Regular season battle in second year as a pro
The dream of blue and red spanning two generations
DF 32 Kanta DOI
Special content introducing the all-blue and red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players who are approaching the opening game thinking and what kind of determination are they making for the year? The stories of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill - -. Kanta DOI, who has Yoichi DOI (current Yokohama FC goalkeeper coach) as his father, once built an era as Tokyo's guardian deity. In his second year since being promoted to the top team, this season he may have a big breakthrough as he competes for a regular position at center back from the pre-season camp.
A young player with a strong spirit has appeared. Kanta DOI, who is in his second season since being promoted from FC Tokyo U-18, is playing confidently among the regular players. Even after finishing the Okinawa and Miyazaki camps and returning to Tokyo, he continues to compete for multiple positions, playing strongly and firmly joining the battle for a regular spot.
Even when the opponent pressed hard, he had the ability to hold onto the ball and carry it, and in the 2023 season he played both as a defensive midfielder and a center back. He also showed a strong desire to secure a position in the midfield where he could demonstrate his strengths. However, as the new year began, he was considered a valuable asset by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI in the back line. "He is a coach who pays close attention to individual play, so I thought it was important to keep doing what I was doing," said Tsuchi. His hard work and dedication must have been recognized by the coach.
In Tokyo, where there is a strong "individual" presence at the representative level, one must excel and stand out regardless of age. In this regard, this man has an exceptional mental strength.
"I think I have been able to assert myself since last season. In the future, I would like to listen to others' opinions more and assert myself less."
During the training match with Sanfrecce Hiroshima held during the Miyazaki camp, Yoichi Doi, the goalkeeper coach for Yokohama FC, who brought the first title to the blue and red, was present on the neighboring pitch. It was a topic on social media that he was told to "go over there", but it may be the result of Kanta Doi's strong heart inherited from his father and grown in his environment since childhood.
In that Hiroshima match, Kuryu MATSUKI received the last pass from a set play and scored a goal with his foot, bringing victory in the first and second training matches. He has a strong image as a strong header, but also possesses dexterity. In addition to fulfilling multiple roles, he has a multifaceted ability that is attractive.
"I think it's good to be able to play both center back and other positions, because it's still good when someone gets sent off. That's my strength, so I want to develop the ability to play well in any position."
Number 32 with infinite potential. The story as a professional player has just begun. Inheriting the club's bloodline from the academy, and DNA inherited from his father. Kanta DOI will continue to weave the dream of the blue and red for two generations.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
