It has been a long time since it has been seen that universities are solving the post-youth development issues, and this season in Tokyo has provided more evidence to support that view. The presence of Teppei OKA, who has just graduated from Meiji University and is already making an impact as a ready-to-play asset, is notable.
The academy in Tokyo produces many talents. Not all of them can be absorbed by the top team, and after graduation, they will seek opportunities in university football clubs across the country. They gain experience in university and aim to become professionals in various categories, and in some cases, overseas.
As a result, there has been an increase in cases of players returning to top teams in Tokyo via university. Players like Shuto ABE (currently at RWD Molenbeek) and Kouta TOKIWAN are examples, but even those who are not from Tokyo's academy, like Hotaka NAKAMURA, have been trained at Meiji University and are active as members of the blue-red team, demonstrating the strong trust in the university's soccer club. Furthermore, during the announcement of the new system, player Oka expressed his desire to truly prove that going to university is not a detour and that he wants to be utilized as an immediate asset, and he is making that a reality.
Secure vision and send accurate feeds to the open spaces ahead. Whether in aerial battles or ground duels, compete fiercely on both offense and defense. Such plays were already somewhat refined during university, and these characteristics have become more pronounced as time has passed since debuting in Tokyo and the tension has eased. Playing freely, powerfully, and decisively, I have established myself as a starting center-back. While changing the opponent standing next to me, I am seeking improvements as a team. In Sec. 22 against Kashiwa Reysol, I scored my shocking first goal in the J1 League at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, a memorable place where my senior Tsuyoshi WATANABE also scored a goal.
Recently, a partnership with Kanta DOI was realized. Kanta, who directly promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team, is in his second year after graduating high school. In the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. on May 3, in Sec. 11, Kanta was in the starting lineup, and when he had to leave the game due to injury in the first half, there was a "strange connection" as player Oka made his J1 League debut by coming on from the kickoff in the second half. The result of achieving the first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season through the interchange of academy players seemed to symbolize the future, and that future has already taken a concrete form.
After the break, the first match resumed, Sec. 25 against Gamba Osaka ended in a 0-0 draw. The combination of players Oka and Dohi had a good start, but stumbled in the second match. In Sec. 26 against Kawasaki Frontale, they lost with three goals conceded. In both cases, the goals were not due to a breakdown in defensive organization, but rather from goals conceded through crosses and set pieces.
"I think the reason for the conceded goal was the lack of pressure on the ball holder and the failure of the center backs, including myself, to mark properly. It was just Shin YAMADA who got us. I believe the responsibility for the conceded goal lies with me and Kanta."
In the early stages, Tokyo created several chances with side attacks. However, after failing to score, they conceded two goals in the middle of the first half from a cross headed in by Kawasaki's player Yamada. This had a significant impact on the game. Yamada is 175 centimeters tall. It wasn't a matter of losing in height, but rather succumbing to the opponent's positioning, timing, and precision. It's ironic that this was coached by Mitsuhiro TODA, who once played as a forward for Tokyo, but it is certainly true that their weaknesses were exposed there.
As long as you are playing in a professional match, there is no doubt that you are an excellent player at that point. However, when you are young, you tend to 'discover' areas you are not good at through actual combat. By overcoming these challenges one by one, you can enhance your own abilities. Even for the veteran Masato MORISHIGE, after the 2010 season, where he had three suspensions, he focused on more assured defense in the following season and climbed to participate in the World Cup as a member of the Japan national team. In that sense, the upcoming match against Verdy after this defeat will be a crucial moment for Oka.
We have organized our defense to respond from a set position in the middle zone. Depending on the situation, we are also challenging ourselves to apply pressure from the front and initiate attacks. However, our approach to the opposing crosser, who is the starting point, has been weak, and we have allowed finishers to be free in the box. To avoid repeating multiple goals against, like in the Tamagawa Classico, it seems crucial to refine our response to these crosses.
And more than the Tamagawa Classico, on August 17, a strong desire to win at home at Ajinomoto Stadium is necessary.
"If the team's thoughts are not aligned as one, then I wonder if we can't calculate victory from that. Next, I want to switch gears and truly unite as a team for the Verdy match, aligning our feelings. We lacked the overall effort to run for the team, to defend with our bodies, and to throw ourselves to protect the goal. For the fans and supporters who are pushing us from behind, I want to spare no effort and align our direction. Since losing to rival teams has never been allowed since childhood, I want to put my life on the line and protect the goal first."
As someone who grew up in blue and red, we cannot lose to green. This season, at home Ajinomoto Stadium, where we have not been blessed with victories, young warriors from the academy will show their determination to fight to the death.
text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
