Tokyo, under the leadership of coach Albert, is working on promoting a positional play-based soccer style. The first season is approaching its halfway point. How has Tokyo been performing in the first half? Five reporters who regularly cover Tokyo's games and training were asked to reflect on the first half of Tokyo's battles under Albert in terms of "overall assessment," "best game," and "best player by position."
Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
▼First Half Summary
Both positive and negative evaluations revolve around "young players"
The concept of positional play has permeated faster than expected, and it is gratifying that there is a clear goal of 11 players + α as a certain standard. On the other hand, injuries to key players have occurred one after another, and the accumulation of matches with the current best lineup has not necessarily gone well, giving the impression of stumbling. In the future, it will be necessary to expand the "+α" as in the case of using Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor. Even if there are reinforcements in the summer and winter, it is a story for later. We want a squad of around 20 players who can contribute immediately, not just about 15 players. Another good news is the inclusion of registered players from the U-18 team and the activation of cooperation with FC Tokyo U-18. Renta HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA have had playing opportunities in the top team, and they have proven that they can play at a professional level, along with Yuta ARAI from Shouhei High School. The fact that the top team and U-18 team share Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's concept and have compatibility in tactics is also a plus. The relatively bad news is that this is only "young players playing". In the future, it will not be enough to just gain experience, but young players who are on the top team must also show some results, otherwise they will just be "there". The seeds have been planted for the second half. The battle to grow and expand possibilities awaits.
▼First Half Best Game
J League YBC Levain Cup Group Stage Sec. 5 vs Júbilo Iwata
(2022.04.23 @ Yamaha Stadium)
In terms of not giving in to strong opponents, the J1 League Sec. 1 match against Kawasaki and Sec. 6 match against Yokohama FM, as well as the high tension match against G Osaka in Sec. 10 at the National Stadium, can be considered as good games. However, the Levain Cup away game against Iwata, where Yuki KAJIURA scored a goal and Keigo HIGASHI and Yojiro TAKAHAGI made passes that led to attacks, is considered the best game. If KAJIURA had scored more goals and Kojiro YASUDA had also scored, the evaluation of this match would have been different. The "pausa" that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA talks about, which means a short break or calm in Spanish, was embodied by HIGASHI and TAKAHAGI, and the passes that looked far ahead predicted the near future of Tokyo. The mentality of Kuryu MATSUKI and the intensity of Shuto ABE are important, but this was a match that made us feel the potential beyond that.
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
Player 24 Jakub SLOWIK
There must be some skills that are not good, but the strength of the impact in stopping shots at close range surpasses everything. He emits an aura like an ace striker as a defensive hero, and is a rare existence worthy of the admiration of soccer fans. While this man is on the team, Tokyo should improve the level of goalkeepers and establish a defensive culture including defenders.
MF
44 Kuryu MATSUKI
When predicting the starting lineup in media articles, there were voices of opposition saying "there's no way that's going to happen", but he has now become an indispensable player who leads the top team with his fighting spirit, even in tough battles. On the other hand, it is certain that he is still young and needs to be taken care of emotionally by those around him, but as a player, he is already a reliable man.
FW
15 Adailton
Among the various forwards who are rotated, the most durable and robust player is undoubtedly Adailton. His control shot, which he scored at his former club Yamaha, will surely be talked about. He has the overwhelming individual strength to lead the team to victory with his tactical Adailton, even when the team is not functioning. Undoubtedly, he is Tokyo's weapon.
Tadashi BABA (Football Writer)
▼First Half Summary
Planting a New Style and the Struggle of the Next Stage
The first part of the season, from the opening match to the 10th round against Gamba Osaka in the J1 League, gave the impression of using up the savings from last season to accumulate points. This allowed for enough time to establish a new playing style. During this time, the team has transitioned to a more strategic approach, understanding positional play and utilizing more localized tactics. However, in the past few matches, this strategy has not been functioning as desired. In the 11th round match against Avispa Fukuoka on May 3rd, Leandro was positioned at the center of the front line. The intention was for Kuryu Matsuki and Shuto ABE to fill the space left by the false number 9. However, the team ended up conceding the lead to Fukuoka and had to make a positional change during the match. In the 13th round match against Júbilo Iwata, Yojiro TAKAHAGI was placed as an attacking midfielder, with the intention of receiving the ball in the vacant position. However, the team once again conceded the lead and had to make a system change during the match. From here on, it will depend on how well the team can execute their tactical patterns and increase their success rate. Attention to detail, such as pre-movement before receiving the ball, is also crucial. Will the team be able to find a winning strategy before using up their savings? Fortunately, the team has a wealth of talented players. It may also be a test of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's skills in instilling confidence in the players.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 1 vs Kawasaki Frontale
（2022.02.18 @ Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium）
The opening game was filled with the ambition to master a new playing style and the hope for the new season. Leandro, who created many scoring opportunities in this game, said, "The style of football that the coach is aiming for is familiar to us Brazilian players, so it was easy for us from the start." And it's no wonder. The Brazilian national team, known as the strongest team in history, who won all their games in the 1970 World Cup, also played in a 4-3-3 formation. It was a game where the blood of trying to embody the artistic football that flows through them was stirred. However, the best game of this season is yet to come.
