Strengthening the focus on scoring in their first year as a professional
Using the frustration from being sent off as motivation
MF 38 Soma ANZAI
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.
Soma ANZAI, who signed a professional contract before graduating from university and officially became a member of the blue and red team this season. He immediately made a substitute appearance in the league opening match, and from the April National Stadium doubleheader, he established himself as a starting right winger. He continues to grow with the bitterness he experienced in the crucial game's expulsion drama, and wants to contribute to the team's victory. What he focused on was the visible results of numbers. He, who can also play as a full-back, uses his versatility as a weapon to increase his presence, and what he felt and the challenges he faced in his first year as a professional.
Will he use the JFA・J League Special Designated Player System to play for Waseda University and a professional contract with Tokyo, or will he choose to sign a professional contract with Tokyo? The decision to choose the latter during the pre-season camp leading up to the start of this season directly led to Soma ANZAI's rapid growth and acquisition of playing time.
At the start of the season, he was on the bench. However, his position changed as he made a memorable performance in the two consecutive games at National Stadium, which he describes as an "unforgettable event". As a result, he has had more opportunities to start as a member of the starting lineup. He has played in almost every game, including cup matches, even with back-to-back games. He has shown his ironman-like endurance.
"I started in a special way by joining a little late, so instead of envisioning it, I always kept in mind to just keep working hard in the present moment. I think that has led to who I am now."
The tension remained even as the position changed. From the tension of whether or not I could make it into the team, to the tension of whether or not I could produce results in the game. I ran across the pitch with high energy and a lot of movement.
However, tough Anzai also had two breaks. The first time was when he received a red card in the first half of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Section 8 match against Tokyo Verdy, and was unable to play in the following Section 9 match against FC Machida Zelvia due to a suspension. The second time was when he suffered a facial injury in the Section 28 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
"I realized the harshness of this world in the Verdy match. I was still too naive. I was made aware that I didn't have the ability to stand in the traditional match... The scene where I gave a penalty kick was also a great learning experience. I had a lot of injuries during the period when I came on as a substitute, and I think there must have been some areas where I was too lenient in my efforts, and I think that's what came back to me in the Kyoto match. Although it was an external injury, I see it as something that was bound to happen. It was an event that made me think about my daily efforts, and it was also a good learning experience for the future."
However, the frustration of being suspended was eased by participating in the consecutive matches after the YBC Levain Cup 2nd round and J1 Sec. 10 Albirex Niigata match. The injuries also quickly recovered, allowing time to refresh and think. Although there were some stumbling blocks, they were able to turn them into opportunities and contribute to their growth.
The remaining challenge is still the goal. "If you are playing in the previous position, you must produce results," was a common phrase.
"As a position, I feel unsatisfied with being a winger and I have to produce results where I am given. I still have a long way to go."
Tighten the strap of your helmet and win. Without losing his strict attitude, Soma ANZAI will continue to blow through like the wind.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
