A new view seen through suffering
Unleashing the accumulated strength in the final stages
MF 33 Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
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.
After leaving a strong impact in his first professional year, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA entered the 2024 season with high expectations for further growth. He frequently showcased his ability to easily get past opponents in one-on-one situations, but it is also true that he struggled with increasingly tough marking. During such times, he received encouragement from his mentor, Coach Takashi OKUHARA, who had guided him since his academy days. The words of his mentor that helped him look forward, and the new changes that occurred in his mindset as a result.
The versatile dribbler has raised his sights a bit in his second year as a professional.
Having increased his physique through body transformation, he likely felt a sense of accomplishment even before the season began. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA stated, "I want to raise my level in everything and aim to surpass last season's numbers," showing no doubt in his own leap forward.
As the year of competition begins, I continued to participate in matches consistently. I had more opportunities to play than last season, but I couldn't increase those numbers as I had hoped.
As summer approaches, he gradually starts to be left out of the starting lineup, and the signs of anxiety and worry begin to deepen. When the team is also abandoned by victory, he uttered these words.
"I am also in a situation where I can't ride the wave, so it's really difficult. However, there were times like this last season as well. Honestly, I am struggling more than everyone thinks."
What was troubling me was that "the dribbling would be further countered, and definitely two defenders would come, and the shooting would be the same, and I wasn't able to play like I do at my best times."
Last season, as opponents gradually devised strategies against us, we went through tough times. Nevertheless, we dedicated ourselves to practice to break the current situation, increasing our options in play and overcoming obstacles. Last season, I scored my first professional goal in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 28 match against Sagan Tosu on September 23, and followed it up with an impressive back-to-back performance against Gamba Osaka, leaving the opponent behind with my signature dribbling.
"We are in the same situation, but the level of concern is higher than in the first year. Still, I believe that last season's experience will help, and that just one play can change the entire game. When I get on the field, if I can make that one play, evolve my own game, and help the team gain momentum, that would be ideal."
In his second year as a professional, this season the level of caution from opponents has increased, and more strategies are being devised against him. During this time, a phrase that lightened his heart reached his ears. Coach Takashi HARA, his mentor from his FC Tokyo U-18 days, who joined the top team this season, said to him, "The worries you have now are things you can't experience at your age." Those words made him feel that this is a path he must take and that his journey is not wrong.
And just like last season, the extra training continues, and the accumulated strength will be unleashed. On August 31, during Sec. 29 of the J1 League against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, an assist was recorded, followed by inducing an own goal in the subsequent match against Urawa Reds. As the scent of goals began to waft, a solo run like a flower path led to the second goal of the season in the match against Yokohama F.Marinos.
The scenery seen while struggling and suffering has changed. Therefore, the words directed towards the future are slightly different from a year ago. This tells the story of his growth.
"Ideally, I need to become a presence that can lead the team. I'm not the type to shout, but I want to lead through my play. It's completely different from my first year. I want to be someone who can help this team win."
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
