A genius hard worker makes his top debut, showcasing new possibilities as the number 10 of the U-17 Japan national team
MF 23 Ryunosuke SATO
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 are they bringing to the year? The stories of the players, who harbor club love, a thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. Last season, at the young age of 17, Ryunosuke SATO signed a professional contract. The promising talent, entrusted with the number 10 jersey for the U-17 Japan national team, aims for a professional debut and to enhance his presence in the top team.
On August 26, 2023, the day Tokyo faced Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium, Ryunosuke SATO's professional contract was grandly announced. Still before graduating high school, he is currently enrolled in FC Tokyo U-18. As a promising talent who wore the number 10 for the U-17 Japan national team, an early debut in the J1 League was anticipated, but he was unable to even make the bench for league matches. He struggled to get involved with the first team during overall practices. Nevertheless, he chose not to focus solely on FC Tokyo U-18, but instead prioritized his daily life at the top.
"At that time, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a sense of dissatisfaction. But I had decided within myself that I wanted to compete with the top team. Last season, there was also the U-17 World Cup in the fall, and I had the goal of wanting to play in the top league, so I think I was able to work hard every day."
Despite facing adversity, Sato did not neglect his efforts, supported by two goals. As a result, he seized the opportunity to play as a member of the starting lineup in the final practice match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima during the Miyazaki camp before the start of the 2024 season. In the second of four 30-minute halves, he formed a fluid two-top with Ryotaro ARAKI. The club's proposed style for the new season, which emphasizes "attacking football that pushes forward while maintaining possession," was evident there.
In the pre-season camp, a fluid frontline without a center forward was tested. The opportunity to express the desire of "My strengths will definitely contribute to the team. I want to be a strength for the team" has come early.
"While checking Araki's position and finding the open spaces, we were able to play freely while looking at each other. It was really fun to play, and I thought this kind of soccer is also good."
A transformation that seems to have brought the ball possession culture of the academy to the top team, which had not been able to break away from a foundation of solid defense and quick counterattacks. The plays involving the young number 23 feel like a breath of fresh life.
"By continuing to play soccer, I am able to seize opportunities. That is my strength," said the 17-year-old who grasped the chance with resilience. A person with a strong heart that does not match the image of a delicate genius is elevating Tokyo to a new dimension.
text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
