The conductor of the midfield controlling the attack
Becomes the backbone of the team in the first year of transfer
MF 8 Takahiro KO
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.
Takahiro KO became the backbone of the team, gathering the ball and trust from those around him in the defensive midfielder position. Although he showed a presence that belied his first year with the team, there were times at the beginning of the season when he struggled. As a conductor controlling the rhythm of the attack in midfield, he observed both the gains and challenges of balancing quick and slow attacks. What is necessary to lead both the individual and the team to greater heights?
It became a season with an intense presence that one would not expect from a first year in blue and red.
It is hard to believe now, but I was confused when I first joined. Takahiro KO, who transferred from Albirex Niigata, where organized soccer is deeply rooted, was eager to bring that experience to Tokyo. However, what awaited him were players each carrying strong individualities and a fast vertical attacking style that utilized those individual abilities. Although he thought he understood, he struggled to adapt to the team. To make matters worse, he was unexpectedly left out of the squad for the first three matches of the season. He could only watch from the sidelines as the team struggled to achieve their first victory.
Nevertheless, the evaluation from teammates was high, and finally, in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 4 match against Avispa Fukuoka, he got the chance to start. With the determination that "if I can't deliver results now, it's over," he controlled the game and brought the first victory of the season to the blue and red. From then on, he quickly became the core of the midfield and took on the role of orchestrating the attack.
As he gathered the ball and trust from those around him, Kuryu MATSUKI took over one of the captaincy roles after his overseas transfer. Before he knew it, he had the most appearances and playing time in the league for the team. Being continuously challenged among strong individuals naturally led to his own level-up.
"I've been told more often that my scale has become larger and that I have more things I can do, and I can feel my own growth as well. To be honest, I wanted to score more goals, but personally, it's the first time I've scored 2 goals in a season. However, there were moments where I missed clear chances, including a disallowed goal, so if I had converted those, I could have scored around 5 goals. I believe if the defensive midfielder can score more, it will be a catalyst for the team to rise in the rankings, so that's an ongoing challenge for me."
Growth and challenges. The performance of a man who has continued to face both aspects has, without realizing it, become a barometer that influences the team's condition. Because he has spent more time on the pitch than anyone else, the team's challenges are clearly reflected.
"After fighting for one season, I really felt the weakness of not being able to win at crucial moments. I have the feeling that we lost every match where we needed to win to move up, and where we couldn't afford to lose."
There is no doubt because it is said by the 'face' of this season. Yan, who has completely become a member of the blue and red, was looking to the future with a solid sense of achievement while feeling the frustration that comes from being serious.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
