Tokyo, under the leadership of coach Albert, is working on promoting a positional play-based soccer style. The first season is approaching its halfway point. How has Tokyo been performing in the first half? Five reporters who regularly cover Tokyo's games and training were asked to reflect on the first half of Tokyo's battles under Albert in terms of "overall assessment," "best game," and "best player by position."
Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
▼First Half Summary
Both Positive and Negative Evaluations Focus on the Theme of "Youth"
It is encouraging that the concept of positional play has permeated more quickly than expected, and a certain standard of 11 players plus α has been established. On the other hand, with injuries to key players, the accumulation with the current best members has not necessarily gone smoothly, giving the impression of stumbling. Moving forward, it will be necessary to expand the "+α" as seen with the use of Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor. Even with reinforcements in the summer and winter, that is a story for the future. We would like a squad of around 20 immediate impact players rather than just about 15. Another piece of good news is the incorporation of registered players from the second category, with revitalized collaboration with FC Tokyo U-18. Renta HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA have had opportunities to play in the top team, proving that they can perform at a professional level alongside Yuta ARAI from Shohei High School. The sharing of concepts between the top team and U-18, and the compatibility in tactics, also positively facilitates movement between the two. A relatively bad news is that the focus remains on the fact that "young players have played." Moving forward, it is essential to not only gain experience but also to show some results alongside the young players currently in the top team, or they will become just "present." Seeds have been sown for the second half of the season. A battle awaits to grow those seeds and expand possibilities.
▼Best Game of the First Half
J League YBC Levain Cup Group Stage Sec. 5 vs Júbilo Iwata
(2022.04.23 @ Yamaha Stadium)
In terms of not succumbing to strong opponents, the matches against Kawasaki in Sec. 1 and Yokohama FM in Sec. 6, as well as the high tension of the national showdown against G Osaka in Sec. 10, can also be mentioned as good games. However, I would recommend the away game against Iwata in the Levain Cup, where Yuki KAJIURA scored a goal and Keigo HIGASHI and Yojiro TAKAHAGI delivered attacking passes. If KAJIURA had scored more and Kojiro YASUDA had also scored, the evaluation of this match would have changed. The "Pausa" (meaning a short break or calm in Spanish) mentioned by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was embodied by Higashi and Takahagi, and the passes that looked far ahead foresee Tokyo's near future. While the mentality of Kuki MATSUKI and the intensity of Shuto ABE are important, this match was one that felt the potential beyond that.
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
Player 24 Jakub SLOWIK
There must be some skills that are not good, but the strength of the impact in stopping shots at close range surpasses everything. He emits an aura like an ace striker as a defensive hero, and is a rare existence worthy of the admiration of soccer fans. While this man is on the team, Tokyo should improve the level of goalkeepers and establish a defensive culture including defenders.
MF
44 Kuryu MATSUKI
When predicting the starting lineup in media articles, there were voices of opposition saying "there's no way that's going to happen", but he has now become an indispensable player who leads the top team with his fighting spirit, even in tough battles. On the other hand, it is certain that he is still young and needs to be taken care of emotionally by those around him, but as a player, he is already a reliable man.
FW
15 Adailton
Among the various forwards who are rotated, the most durable and robust player is undoubtedly Adailton. His control shot, which he scored at his former club Yamaha, will surely be talked about. He has the overwhelming individual strength to lead the team to victory with his tactical Adailton, even when the team is not functioning. Undoubtedly, he is Tokyo's weapon.
