When I hear that he was born in Meguro, Tokyo, I imagine a sophisticated urban impression. To someone like me who grew up in the countryside, it seems dazzling. However, I have never thought of him that way on the pitch. His earnest, gritty, and rustic play naturally evokes a sense of familiarity and makes me want to empathize. That is the player Soma ANZAI.
Even when the fuel runs out, I can light a fire within myself and take a step forward. It feels so good and evokes the good old blue and red. When asked about the driving force behind it, Anzai furrows his brow and says, "I wonder..." After a brief pause, he concludes, "Maybe it's because I'm frustrated that I have to be substituted when the fuel runs out."
"I will do something about it. I believe that if I make the decision here, things will change, and I won't give up. That feeling might be significant. It's not about someone else; I don't want to lose to myself. That becomes the fuel that motivates me in the end. So, even if the tank runs empty, I can refill my energy."
Anzai often says, "I'm not good at this." Yet, he continues to resist and fight in the world of competition. This is because he knows the best scenery. "I've always wanted to chase my dreams in soccer and keep wanting to win. Moreover, I always want to be on the pitch at the moment of victory." A long whistle blows, and he raises his fist and embraces on the pitch. He has always wanted to witness that moment.
"There are incredibly skilled players in Tokyo. Some have played in the World Cup, others have won titles in the J-League, and some have led the club for many years. They are all players I can't compete with in soccer, but I have to beat them to get on the field. I realize that to survive here, I need that kind of relentless spirit and earnest play. I'm not very good. Still, I want to play in the matches. That's why I can't afford to lose in those areas."
This spring, when asked about his feelings after graduating from Waseda University, Anzai says, "Nothing has changed." He progressed from FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa to Aomori Yamada High School, and then to Waseda University, making his professional debut a season earlier than expected last season. From his first year, he demonstrated high versatility and earnest play. He was utilized in various positions, recording 4 goals and 2 assists in 31 league matches. However, among those, there is one match that remains with him as "the one where I felt the most regret and shame."
In the match against Tokyo Verdy in Sec. 8 of last season's 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, I received a red card in the first half and left the pitch. The team managed to draw 2-2, but I was filled with regret, thinking, 'If I hadn't been sent off.' The match, which marked a return to J1 League after 16 years, echoed with deafening sounds every time both teams clashed fiercely. The second match held at home in August also enveloped Ajinomoto Stadium with a unique tension, resulting in a scoreless draw, leaving the outcome unresolved. That debt has not yet been repaid. Before facing the rival once again, Anzai stated, 'As a product of the academy, I have strong feelings about last season's events as well.'
"There is a difficult-to-express atmosphere on the pitch, including Tokyo's officials, fans, and supporters, and the entire stadium is enveloped in a strange ambiance. In the last two matches, we found ourselves in situations where things did not go well. The first goal will be crucial. (The current team) has confidence in defense, and we are at the point of correcting slight misalignments in our attack and whether we can convert our scoring opportunities. If we can secure the first goal, we can turn the game in our favor. The flow of the match should go well, and I believe we will get closer to victory."
It stirs the hearts of those who watch. In such a match, one naturally puts in more effort, but we cannot repeat the same mistakes. Taking a breath to release the unnecessary tension from my stiff body, I continued like this.
"This season, I am taking a calm approach. With our 'thoughts' in mind, we are focusing on what we need to do. It is a special match, but it is just one game among the goals we are aiming for. We cannot afford to lose every match. I see this as one of those matches."
The team continues to struggle with four league matches without a win and no goals in four matches. The only victory in official matches in March was against Nara Club in the Levain Cup 1st Round. Anzai scored the crucial goal with a penalty kick just before the end of the match. It was a hard-fought win against a team from two lower categories, but he celebrated the goal exuberantly.
"If we were losing or drawing, it would be different, but we have to celebrate the goals. It doesn't matter if things aren't going well. I believe that if there are people who support us even beyond 90 minutes, we should celebrate when we score. I want to share the joy after all."
In overseas matches, the city is divided. In such battles, there is a man who is earnest and never gives up until the end. When you want to throw overwhelming cheers at his back, throw away that color and wear two colors instead.
"We can't make excuses about the quality of the next match, and even if the performance is poor, we must bring home a victory. It's only three days later, but I want to show our spirit and fight."
If the clumsy me could change, it would be by "continuing to challenge myself, and if visible results follow, I would see a different scenery," as I have persistently aimed for the goal.
On April 2, I will go to repay the favor with Soma ANZAI. As usual, I will dye Ajinomoto in blue and red.
No matter what color you come in, we will win.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
