of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, thoughts for success, and the roles they must fulfill─. Masataka KOBAYASHI, who has just been promoted from the academy to the top team. There was the effort of an 18-year-old who spent his days devoted to soccer with a stoic attitude.
Masataka KOBAYASHI is looking haggard in a good way. It's proof that he's been through tough training. "Since I started as a goalkeeper, I've always been good at making saves, so I want to use that as my weapon, show it on the pitch, and earn the position of the guardian." Even the smile he showed at the new team announcement changes to a serious expression after going through a long camp. He also participated in the top team's training while playing for FC Tokyo U-18. However, once he became a professional and made soccer his job, he devoted everything to soccer. It's truly a baptism of fire for a professional.
After responding to many shots and crosses in the overall practice, Kobayashi from the Okinawa camp trained for a long time with GK coaches Hisanori FUJIWARA and Shota YAMASHITA, who were dedicated to him. Not only did he work hard on strength training at the facilities on the ground, but he also spoke stoically, saying, "There are still things I need to do at the hotel." It was a training style that made me think that both the club and the team need to devote a lot of effort to raise a very talented goalkeeper to the level where he can perform in professional matches, and the player himself must continue to work hard with gritted teeth.
The style of a goalkeeper varies greatly among coaches and players, so much so that it can be said that each person has their own style. However, what they all have in common is the ability to respond to the various situations that occur during a game. Because a wide range of judgment and skills are required from the basics to advanced techniques, it is necessary to learn as if turning the pages of a book every day, and repeat it for hundreds or even thousands of days. Kobayashi also knows that without doing so, he will not reach a certain level as a professional. "Experience is crucial in this position, so I want to use my daily training to simulate game situations and sharpen my decision-making skills." He is determined to continue working hard every day.
It is tough, but the person is very positive. "It's an environment where I can really focus on soccer, so I have no choice but to grow. It's a good thing that I can prioritize soccer above my personal life and live for soccer, for soccer." Like a young bird just promoted from the youth team to the top team, Kobayashi is now enjoying a daily life immersed in soccer.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