Tadashi BABA (Football Writer)
▼First Half Summary
Establishing a New Style and the Struggles of the Next Stage
The early part of the league, from the opening match to Sec. 10 against Gamba Osaka, gives the impression that points were accumulated using the savings from last season. This allowed time to instill a new playing style. During this time, the strategic thinking of positional play was understood, and the team transitioned to battles utilizing more localized tactics. However, in the last few matches, which have entered the next stage, those tactics have not been functioning as intended. In the match against Avispa Fukuoka on Sec. 11 on May 3, Leandro was positioned centrally at the front. The aim was for Kuryu MATSUKI and Shuto ABE to move into the space left by the false nine, but ultimately, they allowed Fukuoka to take the lead, forcing a change in positioning during the match. In the match against Jubilo Iwata on Sec. 13, Yojiro Takahagi was placed in the attacking midfield position with the intention of receiving the ball in a floating position. However, they also allowed the opponent to take the lead, leading to a system change during the match. From here on, it depends on how much they can increase the patterns of tactical battles and their successful experiences. Additionally, attention to detail, such as thorough preliminary movements before receiving the ball, is essential. Will they be able to find a winning path before exhausting their early savings? Fortunately, they have a wealth of resources and a strong lineup of skilled players. To instill confidence in the players, the abilities of Coach Alber are likely to be put to the test.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 1 vs Kawasaki Frontale
(2022.02.18 @ Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium)
The opening match was filled with enthusiasm aimed at mastering a new playing style and hope for the new season. Leandro, who created many scoring opportunities in this match, stated, "For us Brazilian players, the style of football the coach is aiming for is familiar, so it was easy to play from the start." This is understandable. The Brazil national team, renowned as the strongest in history, won the World Cup in 1970 with a perfect record, also playing in a 4-3-3 formation. It was likely a match that stirred the blood of those trying to embody the artistic football that flows through them. However, the best game of this season is yet to come.
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
Player 24 Jakub SLOWIK
The new addition to the team this season, Thales, has been making big saves from the beginning of the season. Off the pitch, he is a nice guy and after the away game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, he asked, "Can I say one last thing?" and expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for coming all the way to support us in Hokkaido." He is undoubtedly the team MVP of the first half of the season.
MF
31 Shuto ABE
From the opening game, he has taken on many tactical tasks in both offense and defense, and has continued to make his presence felt. In addition to his natural athleticism and intensity, the results of the repeated training of "stopping and kicking" since last season are also showing. Abe himself is aiming for the next stage, with the goal of competing for goals with Kuse.
FW
15 Adailton
The heavy tank dribble is still alive this season, leading the team's attack in the first half with 4 goals so far. Despite being immature and having poor combination play, he has often saved the team during transitional periods. Adailton also mentioned, "It's easier to know where my teammates are and where the pass is coming from," suggesting that he is one of the players benefiting from the new playing style.
Kage SATO (Soccer Magazine Web)
▼First Half Summary
Passing Grade as an Initial Stage of Reform
To be honest, I thought it would be more difficult. I believed that a team that had long relied on counterattacks would need more time to 'transition' to a style based on positional play. In fact, we ended up with three consecutive losses in May, but our ball possession, which was 46.1% last season and ranked 16th out of 20 teams, has exceeded an average of 52% after 13 matches, rising to 7th overall. The players' change in mindset and their practice of the new style is evident from the numbers. As an initial stage of reform, I think we can say it is a passing grade. However, if we focus on where we hold the ball, we are still far from the ideal. There are still cases where we get stuck in build-up play and have to circulate the ball in the back. We are spending too much time possessing the ball in our own half. To advance while the opponent can implement countermeasures, it is necessary for players to stand in the right positions and to vary the speed of passes. Quick passing to evade the opponent's press and the technical skills to make that possible are required. Will these challenges be overcome through personnel changes, or will we wait for individual growth? Personally, I feel that the key points for the second half of the season lie here. I want to pay attention to the solutions that the coach, who says we have 'entered the next phase,' will implement.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 7 vs Vissel Kobe
(2022.04.06 @ Ajinomoto Stadium)
Out of the 5 wins the team achieved by the 14th match, they outperformed their opponents in possession and secured 3 points in matches against Kyoto, Kobe, and G Osaka. Among these, the match against Kobe showcased the team's ideal style of play. Although they allowed the first goal, they maintained a high center of gravity, skillfully maneuvered passes both vertically and horizontally, and executed consecutive attacks starting from ball recovery in the opponent's territory. While the opponent's pressure was not particularly intense, they scored 3 goals in the second half and successfully turned the game around. They moved the ball from inside to outside and vice versa, executing sharp vertical passes that changed the tempo. Especially in the second half, the players' coordination was outstanding, repeatedly causing panic in the opponent's back line. It was a literal resounding victory.
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
Player 24 Jakub SLOWIK
A team that has taken on a significantly different style from last season is currently able to remain in the top 10, thanks to their presence. In particular, their performance in the Sapporo match in Sec. 9 was impressive. With a series of great saves, they saved the team and secured 1 point in a scoreless draw. It's no wonder they are revered as the "Kuba God" for their outstanding performance.
