Be prepared for anything. This phrase suits Kosuke SHIRAI well.
The word "preparation" always appears in conversations. However, it is not just lip service.
"My physical condition is much better than last season," he said during the Okinawa camp before the start of the season. In fact, he also scored in the first practice match of the season against FC Ryukyu, which was held in Okinawa. His confidence was gradually starting to show in the results as well.
Compared to last season, it seemed that both the mind and body had a better understanding of the team's tactics. They were able to use both the inside and outside positions depending on the situation, and they also came up with ways to receive the ball and bring width to the side with their natural sprints.
On February 24, the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League season kicked off. In the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, Thales made the bench but only played for 8 minutes as a closer. Yuto NAGATOMO, who would later make a comeback to the Japan national team after a year and 3 months, was unable to break through and only played in one match until the 5th round against Kawasaki Frontale. Despite his personal condition, he took a step back in the competition for the standout side back position.
However, the opportunity suddenly came.
On April 3rd, in the 6th round match against Urawa Reds, it happened in the 30th minute of the first half. Hotaka NAKAMURA was forced to be substituted due to injury, and Shiroi player, who plays in the same position, had to make an emergency appearance.
The pitch is tense after allowing the opponent to score the first goal. As a side back, there are many tasks to be done both in attack and defense. However, Shirai quickly adjusted when he stepped onto the pitch.
"I have been preparing 100% for when the chance comes. While watching the game from the bench, I focused on effectively suppressing the opponent's side attacks, as the saying goes," calmly dealing with Urawa, who attacks from the side. Without facing any major crisis, I made a significant contribution to the 2-1 comeback victory."
- The pride of the sprinter. A lightning-fast counterattack.
In the 8th match against Tokyo Verdy and the 10th match against Albirex Niigata, Shirai's true ability excited the audience.
24 minutes into the second half of the Verdy match, which was facing a 0-2 and numerical disadvantage. They didn't miss a moment's gap.
Sprinting from their own half, Keita ENDO intercepts a pass that was slightly off target to an opponent player who had drifted to the side. With perfect timing, he sprints down the right side for about 50 meters. With a strong ground pass that seems to say "there's no other option," he quickly supplies the ball to Lins, who skillfully slots it into the bottom left corner of the goal.
The process from interception to goal was exactly as planned. It was a moment where the "preparation" that had been calculated backwards to the scoring production paid off.
In the Niigata match, Diego OLIVEIRA quickly reacted to the post-play. He sprinted down the right side, leaving his opponents behind, and assisted Teruhito NAKAGAWA's goal. In the second half, he received the ball in front of the box as a side back and took a shot with his right foot. The outside middle shot curved away from the opponent's goalkeeper and went into the goal, marking his first goal since joining and his first in five seasons.
Both short counters were attacking plays that fully utilized their own strengths, which is their sprinting ability.
- Stand up as many times as you need.
After graduating from Osaka Toin High School, a man who jumped into the tough world of professional soccer, has now entered his 12th season of his pro career. After his birthday on May 1st, he will reach a milestone of 30 years old.
Looking back on my career, I have experienced many failures and setbacks. There have been far fewer times when things have gone well.
"That is why having a clear vision and facing challenges without turning away is important, and I believe that it will ultimately lead to success and growth." The efforts that have risen from repeated failures are now beginning to shine.
The first match at the age of 30 was against Kyoto Sanga F.C., which I belonged to until the middle of last season. Perhaps it was a strange coincidence, but it was the perfect opponent to bring my first victory of the season at home at Ajinomoto Stadium to celebrate my own birthday.
Be prepared for anything.
Bringing the best moment to Tokyo with the best preparation.
