Two attackers who are similar yet different were approached. The theme is "dribbling."
When asked, "Is dribbling your specialty?" Keita ENDO tilts his head, while Kota TAWARATSUMIDA confidently responds with a vertical motion. Their answers have some points of agreement, but also some completely opposite views, reflecting their individual thoughts despite both being left wingers.
In the second part, the discussion will revolve around favorite dribblers and tactics. The names that came up were Messi (Inter Miami) and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion). Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who grew up watching Messi, and Keita ENDO, who shows respect to his classmate. What does dribbling mean to them?
──Do you have an ideal dribble or a favorite dribbler?
Tawaramizuki I've been watching Messi since I was very little. Isn't everyone’s ideal Messi? (laughs).
Endo Not at all (laughs). Personally, if I must admit with some embarrassment, it's Kaoru Mitoma. He is the same age as me. If young soccer players watch Kaoru's dribbling, they will definitely improve their skills.
──Does player Mitoma have an incredible quality that cannot be imitated even by other professionals?
Endo I can't do that, you know? (laughs) I just don't understand. I can't stop from the shooting motion, turn back, and go vertically. I can't do it, right?
Tawaramizuta I don't think I'll make that choice.
Endo Yes, that's right. Usually, they either go straight or to the middle. Of course, there is technique, but more than that, I think they are able to use their body well. It's on a different level. After all, they are active in the English Premier League.
──Kaoru Mitoma also plays primarily on the left side, but do you both have an ideal scenario when you have the ball on the left side?
Tawara Tsukita It's best to break through and score by yourself. Last season, the goal I scored in the home match against Gamba Osaka (2023 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 29) was ideal. During my U-18 days, I often dribbled over long distances like that. In that moment, I wasn't thinking about scoring as soon as I got the ball, but I knew there was space, so I decided to take on the dribble. Since the support around me wasn't catching up, I aimed to go all the way myself in the end.
Endo I believe it is important to at least finish with a cross or a shot. In Germany, due to my position, not losing the ball was my top priority, so that has become ingrained in me. However, I think I can change my mindset again. I feel that my dribbling sense has dulled a bit, but I think it would be good to change my way of thinking and move forward in Tokyo.
Even if you cut through several opponents on the side, in the end, that is just a means and not the goal. The 'theoretical' Keita ENDO and the 'intuitive' Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. Although they are both dribblers, their styles differ, but they ultimately reach the same destination. Why do these two keep making attempts over and over again? It is to seize goals and lead the team to victory.
──Do you have a winning pattern for dribbling within yourself?
Tawara Tsukita It's hard to express in words, isn't it? It's difficult. Is there anything?
Endo There is no surefire pattern for victory, right? (wry smile).
Tawaramizuki I believe there is no absolute in soccer, but I think the probability is higher for players who are good at dribbling, like Keita and myself. If I can take the initiative in a one-on-one situation and there is space available, I believe the chances of breaking through are high. The way to get past an opponent varies from person to person, but I think if you can make a good move, the chances of getting through increase.
Endo Certainly, what is important is how many high-probability situations you can create. If I can take the initiative and get half a step ahead, I can create a little space in front and deliver a cross with my left foot. I think it's also important to create the angle for the dribbling path. Since I'm not as fast as Tawara in terms of speed, I think creating angles is necessary.
Tawaramizuki I believe that is indeed the challenge we are currently working hard on. It's about off-the-ball movement. If you can get behind without trying to dribble past someone, then you should take that opportunity. Conversely, you can pretend to go behind and receive the ball at your feet. There are various off-the-ball movements, so we are focusing on that challenge.
──Is there anything you value when it comes to strategizing against your opponent?
Tawaramizuki As for my personal challenges, I often tend to dive in first. For example, I might make several attempts vertically, and when the opponent starts to read me, I might go inside. However, I mostly do this based on instinct, so it might be easier to ask Keita-kun about it (laughs).
Endo I think quite a bit. When I'm heavily marked vertically, there are players waiting in positions to cover even if I get past one, so in those cases, I definitely don't go vertically. In such situations, there should be other spaces available, so I made it a point to have other players utilize those areas. I don't really play based on instinct (laughs).
──Finally, could you both share your thoughts on the question, "What is dribbling?"
Tawaramizuki I believe that it is a means to achieve goals and assists. Of course, it feels good to get past an opponent, but it feels even better when I score a goal. However, I want to continue being a player known for my dribbling. I hope to level up my speed, sharpness, and movements that extend. There are still many challenges, such as how to differentiate when to take on a dribble, so I think it would be great to improve in those areas and grow further. Ideally, dribbling and scoring should go hand in hand.
Endo It would be great if dribbling could become one of the team's tactics. I believe that if my teammates understand that, passes will come at the right moments to initiate plays, and the opponents will see it as a threat. As Tawara mentioned, dribbling is ultimately a means, not an end. I want to utilize that weapon to contribute to the team's title acquisition.
For the first part, click here
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
