In the previous match, Tokyo achieved victory against Gamba Osaka at the Japan National Stadium, where over 40,000 spectators gathered. Despite the 0-0 draw, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda emphasized that the team is constantly growing.
In the Gamba Osaka match, they were able to hold onto the ball for a long time and push the opponent, and they were also able to quickly regain possession after losing the ball, creating a solid attack. They also limited the opportunities for decisive balls to be put in front of the goal, and set up a tight defensive net that prevented opponents from entering the penalty area, ending the game with four consecutive clean sheets.
After the 7 consecutive games in April, the team is now facing a series of games during Golden Week, and the players' fatigue is not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, there have been players who have been injured and unable to play, causing a lot of trouble in terms of team selection. In the beginning of the season, the team also faced difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA managed to overcome it by utilizing the players in the right positions. It will be interesting to see how he will integrate the limited playing time of the players, including the young players who have been performing well in the Levain Cup.
Particularly noteworthy is the use of center-back players. Masato MORISHIGE was injured and Henrique TREVISAN also returned to the locker room on a stretcher at the end of the Gamba Osaka match. Will Henrique be able to make it in time, or will another player seize the opportunity to play? Building up from the defensive line is the first step in the attack. In particular, the development of incorporating long and short passes from the center-backs has become the essence of Tokyo's new style. The selection and performance in this aspect are likely to determine the outcome of the match.
On the other hand, in the Fukuoka match, there will also be high expectations for defense in the center back position. Fukuoka boasts big forwards such as Juanma DELGADO and Lukian. Depending on the combination with players with different characteristics like Yuya YAMAGISHI and Daiki WATARI, it will not be easy to deal with.
While competing against the strength, speed, and skill of the opponent's attacking team, they must also take control of the ball and use their intelligence to build up their own attacks. Just five days after the Fukuoka match, they will return to their home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium. In order to continue their winning streak and accumulate points at home, the performance of the center backs will be crucial.
