While the Japan national team is competing in the final round of the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup, the J.League is reaching the halfway point of the group stage of the Levain Cup. Tokyo will host Shonan Bellmare at their home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium.
In Tokyo, Yuto NAGATOMO has been called up to the Japan national team, while Kuryu MATSUKI has been called up to the U-21 Japan national team. In Shonan, goalkeeper Kosei TANI has been called up to the Japan national team, and midfielder Satoshi TANAKA has been called up to the U-21 Japan national team.
Shonan is currently in first place in the group with 2 wins in 2 games in the Levain Cup, while Tokyo is tied for third place with 1 draw and 1 loss. With 2 of the remaining 3 group stage games being away games, this will be an important match for Shonan to earn 3 points at home against the top team.
One of the key points of this match is the selection of members.
Manager Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said after the Iwata match, "I want to use this Levain Cup effectively, give many opportunities, understand what possibilities we have, and further evaluate them in the future." With about a week of preparation time before and after this match, it is possible to work on new concepts and try different player combinations during practice. If that happens, it is expected that there will be more options for tactics and player selection throughout the long season, such as actively using young players or using players in new positions.
For players who have had few opportunities to play so far, their performance in this match could lead to the next league game. For example, Yojiro TAKAHAGI and Rei HIRAKAWA, who made an impact when they came on as substitutes in the Levain Cup match against Iwata on March 15th, were also included in the squad for the J1 league match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. just three days later. TAKAHAGI, who came on in the second half, played a central role in possession with his high technical ability and contributed to the team's 3-point win by defending with the ball (Coach Albert Pobor).
Albert Tokyo, who has steadily grown while permeating the team style, has achieved three consecutive victories in the league. Will the young players respond to their deployment and show their dynamic performance? Or will a new side of the players be discovered? We invite you to come to Ajinomoto Stadium while anticipating the next move of the commander.
Series "Expectations for Young Players"
Yuto NAGATOMO Interview
Yojiro TAKAHAGI Interview
Keigo HIGASHI Interview
Kensuke NAGAI Interview
Masato MORISHIGE Interview
