Center back ranked “9th in the world”
vows to further grow for the team
DF 44 Henrique TREVISAN
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──. This season marks a complete comeback from a major injury for Henrique TREVISAN. With overwhelming strength in aerial battles and alignment with the high-line high-press style that the coach aims for, he has become an indispensable presence for the team.
This year, on January 20th during the Okinawa Kunigami camp, I was celebrated for my 27th birthday by my teammates. Holding a birthday cake, I expressed my joy, saying, "I was happy to be celebrated again by everyone during my third Kunigami camp."
Such a nice guy made a comeback last season after two dislocations of his left shoulder joint.
"I went through a tough time with my injury. It was the first major injury of my career. But, you know, I had the support of my family, and I wanted to power up and come back here no matter what."
As the words suggest, although he only played in 9 matches in the first half of the league, since the appointment of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, he quickly adapted to the aggressive style of high line and high press tactics. With his high physical ability, he has become an indispensable presence.
As a result, he was ranked 9th in the world for aerial duels among center-backs, according to the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), an official research organization of FIFA. He was pleased to be included in a list featuring renowned national team players, saying, "I read that article too."
"Aerial battles are one of my strengths. I was happy to see my name associated with that. I was recognized for my strength in aerial battles, but I will work hard to be acknowledged for other aspects as well."
And this season, he says, "I still have a lot of room for improvement," and vows to level up further.
"Personally, I think I need to refine my play more. It's about communication, the passes in build-up, and really every single aspect. I believe this season is a fresh start from zero. The coaching staff has changed, and I think personal improvement will be necessary."
It's not just about birthdays. We laugh together and rejoice together. The charm of soccer is knowing that we enjoy it together with everyone.
"It's natural for the player who scores a goal to stand out, but that doesn't mean I, as a defender, think anything about it. After all, soccer is a collective sport. We all score and win together. It's always like that. Winning boosts our confidence, and it's the best because we can share the joy with everyone."
In the moment of victory, I don't make a flashy fist pump. But I always smile gently when I see my teammates celebrating around me. The kind-hearted Brazilian will continue to support the team in a gritty manner this season to savor that moment.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
