Escaping from the Counter Personnel
New Possibilities Shown by Brazil's "Master of the Trade"
MF 70 Jája Silva
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 story of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, thoughts for success, and the roles they must fulfill - Jája Silva, who joined the team in the middle of last season. He showed a strong presence as a super sub with his outstanding speed, but in the new season, he is showing a completely new playing style. What kind of effect will his own potential have on the team? Keep an eye on his future.
The 2023 season will be remembered as an unsatisfactory one. The biggest factor was injuries. On October 14th of last year, he suffered a right anterior tibial ligament injury with a recovery time of 4 weeks. His appearance during practice with taping on as he worked his way back to the team was painful to watch. He was finally able to return in the final league match against Shonan Bellmare on December 3rd. He played for 18 minutes as a substitute, but his true revenge would have to wait until the start of the 2024 season.
"It was very disappointing to get injured when I was starting to fit in gradually after coming to Tokyo in the middle of last season. However, I have been able to start this new season without any injuries and my condition is good. From the first day of training camp to the end, I have been spending time with my teammates, so things are going smoothly in various aspects. I didn't have a chance to start in last season, so this season I want to contribute even as a starter."
After returning to Tokyo from the camp, Jája showed a smile and said, "I was able to use my speed as a counter player and push the opponent's defense line, putting pressure on their goalkeeper. That is also my strong point." However, it was a difficult role to play in which he couldn't fully demonstrate his strengths. But looking back, this season Jája's natural soft ball touch and ability to read the game have been shining. We can now see the charm of the "master" from Brazil.
"I have both the style of receiving the ball and moving forward, and the style of receiving the ball and hitting it forward," said Jaja confidently, suggesting that his image is likely to be greatly changed for the better.
He spoke confidently about the team's performance, saying "It will be a great season," but remained humble about himself.
"Whether a good result will come out or not, only God knows. I want to contribute to the team by giving my all with what I have. That's all."
There is no hesitation in the fluid attack that moves between the top and right side positions. The new potential of Jaja will also expand the possibilities of Tokyo.
Text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