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
Player 24 Jakub SLOWIK
The new addition to the team this season, Thales, has been making big saves from the beginning of the season. Off the pitch, he is a nice guy and after the away game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, he asked, "Can I say one last thing?" and expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for coming all the way to support us in Hokkaido." He is undoubtedly the team MVP of the first half of the season.
MF
31 Shuto ABE
From the opening game, he has taken on many tactical tasks in both offense and defense, and has continued to make his presence felt. In addition to his natural athleticism and intensity, the results of the repeated training of "stopping and kicking" since last season are also showing. Abe himself is aiming for the next stage, with the goal of competing for goals with Kuse.
FW
15 Adailton
The heavy tank dribble is still alive this season, leading the team's attack in the first half with 4 goals so far. Despite being immature and having poor combination play, he has often saved the team during transitional periods. Adailton also mentioned, "It's easier to know where my teammates are and where the pass is coming from," suggesting that he is one of the players benefiting from the new playing style.
Kage SATO (Soccer Magazine Web)
▼First Half Summary
Passing Grade as an Initial Stage of Reform
To be honest, I thought it would be more difficult. I thought it would take more time for a team that had been mainly focused on counterattacks to "switch" to a positional play-based style. In fact, we even suffered three consecutive losses in May, but the ball possession, which was 46.1% and ranked 16th out of 20 teams last season, has exceeded an average of 52% by the end of the 13th game and risen to 7th place overall. It can be seen from the numbers that the players have changed their mindset and put the new style into practice. It can be said that it is a passing grade as an initial stage of reform. However, if we focus on where we hold the ball, we are still far from ideal. There are cases where we get stuck in the build-up and have no choice but to pass backwards. We spend a lot of time possessing the ball in our own half. In order to move forward while the opponent takes countermeasures, it is necessary for the players to stand in the right positions and change the speed of their passes. Quick passing that can evade the opponent's press and the technical ability to make it possible are required. Will these challenges be overcome by personnel changes or by waiting for individual growth? Personally, I feel that this is a key point for the second half of the season. I am interested in the solutions that the coach, who says "we have entered the next phase," will take.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 7 vs Vissel Kobe
（2022.04.06＠Ajinomoto Stadium）
Out of the 5 wins the team has achieved in the first 14 games, they were able to dominate possession and earn 3 points in the games against Kyoto, Kobe, and G Osaka. Among them, the game against Kobe was the one where the team was able to play the ideal game. Despite conceding the first goal, they maintained a high center of gravity and controlled the ball with vertical and horizontal passes, leading to consecutive attacks from the opponent's half. The opponent's pressure was not as intense, but they were able to score 3 goals in the second half and complete a comeback. They moved the ball from the inside to the outside and vice versa, and also made precise vertical passes to change the tempo. Especially in the second half, the players' coordination was excellent and they repeatedly caused chaos in the opponent's last line of defense. It was truly a resounding victory.
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
Player 24 Jakub SLOWIK
A team that has taken on a significantly different style from last season is currently able to remain in the top 10, thanks to their presence. In particular, their performance in the Sapporo match in Sec. 9 was impressive. With a series of great saves, they saved the team and secured 1 point in a scoreless draw. It's no wonder they are revered as the "Kuba God" for their outstanding performance.
MF
31 Shuto ABE
In addition to the high level of standard equipment such as running power, interception power, and dedication, this season, there is an impression that they are polishing their plays to become receivers in front of the goal. If their aggressive movements to attack the pockets next to the goal can work well with their surroundings, it should lead to an increase in the team's scoring ability. We hope to see the tries shown in the first half of the season bear fruit in the second half.
FW
9 Diego OLIVEIRA
Played in all matches from the opening to the 14th section against Kashiwa, starting in all but one match except for Tosu. The visible results may leave something to be desired as a FW with 2 goals and 2 assists, but the attitude of always playing for the team first, not only in attack but also in defense, is worthy of praise. He is the number 9 and vice captain that the blue and red should be proud of.
Shintaro INOUE (Sports Hochi)
▼First Half Summary
Surpassing the opponent's expectations with speed and changes
When asked "How is Tokyo this year?", it's difficult to answer. The coach who came from Catalonia via Niigata has been using the keywords "positional" and "possession" since before the start of the season, and I thought they would play ideal football. However, when I opened the lid, there were short counters that utilized speed, and there were also many scenes where they sought intensity in the midfield and played realistic football. It's understandable that some people say, "It hasn't changed from last year."
The direction we are moving in is not wrong. The clear change is the ball possession rate, which was 46.1% last year. In the matches against Tosu and Iwata, although both were defeated, we recorded 59% and 65.6% respectively. Both teams pressed from the front line in the early stages, but the defensive line continued to move the ball without retreating. As an Iwata representative admitted, "We couldn't take the ball as much as we thought," and we were forced to change our plan to defend by setting up a block in the middle of the game. The changes have been happening at a speed that exceeds the opponent's expectations. Sufficient upfront investment has also been made. In the Levain Cup, despite the impact of the corona crisis in the early stages of the season, young players like 17-year-old defender Renta Higashi were promoted and utilized in the youth competition. There is also the joy of watching when the seeds sown for the future will bloom.
