"I wanted to repay the results because everyone helped me, but it turned out to be a disappointing play. I want to practice and come back to this pitch by looking back from scratch."
May 6, 2023. Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match. The starting members for the game will be announced inside Sapporo Dome.
When the name Soma ANZAI was announced, cheers and applause erupted from the Tokyo supporters' stand.
In the northern land, Soma ANZAI, who made a "surprise appearance", suffered a crushing defeat of 1-5 in the game. He was completely beaten and his J1 league debut was not a glorious one.
Player Yasuzaki, who left a comment at the beginning with frustration in the mixed zone, left the stadium with the harshness of the J1 league and the professional world in mind.
Player Yasuzaki, who advanced without stopping, using the frustration experienced in Sapporo as nourishment.
Entering this season, he participated in the January Okinawa camp and Miyazaki camp. In February, he signed a professional contract one year earlier than planned, while still studying at Waseda University, and joined the club from the 2025 season. He felt the club's expectations and stepped into the professional world earlier than expected.
Continuing to draw a steady growth curve as if responding to those expectations. Although he spent most of the first few games on the bench since the start of the league, he was given a starting position in the 6th round against Urawa Reds and showed his prowess both in attack and defense. He started in 6 games, except for the 9th round against FC Machida Zelvia due to suspension, and proved his abilities on the pitch, securing his position.
Time has passed, and it has been exactly one year since my J1 League debut on May 6, 2024.
Sapporo match, which was the same date and same card as last season.
Player Anzai, who is facing this match, said, "That game was a bottomless pit on the pitch and a very disappointing match. It's a great opponent to make you feel that 'Tokyo is different this season'. I want to show my growth through the results and take revenge after a year."
I could feel the intense desire for victory from their gaze, as they eagerly awaited their chance.
The Sapporo match, which was approached with great anticipation. Anzai, who played on the right wing in this match, was involved in a scoring opportunity just 3 minutes into the first half. He ran alongside Nakagawa Teruhito as he made a run through the center, and received the ball near the box. He swung his right foot and took a shot, but it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. However, his proactive attitude in the attack was already making an impact early in the game.
And it is the essence that brings victory to the team by being involved in both offense and defense.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Sapporo defender Anzai intercepted the ball after noticing a slight misplacement in the pass from the enemy's deep position during a quick restart. Diego OLIVEIRA and Nakagawa passed the ball intricately, and Diego scored a goal. The comeback goal brought Tokyo their third consecutive victory, thanks to Anzai's quick decision-making that led to Sapporo's first win in 12 seasons at home.
A truly impressive performance of keeping one's word and taking action. The results show the progress made since last season.
After the game, player Yasuaki Anzai responded as follows.
"On this day last season, I made my J1 League debut at Sapporo Dome and experienced an incredibly frustrating feeling. The bitterness I felt that day has been the driving force for me until today. I have never forgotten that match and the experience has been a source of motivation for me. It's not everything I have built up since that day, but it was a moment of fruition. However, winning this match is not the only thing in my soccer career. I want to use this as a new starting line and continue to move forward step by step."
The view to look at is a new landscape as a professional soccer player. May 6th became a memorable day to prove growth.
When I look back on my long football career, I will surely remember May 6th as a turning point.
Player Anzai's growth will push Tokyo to the next stage.
