Diligent efforts blossom
Late blooming hard worker finally breaks through
DF 99 Kosuke SHIRAI
People, players, and stories. Introducing the 2024 PLAYER'S REVIEW, featuring all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season. What were their thoughts and feelings during the season? Confidence, progress, challenges, joy, and regret... Each player will reflect on their battles this season in their own words.
Kosuke SHIRAI, who has been used not only as a left and right fullback, but also as an attacking side attacker. He has shown a strong presence on both offense and defense, utilizing his outstanding speed. He has evolved into a player who supports the team. The background behind this was the challenges he faced when he looked at himself and the efforts he made to reach new heights. What were the challenges he faced and what did he feel as he grew into a player who was not just a force for vertical propulsion?
Number 99 caught people's attention with his amazing sprinting ability during the April National 2-game series. Not only did he improve his already existing strength, but the reason for his success was also due to his own changes.
"I felt a great sense of accomplishment this season in terms of creating a new self while receiving good stimulation."
Originally, Shirai was a side attacker type with a strong forward drive. However, in recent years, the side back position has also required plays that go inside and technical skills at the feet. Tokyo was also trying to incorporate that element and get rid of the bias towards vertical speed.
Shirai had also been hoping to break away from his past and earn a regular position in Tokyo, as well as make it onto the Japan national team. In order to do so, he had to improve his ball handling skills and find a good position on the field to move the ball.
Thanks to the results of the training that we started last season, we are now able to demonstrate our skills at a level that allows us to work together with the main team. This has given us great confidence and has led to our inclusion in the team.
"I could really feel the (technical) changes myself. I think it was really good to come to this team. If you don't experience difficult times after transferring, humans can't really grow. Bringing myself to such an environment and being able to change will have a big impact on my future soccer career."
If there are two types of people, those who can produce results immediately and those who improve over time, Shirai says he is the latter. Perhaps he can be called a late bloomer, but his efforts, including self-training, have paid off this season.
"I have gradually accepted things that I couldn't do and my senses have improved little by little since the middle of last season. I was able to incorporate that into this season from the beginning. The final challenge is whether I can do that in an official match, in a tense situation. I think the two consecutive matches at National Stadium and the away match against Albirex Niigata were really big turning points."
Unfortunately, the "iron man" who had not suffered any major injuries in his previous teams, was injured and had to withdraw from the game while increasing his playing time in Tokyo. The cause was complex, and this became a new challenge for the future. Therefore, it was not a perfect season, but it cannot be denied that he still achieved a breakthrough, earning him the nickname "Super Shirai".
"I want to continue growing, and right now, soccer is fun," said Shirai with a smile. The 2024 season was a leap forward for him, gaining the trust of those around him.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
