It has been a long time since universities have been seen as solving the development issues of post-youth players, but there is now more evidence to support this view in Tokyo this season. One such example is Teppei OKA, who has just graduated from Meiji University and is already making an impact as a key player.
Tokyo Academy produces many talented players. However, not all of them can be absorbed into the top team, so after graduation, they seek to join university soccer teams across the country. They gain experience in university and may even aim to become professionals in various categories or in some cases, overseas.
As a result, there has been an increase in cases of players making a "comeback" to Tokyo's top team through university. Shuto ABE (currently with RWD Molenbeek) and Kota TOKIWAI (joining in the 2025 season) are examples, but even those who did not come from Tokyo's academy, like Hotaka NAKAMURA, have trained at Meiji University and have become key members of the red and blue army, earning the trust of the university's soccer team. And as Okada player stated during the announcement of the new system, "I want to prove that going to university is not a detour. I want to be used as a ready-made player," his words are becoming a reality.
Secure the field of view and send accurate feeds to the open space ahead. Alternatively, compete and win in both aerial and ground battles by putting your body on the line. These plays were already somewhat perfected during university, and as time passed since his debut in Tokyo and the tension eased, these characteristics became more prominent. Playing freely, powerfully, and boldly, he established himself as a starting center back. While changing the opponent next to him, he is searching for improvements as a team. In the 22nd round against Kashiwa Reysol, at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, where senior player Tsuyoshi WATANABE also scored a goal, he scored his first shocking goal in the J1 league, demonstrating his attacking prowess.
Recently, a combination with player Kanta DOI has been realized. DOI, who was promoted directly from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team in his second year after graduating high school, made his debut as a starting member in the 11th round match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. on May 3rd. When he had to leave the game due to injury in the first half, it was a "fateful" moment for OKA, who made his J1 league debut by coming on in the second half. The result of winning the first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, due to the replacement of academy players, seemed to symbolize the future, but that future has already taken concrete form.
After the break, the first game back was a 0-0 draw against Gamba Osaka in the 25th round. It was a good start for the combination of players Okada and Doi, but they stumbled in the second game. In the 26th round, they lost to Kawasaki Frontale with 3 goals against. None of the goals were due to a breakdown in the defense, but rather from crosses and set plays.
"I think the cause of the goal was due to the lack of pressure on the ball holder and the lack of marking by the center backs, including myself. It was just because of Shin YAMADA. I think the responsibility for the goal lies with me and Kanta."
In the early stages, Tokyo created several chances with side attacks. However, after failing to score, Kawasaki's player Yamada scored 2 goals in the middle of the first half with a header. This had a big impact on the game. Yamada is 175cm tall. It wasn't a matter of height, but rather losing to the opponent's positioning, timing, and accuracy. Ironically, Yamada was coached by Mitsuhiro TODA, who used to play as a forward for Tokyo. Nevertheless, it is certain that this is where their weakness was exposed.
As a professional player, there is no doubt that you are excellent at the time of the game. However, when you are young, you "discover" the parts that you are not good at in actual combat. By overcoming these challenges one by one, you will increase your own strength. Even for veteran player Masato MORISHIGE, after three suspensions in the 2010 season, he focused on more sure defense and rose to become a member of the Japan national team and participate in the World Cup. In that sense, the Tokyo Verdy match that comes after this defeat will be one of the decisive moments for Okada.
We will respond from the set state in the middle zone and prepare the defense. We are also trying to put pressure from the front and initiate from ourselves. However, the approach to the opponent's cross, which is the starting point, was weak and allowed the finisher to be free in the middle. In order to avoid repeating multiple goals like the Tama River Classico, it seems important to improve our response to this cross.
And, more than the Tama River Clasico, on August 17th, there is a strong need to win at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, and we cannot afford to lose.
"If the team's thoughts are not aligned, it's difficult to win. So next, we need to switch gears and come together as one team to align our feelings. We need to run for the team, put our bodies on the line to defend, and throw ourselves to protect the goal. These were all lacking today. For the fans and supporters who always have our backs, we will spare no effort and align our vectors. Since I was young, I was never allowed to lose to our rivals, so I will give it my all and defend the goal first."
As someone who grew up in blue and red, I cannot afford to lose to green. At Ajinomoto Stadium, our home where we have not been blessed with a win this season, our young warriors from the academy will show their determination to fight to the death.
text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
