"I can show my strength when I play"
An unfinished talent is about to demonstrate its true potentialMF 48 Yuta ARAI
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 into the year? The stories of the players who hold in their hearts club love, a thirst for titles, aspirations for performance, and the roles they must fulfill──. Yuta ARAI, who officially joined Tokyo in the 2023 season, was also part of the team during his time at Shohei High School, showcasing his enthusiastic attacking play, but last season he did not get the opportunities he hoped for. However, facing a situation that seems like a 'second-year jinx,' he is starting to gain confidence by responding to the coach's demands.
Looking back at Yuta ARAI in the 2023 season, the phrase "sophomore jinx" comes to mind. In the 2022 season, as a third-year student at Shohei High School, he participated in official matches as a JFA/J.League designated player. With his bold dribbling and powerful shooting, he brought momentum to Tokyo with fearless play. However, in the last season, after officially joining as a professional player, he was unable to be involved in the league matches after participating in Sec. 3 and Sec. 4 at the beginning of the season. Although he is a rookie, it is his second season playing with the top team. It is certain that after the fearless approach he took in the 2022 season, simply relying on that is no longer sufficient.
However, they are beginning to overcome that difficult situation on their own. As they approach the 2024 season, after training camps in Okinawa and Miyazaki, there have been cases where they are included in the main squad during practice.
(Last season) was a very tough season, but towards the end of the season, I felt during practice that I could do it, and I started to gain confidence. Looking back at my usual practice and watching the movements of players in the same position broadened my play. I also understood the kind of football Peter wanted to play, and I had a good sense of progress.
While grasping the situation of teammates, the evolution of intelligent play that considers the relationship with players on the same side is being supported. This has led to the desire of "I want to stay here for another year and achieve results" without choosing options like "warrior training".
"The current style of football is one that moves forward. I am consciously trying to aggressively break through behind the defense, and I believe I can showcase my abilities when I get on the pitch."
What Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, is looking for is clear. For Arai, it is about diving into the center during crosses and hard work. Since the standards are clear, the daily rankings change based on how well these expectations are met. While there is no room for complacency, it is also a great opportunity.
"I'm not particularly fast, so I tend to overthink things, but if I can be more relaxed, my play should improve even more. I stayed here to grow and achieve results. I want to value my daily practice and make an impression."
The unfinished masterpiece is robust and rapidly regaining confidence. The true power of the lefty monster is yet to come.
text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
