Graduated from being a 'customer'!
Determined to win the match in Kodaira MF 38 Soma ANZAI
A special content introducing all the blue-red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what kind of determination are they bringing into 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──. Soma ANZAI, who was confirmed to join from the 2025 season, has signed a professional contract before the start of the new season. He, who was a teammate of Kuryu MATSUKI at Aomori Yamada High School, has officially become a member of the blue-red squad. A significant decision prompted by the inspiration he received in Tokyo during the 2023 season. In the new season, where he is expected to be utilized not only as a side half but also as a side back, what kind of brilliance will the determined ANZAI shine with?
Officially became a member of the blue-red team earlier than scheduled. Soma ANZAI, who was supposed to juggle being a specially designated player for the JFA and J-League with Waseda University’s football club and FC Tokyo in the 2024 season, has advanced his joining and signed a professional contract before the start of the new season. After much deliberation on which opportunity would provide greater growth, he chose his days in Kodaira.
"University is also immersed in soccer. But last season, I was able to play in four matches in Tokyo, with fans and supporters present, and there was an atmosphere akin to a killing intent surrounding each player, creating a tension that can only be felt in a professional stadium. Even just one match is unforgettable. I felt a significant growth there, and my desire to stand on that stage has strengthened. To stand there, I felt strongly that I want to build up properly in Kodaira, win my position, and earn the right to stand on the pitch, rather than just participating in practice for a week occasionally."
Last season in the YBC Levain Cup, we experienced the intense atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium twice. In the final stages of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, we also experienced the 'away' games at Sapporo Dome and Lemon Gas Stadium Hiratsuka. Among them, the members who were used in the final league match against Shonan Bellmare showed a fighting spirit that seems to be inherited by the team approaching the 2024 season. Of course, Anzai is one of them.
"I thought I understood Peter's soccer last season, and I am reaffirming that through the camp. Especially on the sides, intensity is required, but that is also one of my strengths."
He is also a valuable asset who understands the "Peter style." However, the first year is still the first year. He is strict with himself, stating, "I still can't even be part of the members at all," and there is no compromise there. This season, he is finding a path to growth by leveraging his flexibility to play both as a side half and a side back, while contributing to the finishing work by utilizing those around him.
The opponents he will compete with for the position are fierce rivals with both achievements and skills. However, there is no way he would have signed a professional contract without determination and confidence. Anzai, having discarded the role of a mere "customer," sharpens his gaze as he aims to secure a regular spot and conquer the league.
"If we can't produce results, the starting lineup won't change. I want to focus on scoring even in practice matches. This conclusion was made with real determination, so first, I want to be involved in the matches. On top of that, I want to contribute to victory as a member of a team aiming for titles."
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
