Steady Efforts Blossom
The Late-Blooming Hard Worker Finally Breaks Through
DF 99 Kosuke SHIRAI
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
Not only as a left and right full-back, but also utilized as an attacking side attacker, Kosuke SHIRAI has demonstrated his presence on both offensive and defensive fronts with outstanding speed. He has evolved into a key player supporting the team. The background to this evolution lies in the challenges he identified by facing himself and the efforts to reach new heights. His commitment to growing into a player who possesses not only vertical thrust but also new challenges he has come to feel.
The number 99 caught people's attention with his astonishing sprinting ability during the two consecutive matches at the National Stadium in April. While the enhancement of his already existing strengths was notable, the reason for his confidence lay in the changes within himself.
"I felt a strong sense of accomplishment this season in reshaping myself into a new version while receiving positive stimuli."
Originally, Shirai was a side attacker known for his forward driving force. However, in recent years, the full-back position has come to require playing inside and ball control skills. Tokyo was precisely incorporating these elements, trying to move away from a bias toward vertical speed.
Shirai also sought to break away from his former self, aiming to secure a regular spot in Tokyo and to join the Japan national team. To do so, he needed to improve his ball control at his feet in order to take good positions and move the ball effectively.
As a result of the training he began last season, he has reached a level where he can demonstrate his skills in coordination with the main squad. This has generated great confidence and led to his inclusion in the team.
"I was able to really feel the (technical) changes in myself. I truly think it was great to come to this team. Without going through tough times after a transfer, people often find it hard to grow. Bringing myself into such an environment and being able to change will greatly impact my future football career."
Shirai says that if there are two types of people—those who can produce results immediately and those who improve gradually over time—he considers himself the latter. Perhaps a late bloomer, the steady efforts he has accumulated, including self-training, blossomed this season.
"I gradually accepted the things I couldn’t do step by step, and from the middle of last season, my sense of things started to improve little by little. I was able to fully incorporate that from the beginning of this season. The final challenge is whether I can demonstrate that in official matches, under tense conditions. The two consecutive matches at the National Stadium and the away game against Albirex Niigata, where I was able to show that, were truly major turning points," he said.
However, unfortunately, the "Iron Man" who had not suffered major injuries at his previous clubs got injured at a time when he was increasing his playing opportunities in Tokyo. The factors are complex, and this has become a new challenge for the future. Therefore, it was not a perfect season, but it remains true that he achieved a breakthrough to the extent that he is called "Super Shirai."
For Shirai, who said with a smile, "I want to keep growing continuously, and right now I enjoy playing soccer," the 2024 season became a breakthrough as he earned the trust of those around him.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
