During the period when the U-23 Japan national team was fighting in Asia, the team has continued to achieve victories with content and results that do not make their absence felt, and has risen to the point of aiming for advancement to the top.
While many players shone on the pitch, three impressive performances were shown by academy graduates Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Kanta DOI, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. These elite players, who have grown into the backbone of the team, are now playing with what thoughts and what consciousness. We followed their current position as they carry the future of the team.
Three players who secured their tickets to the Paris Olympics by winning Asia with the U-23 Japan national team have returned to Tokyo. The experience of overcoming the immense pressure of "win or go home" is something that cannot be replaced by anything else. They will surely become even stronger and will undoubtedly bring something great back to Tokyo from here on.
And during their absence, the team has achieved solid results, including a 3-game winning streak in the league for the first time in about 2 seasons. The players who were selected have been performing well in each position, and the team has been able to play soccer where each player brings out their strengths regardless of who is on the field. It is worth noting that Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, and Kanta DOI, who were promoted from the blue and red academy to the top team, are leading the team. They started in the starting lineup in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka and have since become key players, making their performances a defining moment of the season so far.
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
From the left wing position, player Tawarazumida's bold attacks are truly the "wings" of Tokyo's left side. His dribbling, which cuts through the opposing defense in all directions, has now become a major weapon for the team.
As he takes the ball at a high position on the left side and carefully sets the rhythm, the audience's gaze is drawn to him. What will he do, what kind of scene will unfold? The stadium is filled with tension and excitement as he prepares to make his move.
Number 33 seems to enter an invincible mode as the game progresses. As he himself says, "If you're scared, you can't do anything," his fearless breakthroughs are a tremendous threat to the opposing team. Recently, it seems that he is able to choose his plays based on the assumption of dribbling past even in numerical disadvantage situations.
"I have confidence in winning 1v1. Stripping the ball is a skill that I am good at, so I want to keep doing it."
In addition to shooting from a cut-in, he has expanded his range of play choices, such as crossing with his right foot from a cut-back that assisted Diego OLIVEIRA's goal in the 11th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kyoto Sanga F.C., and entering deep into enemy territory and crossing in a negative direction. This evolution is due to his ability to be aware of the "future" when dribbling.
"I want to join the Japan national team that I have been aiming for since I was young. I feel like I have grown more than before, so I want to play in Tokyo and score goals to reach that level."
Number 33, who is experiencing rapid growth. His "moment" that continues to increase in sharpness is a must-see.
Kanta DOI
The presence of player Doi, who leads the final line, has become a symbol of this season's Peter Tokyo. In his second season since being promoted to the top team, he has gained playing time in many matches since the start of the season and has been leading the defense with accurate instructions. He controls the height of the defensive line and the direction of the build-up with a loud voice that echoes throughout the stadium, and continues to perform detailed tasks according to the flow of the game. He is truly the young commander of the final line.
"The part that I value the most is communication. I judge whether to connect the ball or how to defend based on the flow of the game and the timing, as well as whether the team's atmosphere is becoming weak. When mistakes continue to happen, there are times when I don't want to receive the ball in the build-up, so I also try to turn things around with long balls. I constantly talk about these things with my teammate, midfielder Takahiro KO, during the game."
By gaining experience in matches, I have become accustomed to the speed of the J1 league. Not only my own play, but also the overall situation of the team and the mental state of those around me, I have been able to play with ease.
"I feel very confident and I think I am gradually able to show the strengths of my build-up play."
Still only 19 years old in his second professional season. Considering his rapid growth so far, he is a frighteningly talented player with immense potential. However, even though he is producing results, he never appears to be too excited. It is also positive that he is able to calmly analyze and articulate the team's overall movements.
"Compared to the first game, I feel a little more relaxed and my field of vision has widened. While making sure not to get too comfortable, I want to take advantage of my experience and keep pushing forward. From this season, Kuryu MATSUKI has become one of the captains and there are more opportunities for young players to assert themselves. The advice from our seniors is crucial and I think it has a positive impact on the atmosphere during practice."
Center back who inherited the "blue and red blood" from his father Yoichi, who has long been the guardian in Tokyo. One of his strengths is being able to calmly analyze his progress and current situation. When he regains his condition and becomes involved in the competition for a regular position again, the team will surely level up even more.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
And Tokyo's pride on the left side, another weapon is Kashiho Senju, who has experience playing for the Japan national team.
Collaborating with players who enter the vertical relationship on the left side, he brings a variety of attacking variations to the team. His movements, which can be both the provider and receiver of through passes, are excellent. Even when facing crosses from the opposite side, he cannot be contained as he makes sharp runs into the penalty area to contribute to the finish. His movements are surely a threat to the opposing team.
The defense, which was a challenge, has also shown resilience and is now able to contain the opponent in a numerical disadvantage situation. This season, there has been a noticeable improvement in play selection and quality on both offense and defense, which can be attributed to the player's increased awareness.
"I want to become a player who can play anywhere, including the movement of inner laps and receiving the ball in the pocket, with the goal of playing on the world stage in the future. I haven't fully grasped it yet, but I am currently analyzing my play with the coaching staff while playing games and trying various things."
I definitely want to participate in the Paris Olympics, which has always been my goal. However, even after being left out of the AFC U23 Asian Cup squad, his stance remains unchanged, even after his teammates returned with a spot in the main tournament. He will continue to aim for greater heights with a calm and composed attitude.
"Even before and after the AFC U23 Asian Cup, my mental state and approach to the game haven't changed at all. I've been able to play with the same mindset since the beginning of this season. I just focus on what's in front of me. I think my performance in Tokyo will be recognized and I can see what's ahead. I believe that my selection will be determined by my performance in Tokyo, so I just concentrate on the game and play in front of me."
His growth is not just on the playing field. His awareness and sense of responsibility to lead the team has also increased. It may be a change that has occurred within him, as he now encourages the team with a loud voice that cannot be imagined from his gentle smile and voice during interviews.
"The sense of responsibility that our generation has to lead the team has been increasing as we play more and more games, including myself. Before games or when heading to practice, we often discuss how we need to take charge and lead the team. A truly strong team has a strong sense of responsibility from each individual. I want to become a player like that."
U-23 Japan national team returns to the team, intensifying the competition for positions once again. Not only the starting lineup, but also the competition for bench players will become more intense. With the support of experienced players, how will the players' growth curve unfold?
The mission is clear. Pointing the arrow towards oneself and steadily building without getting too excited or worried will lead to the future of both the individual and the team. I want to witness the evolution of the team and players that will come from here.
text by Toshio Aoyama
