It has been a long time since universities have been seen as solving the development issues of post-youth players, but this view has been affirmed by the increasing number of evidence in Tokyo this season. One such example is Teppei OKA, who has just graduated from Meiji University and is already making an impact as a key player.
Tokyo Academy produces many talented players. However, not all of them can be absorbed into the top team, so after graduation, they seek to join university soccer teams across the country. They gain experience in university and may even aim to become professionals in various categories or in some cases, overseas.
As a result, there has been an increase in cases of players making a "comeback" to Tokyo's top teams through university. Shuto ABE (currently with RWD Molenbeek) and Kota TOKIWAI (joining in the 2025 season) are examples, but even those who did not come from Tokyo's academy, like Hotaka NAKAMURA, have trained at Meiji University and have become key members of the red and blue army, earning the trust of the university's soccer team. And as Okamoto himself stated during the announcement of the new system, "I want to prove that going to university is not a detour. I want to be used as a ready-made player," his words are becoming a reality.
Secure the field of view and send accurate feeds to the open space ahead. Alternatively, compete and win in both aerial and ground battles by putting your body on the line. These plays were already somewhat perfected during his time in university, and as time passed since his debut in Tokyo, they have become more prominent as the tension loosens. Playing freely, powerfully, and boldly, he has established himself as a starting center back. While changing partners next to him, he is searching for improvements as a team. In the 22nd round match against Kashiwa Reysol, at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, where veteran player Tsuyoshi WATANABE also scored a goal, he scored his first shocking goal in the J1 league, demonstrating his attacking prowess.
Recently, a combination with player Kanta DOI has been realized. DOI, who was directly promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team in his second year after graduating high school, made his debut as a starting member in the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the 11th section on May 3rd. When he had to leave the game due to an injury in the first half, it was a "fateful" moment for player OKA to make his J1 league debut by coming on as a substitute in the second half. The result of winning the first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, due to the replacement of academy players, seemed to symbolize the future, but that future has already taken a concrete form.
After the break, the first game back was a 0-0 draw against Gamba Osaka in Sec. 25. The combination of Okada and Doi had a good start, but stumbled in the second game. In Sec. 26, they lost to Kawasaki Frontale with 3 goals conceded. None of the goals were due to a breakdown in the defense, but rather from crosses and set pieces.
"I think the cause of the goal was due to the lack of pressure on the ball holder and the lack of marking by the center backs, including myself. It was just because of Shin YAMADA's play. I think the responsibility for the goal lies with me and Kanta."
In the early stages, Tokyo created several chances with side attacks. However, after failing to score, Kawasaki's player Yamada scored 2 goals in the middle of the first half with a header. This had a big impact on the game. Yamada is 175cm tall. It wasn't a matter of height, but rather losing to the opponent's positioning, timing, and accuracy. Ironically, it was Mitsuhiro TODA, who used to play as a forward for Tokyo, who was coaching at the time. Nevertheless, it is certain that this is where their weakness was exposed.
As a professional player, it is certain that you are an excellent player. However, when you are young, you "discover" areas that you are not good at in actual games. By overcoming these challenges one by one, you will improve your own strength. Even for veteran player Masato MORISHIGE, after being suspended for 3 games in the 2010 season, he focused on more solid defense and eventually rose to become a member of the Japan national team and participate in the Club World Cup. In that sense, the Tokyo Verdy match that will come after this defeat will be a crucial moment for Okada.
Responding from a set position in the middle zone, we have prepared our defense. Depending on the situation, we will put pressure from the front and challenge ourselves to initiate the attack. However, our approach to the opponent's cross was weak, allowing the finisher to be left free in the middle. In order to avoid repeating multiple goals like in the Tama River Classico, it will be important to improve our response to these crosses.
And on top of the Tama River Clasico, on August 17th, we cannot afford to lose. We must win at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, and that requires a strong determination.
"If our thoughts as a team are not aligned, then perhaps we cannot achieve victory. Next, we will switch gears and truly come together as a team to align our feelings. We were lacking in terms of running for the team, sacrificing our bodies to defend, and throwing ourselves to protect the goal. For the fans and supporters who are pushing us forward, we will spare no effort and align our vectors. Since I was young, it was never allowed to lose to our rivals, so I will put my body on the line and first defend the goal with all my might."
As someone who grew up in blue and red, I cannot afford to lose to green. At the Ajinomoto Stadium, our home where we have not been blessed with a white victory this season, our young warriors from the academy will show their determination to fight to the death.
text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
