First year of promotion is all about soccer immersion
18-year-old striving for the top with stoicism
GK 31 Masataka KOBAYASHI
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are facing the opening, thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with? The players' stories, filled with club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill─. Masataka KOBAYASHI, who has just been promoted from the academy to the top team at the age of 18, has been spending his days dedicated to soccer with a stoic attitude.
Masataka KOBAYASHI is looking tired in a good way. It's probably evidence that he's been through a lot of tough training. "Since I started as a goalkeeper, I've always been good at making saves, so I want to use that as my weapon, show it on the pitch, and win the position of the guardian." Even the smile he showed at the announcement of the new system changes to a serious expression after going through a long camp. He also participated in the top team's practice while playing for FC Tokyo U-18. However, once he became a professional and started living off of soccer, he devoted everything to it. It's truly a baptism of fire for a professional.
After responding to many shots and crosses in the overall practice at the Okinawa camp, Kobayashi, along with GK coaches Hisanori FUJIWARA and Shota YAMASHITA, stayed behind for a long training session. Not only did they work on strength training at the facilities on the grounds, but they also spoke stoically about "things that still need to be done at the hotel." It was a training style that made one think that both the club and the team must devote themselves to raising the level of a very talented goalkeeper to the level of a professional player, and the player himself must continue to work hard with gritted teeth.
The style of a goalkeeper varies greatly among coaches and players, to the point where each person has their own unique style. However, what they all have in common is the ability to adapt to the various situations that occur during a game. Due to the wide range of decisions and skills required, it is necessary to study and repeat them every day, as if turning the pages of a book, in order to reach a certain level as a professional. Kobayashi also understands that without this, he will not be able to reach a certain level as a professional. "As experience is crucial in this position, I want to use my daily training to simulate game situations and sharpen my decision-making skills." He is determined to continue working hard in his daily training.
It is tough, but the person is very positive. "It's an environment where I can truly focus on soccer, so I have no choice but to grow. It's a great thing that I can prioritize soccer above my personal life and live for soccer, for soccer." Like a young bird just promoted from the youth team to the top team, Kobayashi is now enjoying a daily life immersed in soccer.
Text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
