Versatile defensive midfielder who tightens the blue and red midfield
A new key player in both attack and defense with his "voice"MF 8 Takahiro KO
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The players' stories, filled with club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill - from Albirex Niigata. Takahiro KO, who transferred from Albirex Niigata this off-season, is expected to be the key to the attack with his passing and positioning, as well as a powerful ball recovery as a "midfield destroyer". And his other big weapon is his voice. His coaching to control the entire team may become a symbol of Tokyo in the 2024 season.
A versatile midfielder has arrived from Albirex Niigata. He played for 3 seasons at Niigata, which focuses on positional play, and learned the basics of build-up play, establishing himself as the core of the midfield. He has improved his skills, as recognized by himself and others, and has also developed his ability to steal the ball in addition to his natural skill.
Such a man will finally put on the blue and red uniform this season. After joining, he showed confusion in playing among the strong individual players of Tokyo, but as time passed, he blended into the team and quickly fit in.
A man who can be both a lubricant and a compass in the center of the pitch, he can fight in any situation. Accurate passing technique, wide field of vision, and intense pressing are all important, but what stands out even more is his high-quality voice. Looking over the entire team and timely encouraging his teammates, his voice is top-notch.
"When I was in Gamba Osaka U-23, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (current director of the Japan Football Association) told me, 'You need to communicate from the back.' That's when I realized the importance of using my voice. For me, using my voice is essential in creating the game on both offense and defense. It's necessary to move those around me in order to read the game and also to make things easier for myself. I don't have all the answers, so I want to continue seeking opinions from those around me."
The position of midfielder is a fiercely competitive area with a diverse range of talented players. The battle for a starting spot is intense. However, I knocked on the door of the capital club with full knowledge of this.
"Honestly, I think it's one of the most competitive positions in the J1 league, but that's why I came to Tokyo. Plus, Tokyo has never won a league title before. I have my own strengths, so I want to appeal to them and win the title as a key player on the team, and leave my mark on the club's history."
Run, fight, and raise your voice for 90 minutes for the team. He, who is affectionately known as "Yan", tightens the blue and red on both offense and defense, especially in difficult times.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
