First goal──
No one can beat the desire for scoring
FW 14 Keita YAMASHITA
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are facing the opening, thinking and preparing for the year? The story of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill - Keita YAMASHITA, who is steadily rehabilitating towards his return from injury. No one is waiting for his goal more than himself, who has spent unexpected days.
The season of revival begins. In his third season since donning the blue and red uniform for the first time, the striker who is more determined than anyone else to make this season his own, is preparing to return to the pitch at Ajinomoto and rain down goals.
For Keita YAMASHITA, the past two years have been a time of "incomplete combustion". He arrived in Tokyo as a highly anticipated Japanese striker for the 2022 season, but finished with no goals. Considering his record of scoring 9 goals for Sagan Tosu in the previous season, it can only be described as a "disappointment". And last season, he transferred to Shonan Bellmare on loan, but suffered a serious injury to his left knee meniscus in the summer, ending his season prematurely.
After returning to Tokyo and the new year has begun, I won't be able to make it to the opening due to starting from rehabilitation. However, as I am able to do more and more, my smile has returned to my face as I can see the goal of kicking the ball again. I tell myself not to rush and face my body towards recovery, while also being able to think about the future as I cherish each day.
"Of course, all forwards want to score goals, but this season, I have no intention of losing that feeling to anyone. When asked about my goal at the beginning of the season, I used to aim for double digits, but for now, I just want to score one goal. I want to score one goal for Tokyo and share the joy with everyone."
There is no doubt about his ability as a scorer. Especially this season, where the team's cross attacks from both sides seem to be coming together, his new number 14 style of playing, which allows him to confidently charge in and score or assist with cross balls, is a perfect fit.
"I can't wait. Since coming to Tokyo, I've been itching to get started. There's still a lot I need to do, but when I come back, I want to give it my all."
Now, Keita YAMASHITA is hungrier for soccer and goals than anyone else. I can't wait to see him release the frustration he has been building up for the past two years.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
