The first step of the dream has begun
A key player performance from the first year as a professional
DF 30 Teppei OKA
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, player by player. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each individual.
Teppei OKA, who returned to the team after passing through Meiji University, made a significant impact in his first year as a graduate, quickly rising to prominence as a key player in the center-back and left-back positions. Although he initially had limited playing opportunities at the start of the season, he focused on moving for the team, thinking strategically, and concentrating on his own growth, leading him to the official match pitch. For a soul defender turning dreams into reality, this is what the first year as a professional means.
In my elementary school graduation essay titled 'My Dream', I wrote, 'My future dream is to become a professional soccer player, excel in Europe, and become the best player in the world.' Teppei OKA has taken the first step towards that dream.
After graduating from Meiji University, he once again donned the blue and red. Even before joining, he declared, "I want to take the starting position from Masato MORISHIGE."
However, the early part of the season was a difficult time.
"I couldn't get into the main squad for a long time, and it continued that I wasn't even allowed to participate in the practice matches. Still, I understood that I had to keep going. Because I had been doing it without expecting too much from myself in a good way, my performance didn't decline."
The main battleground was practice matches mixed with academy players. There, I faced myself and built up my strength. What I had resolved in my heart was to "take actions that contribute to the team's victory, regardless of whether I play in the match or not." As a result, "by doing so, the opportunities to be involved in matches increased."
The opportunity came suddenly. In April, he came on as a substitute in the 2nd Round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, and after the injury incident involving Kanta DOI in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 11 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., he stepped onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which had been burning in anticipation. However, it will take a month and a half until his next league match appearance. Still, he continued to live his days unchanged.
"I have been trying not to run away from myself. Even though it's my first year as a professional, I was determined not to let myself get discouraged."
In Sec. 19, he had the opportunity to play again in the match against Shonan Bellmare, and thereafter secured his position as a center-back. In Sec. 22, he also scored his first professional goal in the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
"I thought that if I continued to work earnestly, the ball would come to me. Since the week before the goal I scored in the Reysol match, I had been practicing heading shots from crosses with Coach Takashi HARA, so I believe that contributed to the result."
He started being used as a left-back midway through the season, expanding his range of play. His dream transformed into a goal.
And I also learned that it is something I can grasp depending on myself.
"Players who can perform anywhere are valued. I want to be able to play as a full-back or in a three-back formation like Takehiro Tomiyasu of the Japan national team, and I need to become a player who is needed in order to rise to the top. I am grateful to Coach Peter for deciding to use me as a full-back. I want to become a player who is seen as the reason for our victories. Of course, I want to accompany my skills with my words and actions. This season, there were parts where we succeeded due to sheer energy and momentum. However, I don't think it will be the same in the second year. Still, I want to keep my initial intentions in mind and keep pushing forward."
Finally taking the first step towards the dream in the 2024 season. Oka will continue to shout loudly, "I have a dream."
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
