Breaking away from being a counter player
New potential shown by Brazil's "master of the trade"
MF 70 Jája Silva
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The players' stories, hidden in their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their desire to perform, and the roles they must fulfill──. Jája Silva, who joined the team in the middle of last season. He showed a strong presence as a super sub with his outstanding speed, but in the new season, he is demonstrating a completely new playing style. What kind of impact will his own potential have on the team? Keep an eye on his future.
The 2023 season will be remembered as an unsatisfactory one. The biggest factor was injuries. On October 14th of last year, he suffered a right anterior tibial ligament injury with a recovery time of 4 weeks. His appearance at practice with taping on while trying to rejoin the team was painful to watch. He was finally able to return in the final league match against Shonan Bellmare on December 3rd. He played for 18 minutes as a substitute, but his true revenge would have to wait until the start of the 2024 season.
"It was very disappointing to get injured when I was starting to fit in gradually after coming to Tokyo in the middle of last season. However, I have been able to start the new season without any injuries and my condition is good. From the first day of training camp to the end, I have been able to spend time with my teammates, so things are going well in various aspects. I didn't have a chance to start in last season, so this season I want to contribute even as a starter."
After returning to Tokyo from the camp, Jean showed a smile and said, "As a counter member who came on as a substitute, I used my speed to break through and push the opponent's defense line, putting pressure on the opponent's goalkeeper. That is also my specialty. However, it was a difficult role to play to my strengths. But looking back, this season, Jean's original soft ball touch and ideas are coming to life. We can see the charm of being a "master" in Brazil.
"I have both the style of receiving the ball and moving forward, and the style of receiving the ball and pushing forward," said Jaja, showing confidence that his image will be greatly changed in a positive direction.
He spoke confidently about the team's performance, saying "It will be a great season," but was humble about himself.
"Whether good results will come or not, only God knows. I want to contribute to the team by giving my all with what I have. That's all."
There is no hesitation in the fluid attack that moves between the top and right side positions. The new potential of Jaja will also expand the possibilities of Tokyo.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
