His tenure was a mere two and a half years. However, the presence he had when he donned the blue and red uniform straight out of high school undoubtedly left a mark in the club's history.
Kuryu MATSUKI, 21 years old.
The growth that led to becoming a captain in Tokyo at a young age, and the "path" left behind at the club.
A writer who has been watching over his journey and future in Kodaira every day writes about his decision to embark on a journey to Europe with the blue and red spirit in his heart.
Text by Kohei Baba
He was a player who embodied the training process of 'Shuhari', which shows the path of those who aspire to mastery.
Kuryu MATSUKI faithfully followed the teachings, thought for himself, and became independent through ingenuity. And now, he has embarked on a new journey to establish his own unique world.
I have continued to burn with an insatiable desire for improvement. Every time I faced a wall, Matsuki strangely smiled. That's why I can't forget this line, like a protagonist from a shonen manga.
"The moments when you think it's difficult or challenging are enjoyable"
Every time I get knocked back, I brush my hair back and slap my cheeks to refocus. That's how I've opened the door to my dreams. The thing that changed before and after turning pro is that I said, 'I think about playing soccer.'
"At first, I didn't think about it at all and just played without any particular mindset, but every time I listened to my seniors, I learned the importance of thinking. By thinking while playing soccer, I was able to find solutions on my own."
He had been showing a difference since the first year of camp. Whenever he had questions, he would catch senior players or staff during or after practice and bombard them with questions. He reflects, "I thought I couldn't get by without doing that much," having completely discarded any reservations. This eventually became a part of daily life in Kodaira. Yojiro TAKAHAGI was one of those who was often stopped by Matsuki.
Takahagi moved on loan to Tochigi SC in the J2 League in search of a place to play during the summer of the 2022 season, and only played with Kuryu MATSUKI for six months. However, during the final match of that season, when he visited Ajinomoto Stadium to greet everyone, he was approached by Kuryu, who asked with earnest eyes, "How did I do?" Takahagi, who had already left the team, was surprised and thought, "Don't ask me that (laughs). I watched from above and gave my opinions on this and that, but Kuryu's desire to improve is really impressive."
In this way, he increased his learning as a professional and learned how to draw his growth curve. Perhaps because of this, Matsuki's play occasionally carries the scent of his predecessors. The long feed from his own half that became the starting point for Ryotaro ARAKI's goal in this season's Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 4 match against Avispa Fukuoka was remarkably similar to the clever pass that can be called Takahagi's specialty.
Furthermore, Matsuki has also taken the initiative to act on the areas that need to be changed while adhering to the teachings.
"Your shoelaces are untied."
I didn't even realize it myself, but it wasn't just once that Matsuki called out to me first. He notices things well because he observes the other person closely.
It was the same during the interview. I looked up, thought about the words to say, and then made sure to establish eye contact with the other person to engage in conversation. They picked up on the questions and provided comments that exceeded my expectations multiple times. Because it has become a habit, when I expressed admiration for their killer comments like punchlines, they naturally smiled.
That is why I have actively taken on the role I should have in this team. In my second year as a professional, I said, "I want to be a good example for the younger players as a representative of the youth," and I expressed this position.
"I have a desire to push up from the younger players. I also need to act as a leader among the younger ones."
In his second year as a professional, when Matsuki expressed his sense of responsibility and awareness, he jokingly said to his juniors, "Follow me!" which was half a joke and half serious. He stepped up to be a bridge between the upper and lower ranks, striving to create an open and communicative team environment. This season, in his third year as captain, he has accelerated that effort even further.
"First of all, it was really fun. Honestly, when Peter (CKLAMOVSKI) asked me to be the captain, I thought I had become someone who would lead this team. There were three captains: Kei (KOIZUMI), Mori (MASATO MORISHIGE), and myself, and I think we each played our roles very well in a balanced way. I was able to support the younger players while Mori kept a close watch from above, and in that dynamic, Kei communicated well with various players, which I believe created a good balance."
We have worked hard to enhance communication within the team, instilling in each player on the pitch the awareness that they are all captains. Their very presence had a significant impact on those around them. When Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and others were in their third year at FC Tokyo U-18, they were always inspired by Coach Takashi HARA (now a top team coach), who led the team at that time, saying, "In my eyes, the player who embodies Tokyo the most in the top team is Kuryu MATSUKI. Shouldn't you academy players be like that too?" They run and fight for the team. Cherished by their seniors and serving as good role models for their juniors, Matsuki has continued to follow the path he believes in. Before long, he had become a player who truly suited the captain's armband.
Leaving behind many memories in blue and red, Matsuki has taken flight to Europe. He has completely transferred to Southampton FC in the English Premier League, which was his dream, and this season he is playing for Göztepe SK in Turkey's first division. Perhaps it was inevitable.
Matsuki has come to the airport to see off players who aim to challenge overseas every time for the past two and a half years, saying, "Because I have been taken care of." No matter how early in the morning it is, even if there is practice that day. "I won't forget my gratitude. I think players like this will follow in the future," I have been made to think.
"I have been able to participate in many matches and I believe I have gained more experience than other players. There are role models to look up to, and younger players are coming up with a strong drive, so I want to work hard to not fall behind. Therefore, I have high expectations for all the players. Although I feel a sense of loneliness, I have received great support from everyone, so I want to firmly stick to the path I have chosen."
The journey of two and a half years shows the correctness of the path taken. There are still many dreams I want to achieve. Selection for the Japan national team, and furthermore, becoming the first Japanese to win the UEFA Champions League. Above all, I have a huge dream that I promised to the blue and red singers: "I want to become the greatest player among those who have departed from FC Tokyo."
"I believe that if we keep working steadily, it will surely come true."
The journey of Kuryu MATSUKI, whose name includes 'King', will continue long from here. The protagonist always takes a strong step forward to laugh in the end, no matter the difficulties. That is the Kuryu MATSUKI we have seen.
