When I hear that he was born in Meguro, Tokyo, I imagine a sophisticated urban impression. To someone raised in the countryside like me, it seems dazzling. However, I have never thought of him that way on the pitch. His earnest, gritty, and rustic play evokes a sense of familiarity and makes me want to empathize. That is the player Soma ANZAI.
Even when the fuel runs out, I can light a fire within myself and take a step forward. It feels so good and evokes the good old blue and red. When I asked about the driving force behind it, Anzai pondered, "I wonder what it is..." After a brief pause, he concluded, "Maybe it's because I'm frustrated that I have to be substituted when the fuel runs out."
"I will do something about it. I believe that if I make the decision here, things will change, and I won't give up. That feeling might be significant. It's not about someone else; I don't want to lose to myself. That becomes the fuel that motivates me in the end. So, even if the tank runs empty, I can refill my energy."
Anzai often says, "I'm not good at this." Yet, he continues to resist and fight in the world of competition. This is because he knows the best scenery. "I've always wanted to chase my dreams in soccer and keep wanting to win. Moreover, I always want to be on the pitch at the moment of victory." A long whistle blows, and he raises his fist and embraces on the pitch. He has always wanted to witness that moment.
"Tokyo has incredibly skilled players. Some have played in the World Cup, others have won titles in the J-League, and there are those who have led the club for many years. They are all players I can't compete with in soccer, but I have to beat them to get on the field. I realize that to survive here, I need that kind of relentless spirit and earnest play. I'm not very good. Still, I want to play in matches. That's why I can't afford to lose in those areas."
This spring, when asked about his feelings after graduating from Waseda University, Anzai says, "Nothing has changed." He progressed from FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa to Aomori Yamada High School, then to Waseda University, and turned professional a season earlier than expected last season. From his first year, he demonstrated high versatility and earnest play. He was utilized in various positions, recording 4 goals and 2 assists in 31 league matches. However, among those matches, there is one game that remains with him, as he felt "the most regretful and pathetic emotions."
In the match against Verdy in Sec. 8 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, I received a red card in the first half and left the pitch. The team somehow managed to draw 2-2, but I was filled with regret, thinking, 'If I hadn't been sent off.' The match, which marked a return to J1 League after 16 years, echoed with deafening sounds every time the two teams clashed fiercely. The second match held at home in August also enveloped Ajinomoto Stadium with a unique tension, resulting in a scoreless draw, leaving the outcome unresolved. That debt has yet to be repaid. Before facing the rival once again, Anzai stated, 'As a product of the academy, I have strong feelings about last season's events as well.'
"There is a difficult atmosphere to express on the pitch, including the Tokyo officials, fans, and supporters, and the entire stadium is enveloped in a strange ambiance. In the last two matches, we found ourselves in situations where things did not go well. The first goal will be crucial. (The current team) has confidence in defense, and we are close to correcting the slight discrepancies in our attack and finishing our chances. If we can score the first goal, we can turn the game in our favor. The flow of the match should go well, and I believe we will get closer to victory."
It stirs the hearts of the viewers. In such a match, one naturally puts in more effort, but we cannot repeat the same mistakes. Taking a breath to release the unnecessary tension from my stiff body, I continued like this.
"This season, we are approaching it calmly. With our 'thoughts' in mind, we are focusing on what we need to do. It's a special match, but it's just one game among the goals we are aiming for. We cannot afford to lose every match. I believe this is one of them."
The team continues to struggle with four league matches without a win and no goals in four matches. The only victory in official matches in March was against Nara Club in the 1st Round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup, where Anzai scored the only goal with a penalty kick just before the end of the match. It was a hard-fought win against a team from two lower categories, but he celebrated extravagantly after the goal.
"If we were losing or drawing, it would be different, but we have to celebrate the goals. Even if things aren't going well, that doesn't matter. I believe that if there are people who support us for more than 90 minutes, we should celebrate when we score. I want to share the joy after all."
If it were overseas, it would be a match that divides the city. In such a battle, there is a man who is earnest and never gives up until the end. When you want to throw overwhelming cheers at his back, throw away that color and wear two colors instead.
"We can't make excuses about the quality of the next match, and even if the performance is poor, we must bring home a victory. It's only three days later, but I want to show our spirit and fight."
If I, who am not very skilled, can change, then "if I continue to challenge myself and see visible results, a different scenery will come into view," and I have been single-mindedly aiming for the goal.
On April 2, I will go to repay the favor with Soma ANZAI. I will dye Ajinomoto in blue and red as usual.
No matter what color you come in, we will win.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
