Ryoma WATANABE, looking from the right side back. "I don't understand the meaning of playing good soccer and losing" - his innocence.
Behavior on the right side
After finishing the opening match with Kawasaki Frontale, Soccer Magazine Web published a column titled "The Dream Depicted by the 'Blue and Red Albert Revolution'. What the '20%' Current Position Shown Against Kawasaki F Reveals for the Future" column. Here, we will continue a little more.
For about 6 years now, I have been observing Albirex Niigata and writing about them in Niigata's media, thanks to a mysterious connection. I have also enjoyed watching Albert Puig Ortoneda's 2 years in Niigata. And now, I am able to experience that bewitching football at FC Tokyo, what a treat for the eyes.
The above column mainly focuses on the performance of the right side in the opening game. It discusses Leandro's movements, Matsuki Kuryu's intelligence, and the tasks of Ryoma WATANABE, who has been converted to a right-back.
At the press conference on the first day of practice, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said, "If you bring me a delicious wine, I'll tell you the secret." When I was assigned to write this column, I wanted to ask him about the trick he incorporated on the right side and thought about bringing a bottle of Bordeaux as a gift. However, these are difficult times. I decided to save it for when I want to hear another secret.
In the above column, I would like to take a moment to think about the meaning of "Ryoma WATANABE" that I couldn't touch on in detail (by the way, he also used to play in Niigata).
The Third Man
Ryoma WATANABE is an attacking midfielder with a career that includes being a key player for the U-17 Japan national team in the 2013 U-17 World Cup, finishing as runner-up in the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament with Maebashi Ikuei High School, and playing for Ingolstadt in Germany. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been trying to utilize his unique combination of high energy and solid technique by converting him into a fullback during the Okinawa training camp.
The opening game, to borrow the words of coach Albert, lacked composure in the beginning, but gradually pushed back Kawasaki Frontale and created numerous chances. Ryoma WATANABE started as a right back and was the only player given a role different from his original position among the 11 players.
"I had the impression that we were struggling in the beginning, but it was within my expectations. So, I don't have any regrets about that," Ryoma WATANABE calmly reflects. "As the game went on, we were able to gradually play our style of football and it led to the second half. So, overall, I don't think there was anything to be pessimistic about," he adds.
In fact, in the early stages, Ryoma WATANABE's back was broken several times. Kawasaki Frontale's left wing is the speedy MARCINHO. He is a dribbler who even struggles against "pure fullbacks". He says, "I had played suddenly before, but it was the first time I entered as a fullback," so it was "expected to be a burden". Instead of feeling anxious when being caught behind, it is a strong mentality that allows him to switch on the pitch as one of the possibilities, which is unique to this person.
On the other hand, when it comes to attack, Leandro states, "If I can't attack, there's no point in me being here." On the right side, if Leandro moves towards the center, Matsuki will move outwards, and if Leandro moves outwards, Matsuki will move towards the center, and they will progress at a "Leandro-triggered" tempo. However, this alone is not enough to break through Kawasaki F. That's where player number 23 comes in as the "third man".
17 minutes, 36 minutes, 39 minutes
The reason why Ryoma WATANABE was converted to a side back in the first place is because his technical skills are necessary to possess the ball (this is one of the secrets I want to ask coach Albert about!). In order to reliably carry the ball, it is preferred to use players with high technical skills in the final line. This is what coach Albert has been practicing at Albirex Niigata.
In terms of defense, Marcinho's breakthrough ability and Ryoma Watanabe's defensive technique are a mismatch. However, Coach Albert has always approached the game in the style that they have aimed for in the past two years. Although it is not possible to directly compare FC Tokyo and Albirex Niigata, it is understandable that they reinforced the center-back position with players like Yasuki Kimoto and Henrique Trevisan, who can kick the ball firmly.
In the attack, there were mainly three scenes that showed the potential of Ryoma WATANABE as a side back. In the 17th and 36th minutes, he predicted the ball going to Leandro in the center from the left, and ran into the right open space at the perfect timing.
Scene at 17 minutes
<36th minute scene>
Another one is around 39 minutes. Leandro took the width, Ryoma WATANABE ran through the inside to his original attacking position, and Kuryu MATSUKI set up in a low position to support the two. MATSUKI said after the game, "We've been discussing where to go and where not to go on defense since the camp," so this rotation seems to be the result of communication.
Scene at 39 minutes
"It was against Kawasaki, but there are still many things we need to do. There are many things we need to confirm, but I have already anticipated them," said Yuto NAGATOMO for 56 minutes. He left the pitch, and the first step as a "skillful full-back" ended like this.
(By the way, one of the secrets I would like to hear is the decision of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA to use the left back of the Japan national team as a right back.)
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA tightly embraced Ryoma WATANABE's head in front of the bench.
Ryoma WATANABE is positive.
"I think this is football that produces results. Even though we didn't get the results, I think it's okay because things are going well. I think this is the end. From now on, I think it will change to 'we are playing good football because we won'. It doesn't make sense to play good football and lose. We must not forget that the order is 'we play good football because we win'."
Soccer for winning. The use of Ryoma WATANABE as a right back is also a conversion for winning. This is the only secret that I feel like I understand even without giving wine.
Text by Taiga HIRASAWA (Soccer Magazine Web)
