Overcoming difficult times
The number 10 who supported the late-game surge
MF 10 Keigo HIGASHI
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.
Keigo HIGASHI supported the team's remarkable late-season surge with an outstanding sense of balance. There were times when he faced the struggle of being left off the bench, and it felt like the tension was about to snap. However, the experienced veteran never gave up. He focused on further growth, grasped the team's and match's situations from a new perspective, and as a result, he found himself once again becoming an indispensable player in the blue and red midfield.
"I feel like I entered a difficult period after the first injury in March."
When asked about the 2024 season, Keigo HIGASHI first mentioned the impact of his injury during the match against Avispa Fukuoka on March 16 in Sec. 4 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. He suffered a right hamstring strain that will take about six weeks to heal. He had been on the bench continuously since the start of the season and was spending his days preparing for official matches, but due to this absence, he was unable to be part of the league squad until the match against Kashima Antlers on July 20 in Sec. 24.
"My condition started to gradually improve around May and June, and after reaching a level where I felt confident to play in matches, I spent about three months in a period where I couldn't participate in games."
However, during this time, continuing training with a bright expression without looking down led to being included in the starting lineup for the final matches. Whether in practice, practice matches, or cup competitions, I became a "supporting player" and tried to change the flow. The quality of my play, sending sharp passes, never diminished.
Regarding this period, Higashi himself reflects, "The fact that I was able to stay consistent has greatly boosted my confidence in leading to my current position." The team's progress shown since September was due to his efforts in joining as a defensive midfielder and focusing on maximizing the contributions of his teammates.
The efforts made during the time away from matches have borne fruit. I thought about how to turn time into something positive without wasting it. At times I watched matches on DAZN, and at other times at Ajinomoto Stadium, closely observing what was lacking and what was good. Participating in the B-class coaching license course also provided a new perspective, allowing me to observe and analyze the team from a closer, more comprehensive viewpoint, leading to new discoveries.
In terms of physical condition, I made it a point to prepare starting an hour and a half before practice, creating a state where I could approach training at 100 percent. I repeatedly worked on this, and as a result, it showed in my performance during the autumn matches.
Before long, an atmosphere began to emerge around that "Keigo is needed." Higashi responded to that expectation.
Looking back, at the beginning of the 2022 season when Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA took charge, he had lost his place in the team, but he later secured the anchor position. It seems that he has become an essential presence, and his commitment to growth even as a veteran is likely one of his outstanding qualities.
"At this age, I have a bit of pride, and I felt like I was in a state where it wouldn't be surprising if the thread snapped, practicing in a practice match with academy players after being removed from the members. However, even at such times, I thought it was important not to discard the strange misunderstanding of 'I can definitely perform when I get to play in a match.'"
The sense of achievement from continuing to clear the given challenges. Once again feeling the joy of being involved in the matches, the blue and red number 10 shone in the final stages of the season.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