However, as Coach Albert says, professionals should be judged by their results first and foremost... Tokyo is still difficult this season.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 10 vs Gamba Osaka
(2022.04.29 @ Japan National Stadium)
It was a game that showed the future as a capital club in the heart of Tokyo. The first league game at the renovated Japan National Stadium. With about 500 fireworks and LED lights in the club colors of blue and red, the 43,125 people who gathered in the heavy rain were invited to an extraordinary space. The game was also filled with a continuous attack full of speed, with Leandro's brilliant goal as a bonus from his beautiful dribbling. The players on the pitch and the efforts of the club staff came together to create the best entertainment space (I really wish the Japan National Stadium was renovated for ball sports only...).
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
3 Masato MORISHIGE
Ironically, the importance of the team was highlighted by a three-game losing streak while Yasuki KIMOTO was out injured. There are many strengths such as aerial battles and build-up, but the most important is giving the team a "pause" (meaning a short break or calmness in Spanish). In the league comeback match on May 21 against Kashiwa, KIMOTO, who is now 35 years old and the captain, was constantly challenging with long feeds and vertical passes as a center back. The impact he has is immense.
MF
44 Kuryu MATSUKI
When considering only the playing aspect, Aoki, who excels in crisis detection, and Abe, who has improved his scoring ability, may be better. However, the impact of a high school rookie starting in the opening game cannot be expressed in numbers. His tenaciousness and wholehearted fighting spirit when going after the ball is enough to get anyone fired up. While there is room for improvement in his technique and decision-making after receiving the ball, it can also be seen as potential for growth. With his growth directly contributing to the team's development, we can only hope for further improvement.
FW
11 Kensuke NAGAI
One per household is desired, such a presence. It is a fact that having zero points as a forward is unsatisfactory. However, the switch role for pressing from the front line, which is the lifeline of the team, is none other than Insoo YU. Whether starting or coming in later, he always breaks through the defense line and creates chances every game. The feet of number 11 undoubtedly play an important role in making the team function.
Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
▼First Half Summary
After gaining confidence with a victory, we will settle into our style
I was surprised when I imagined a cheerful romanticist. Coach Albert is quite a realist. Before the start of the season, he stated that "reform takes time" and the reason he did not show specific numbers or goals may be here. In his first year as coach, Albert is focused on growth rather than winning, and does not seem to be particularly interested in points or rankings. He seems to be putting his energy into permeating his own style and assessing players for that purpose. If you think about it, it makes sense that they won three consecutive games at the beginning of the season when they were focused on a realistic way of playing, and then suffered three consecutive losses in the mid-season when they started to incorporate their own romanticism. In order to "gain stability by winning," they first face reality, and once they surpass that stage, they will incorporate the style they believe in to "continue winning in the future." As a long-term team style building strategy, it seems reasonable. The opponent for the last home game of the first half is Kashima Antlers, who also brought in a new coach and is undergoing team reform this season. There will be many things to see in the match against an opponent who started at the same starting line. I want to see what kind of performance they will show when they face Kashima, who is already competing for the top spot. That is how I want to interpret it as the answer to the first half of Albert Tokyo.
▼First Half Best Game
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 3 vs Cerezo Osaka
（2022.03.06＠YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM）
Albert Pobor's first official victory in Tokyo. The players' condition was a concern due to the suspension of team activities following the impact of the new coronavirus, but in the first half, they dominated the game. The high press of the front three created numerous chances as Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI repeatedly intercepted in the opponent's half. The celebration after Kazuya KONNO's goal, the embrace with coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, and the sight of all players running without stopping despite being one man down in the second half, were all filled with passion. It was a strong 90 minutes that firmly established the style of short counterattacks from the high press in the early stages of the season.
▼First Half Key Players
GK & DF
30 Yasuki KIMOTO
As soon as he joined, he declared that he wanted to compete as a CB, and he showed a solid performance in his main position. His solidity and stability when paired with Masato MORISHIGE are among the best in the league, and he was one of the key players who supported the team's strong defense in the early stages of the season. In addition, his accurate kicks and wide vision have been crucial in switching the team's attack, making him an indispensable player in Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's positional play.
MF
Shuto ABE
The length of playing time proves more than anything the size of its presence. As a field player, it is the longest and the only one to start in every game. Its endless stamina and powerful ball retrieval ability stand out even among positional plays. In the future, what is necessary for both the team and Abe himself to move on to the next stage is the quality of on-the-ball play. It will be interesting if he can learn to make the final pass.
FW
11 Kensuke NAGAI
No matter which game you watch, the one who maintains the balance of attack and switches to defense is number 11. Whether he is attacking the side with SB and inside half or threatening the goal with his speed, he leads the high press at the front and returns to his own half with full effort when countered. His contribution in areas that cannot be shown by numbers is outstandingly high, and his dedication is number one on both offense and defense.
