He has continued to struggle. Soma ANZAI knows that there are efforts that go unrewarded. The harsh reality of gaining and losing is an everyday occurrence in the world of professional soccer players. Behind the scenes where the fanfare sounds, there are players who spend their days in anguish.
"I want to live as a side back"
Although he said so, this season he has been used in various positions due to team circumstances. In addition to playing as a shadow striker and left and right wing-backs, as well as a side half, there were also matches where he appeared as the left stopper in a three-back formation. Unable to fully accept the reality that things were not going as he wished, there was a period when his condition deteriorated significantly, and he stayed away from the pitch for a while.
Still, he came back well. After thoroughly facing himself, he found the style of play he wanted and things he wanted to try. Anzai decided that he had no choice but to continue showcasing them to the fullest in the given place and time.
"The difficult times are continuing. It might still be a challenging period in terms of motivation. During this time, many people have talked to me, and I have decided to accept it and move forward. Whether I play in matches or not, what I do does not change. I believe I just need to keep showing my presence on the pitch relentlessly. I want to continue doing that without change."
On November 9, he stepped onto the pitch at Japan National Stadium for the 36th round of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against FC Machida Zelvia. His turn came at the 24th minute of the second half. Standing in front of the opposing bench was Coach Kuroda, who had coached him during his time at Aomori Yamada High School. Instead of words, they exchanged a handshake.
From the start of the match, not a moment of carelessness was allowed, and the relentless pace continued without a break. In the fierce battle for the ball, everyone put their bodies on the line to withstand Machida's relentless attacks. It was a match development that resembled Anzai's own experience this season.
That was rewarded in the 42nd minute of the second half. They connected the ball among several players and carried it forward from their own half. Along the way, despite being blocked by the opponents, they picked up the loose ball again. It was the moment when Kei Sato broke through the left side. Anzai, running on the opposite side, pointed to the space ahead and called for the ball.
"The moment Kei left, there was open space in front of me. Recently, I've been playing as a side back, but moving into that space is something I've been doing since last season. Being there is my role, and I'm glad I could contribute to the team's victory with my goal."
From there, I was in a trance.
"I kicked without thinking. You can't aim for something like that. If you aim a left cross to the right, you'll definitely miss. So, it was just by chance, but I kicked with a clear mind and it went under the goalkeeper's arm. It wasn't an easy shot. Everyone was defending the previous danger together, and I think it was a goal filled with everyone's spirit. My body ran behind the goal on its own. There are many feelings, but it was the best moment."
After watching the goal net shake, I found myself running behind the goal before I knew it. I was roughly congratulated and jostled by my teammates who followed me. The moment that ended, I responded to the cheers of the blue and red singers with a goal celebration, spreading my arms wide.
"That is (Kuryu) MATSUKI's Rainmaker. I am his successor (laughs)"
Matsuki, who returned this season to Southampton FC in the English second division, the EFL Championship, has been spending days unable to take the pitch far away. A junior who spent the same time in Tokyo and at Aomori Yamada High School is suffering as much or even more than he is. It was also Anzai's way of sending a cheer toward that.
"Players are meant to play in matches, so not being able to participate means I still lack something. To get on the field, I have to prove it with numbers. There are only a few games left, but if I can start on the pitch, I believe it will be valuable for me. I want to seize every opportunity to play even one more minute."
The moment of joy was brief. As soon as the final whistle blew, the smiles were left behind. On the 16th, they face Machida again at the same Japan National Stadium in the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round.
"We have lost three consecutive matches against Machida, and I have felt more frustrated than anyone else. Today, we managed to get one back, but I don't think this is the place for me. Next week, an even tougher match awaits. My focus is already on the next game. I want to prepare throughout the week so that we can see a scene like today again next week."
There are everyday moments that don't appear in the best scenery, and efforts that go unrewarded. The hardships of today will continue again tomorrow. Even so, Soma ANZAI keeps challenging himself to see the scenery where the fanfare resounds. Believing that there will be occasional rewards──.
(Titles omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
