Be prepared to avoid misfortune. This phrase suits Kosuke SHIRAI very well.
The word "preparation" always comes up in conversations. However, it is not just talk.
"My physical condition is far better than last season." This was said during the Okinawa camp before the season started. In fact, in the first practice match of this season against FC Ryukyu held in Okinawa, he also scored a goal. His sense of achievement was gradually beginning to show in the results.
Compared to last season, it seemed that both the understanding of team tactics and the organization of the body and mind have progressed. Depending on the situation, they differentiated between inside and outside positions, devised ways to receive the ball, and used their natural sprinting ability to add depth to the sides.
On February 24, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League for the 2024 season kicked off. In the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, he was on the bench but only played for 8 minutes as a closer at the end. Yuto NAGATOMO, who would later return to the Japan national team after 1 year and 3 months, could not break through, and with only one match played until the Sec. 5 match against Kawasaki Frontale, he took a step back in the competition for the standout position of side back, contrary to his own condition.
However, the opportunity came suddenly.
On April 3rd, during Sec. 6 against Urawa Reds, it was in the 30th minute of the first half. Hotaka NAKAMURA was forced to substitute due to injury, and player Shirai from the same position had to come on as an emergency substitute.
Allowing the opponent to score first, the pitch is filled with tension. As a side back, there are many tasks in both offense and defense. However, Shirai quickly adjusted once he stepped onto the pitch.
"I have been preparing 100 percent for when the chance comes. While watching the match from the bench, I focused on effectively containing the opponent's side attacks," and as stated, calmly dealt with Urawa's attacks originating from the sides. Contributed significantly to the 2-1 comeback victory without facing a major crisis.
-- The pride of a sprinter. A lightning-fast counter.
In Sec. 8 against Verdy and Sec. 10 against Albirex Niigata, Shirai's true skills thrilled the audience.
In the 24th minute of the second half of the match against Verdy, where we were down 0-2 and at a numerical disadvantage. We did not miss a moment of opportunity.
Noticing the misalignment of the pass to the opponent player who drifted to the side, he sprints from his own half. At the perfect timing, he intercepts the ball and makes a solo run down the right side for about 50 meters. He quickly supplies a strong ground pass along a course that seems to say, "This is the only option," and Keita ENDO skillfully slots it into the bottom left corner of the goal.
The process from interception to goal was exactly as planned. It was the moment when the "preparation" that calculated the scoring setup paid off.
In the match against Niigata, Diego OLIVEIRA quickly reacted to the post play. Utilizing a long sprint, he dashed down the right side without allowing the opponent to follow, assisting Teruhito NAKAGAWA's goal. In the second half, despite being a full-back, he received the ball in front of the box and unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot. The middle shot, struck with the outside of his foot, evaded the opposing goalkeeper and flowed into the goal, marking his first goal since joining and his first in five seasons.
Both short counters were attacks that fully utilized their sprinting ability, which is their characteristic.
-- Get up no matter how many times.
The man who graduated from Osaka Toin High School and jumped into the tough world of professional soccer has now entered his 12th season as a pro. After celebrating his birthday on May 1st, he reaches a milestone of turning 30 years old.
Reflecting on my career so far, I have experienced failures and setbacks many times. There have been far fewer times when things went well.
"That is why it is important to have a clear vision and to face challenges without turning away, as I believe this ultimately leads to success and growth." The culmination of efforts that have risen again and again from setbacks is now beginning to shine.
The first match at 30 years old is against Kyoto SANGA F.C., a team I was with until midway through last season. Perhaps it's a strange twist of fate, but to celebrate my birthday and bring the first victory of the season at home Ajinomoto Stadium, this is the perfect opponent.
Be prepared to avoid misfortune.
The best preparation brings the best moments to Tokyo.