MF
31 Shuto ABE
In addition to the high level of standard equipment such as running power, interception power, and dedication, this season, there is an impression that they are polishing their plays to become receivers in front of the goal. If their aggressive movements to attack the pockets next to the goal can work well with their surroundings, it should lead to an increase in the team's scoring ability. We hope to see the tries shown in the first half of the season bear fruit in the second half.
FW
9 Diego OLIVEIRA
Played in all matches from the opening to the 14th section against Kashiwa, starting in all but one match except for Tosu. The visible results may leave something to be desired as a FW with 2 goals and 2 assists, but the attitude of always playing for the team first, not only in attack but also in defense, is worthy of praise. He is the number 9 and vice captain that the blue and red should be proud of.
Shintaro INOUE (Sports Hochi)
▼First Half Summary
Surpassing the opponent's expectations with speed and changes
When asked "How is Tokyo this year?", it's difficult to answer. The coach who came from Catalonia via Niigata has been using the keywords "positional" and "possession" since before the start of the season, and I thought they would play ideal football. However, when I opened the lid, there were short counters that utilized speed, and there were also many scenes where they sought intensity in the midfield and played realistic football. It's understandable that some people say, "It hasn't changed from last year."
The direction we are heading is not wrong. A clear change is the ball possession rate, which was 46.1% last year. Although we both lost, we recorded 59% against Tosu and 65.6% against Iwata. Both teams applied pressure from the front in the early stages, but the defense line continued to move the ball without retreating. As someone involved with Iwata admitted, "We couldn't recover the ball from the front as much as we expected," they were forced to change their plan to a block defense midway through. The changes are happening at a speed that exceeds the opponent's expectations. We have also made sufficient upfront investments. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of the season affected the Levain Cup, we utilized it as a showcase for young players, including 17-year-old defender Renta HIGASHI. There is also the joy of watching when the seeds we have sown for the future will bloom.
That said, as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says, I believe professionals should first be judged by results... This season is indeed difficult for Tokyo.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 10 vs Gamba Osaka
（2022.04.29＠Japan National Stadium）
It was a match that showcased the future as a capital club in the heart of Tokyo. The first league match at the renovated Japan National Stadium. With about 500 fireworks and a production using the club colors of blue and red LED lights, it invited 43,125 attendees, who braved the heavy rain, into an extraordinary space. The match itself was filled with a series of fast-paced attacks, capped off by a goal from Leandro's magnificent dribbling. The efforts of the players on the pitch and the club staff created the best entertainment space possible (I truly wish the National Stadium had been renovated solely for ball games…).
▼Key Players of the First Half
GK & DF
3 Masato MORISHIGE
Ironically, the importance of the team was highlighted by a three-game losing streak while Yasuki KIMOTO was out injured. There are many strengths such as aerial battles and build-up, but the most important is giving the team a "pause" (meaning a short break or calmness in Spanish). In the league comeback match on May 21 against Kashiwa, KIMOTO, who is now 35 years old and the captain, was constantly challenging with long feeds and vertical passes as a center back. The impact he has is immense.
MF
44 Kuryu MATSUKI
When considering only the playing aspect, Aoki, who excels in crisis detection, and Abe, who has improved his scoring ability, may be better. However, the impact of a high school rookie starting in the opening game cannot be expressed in numbers. His tenaciousness and wholehearted fighting spirit when going after the ball is enough to get anyone fired up. While there is room for improvement in his technique and decision-making after receiving the ball, it can also be seen as potential for growth. With his growth directly contributing to the team's development, we can only hope for further improvement.
FW
11 Kensuke NAGAI
One per household is desired, such a presence. It is a fact that having zero points as a forward is unsatisfactory. However, the switch role for pressing from the front line, which is the lifeline of the team, is none other than Insoo YU. Whether starting or coming in later, he always breaks through the defense line and creates chances every game. The feet of number 11 undoubtedly play an important role in making the team function.
Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
▼First Half Summary
Building confidence through victory before implementing style
I was surprised to find that I had imagined a cheerful romanticist. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is quite a realist. Before the season started, he publicly stated that "reform takes time," and this may be the reason he did not present specific numbers or goals. In his first season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA seems to focus more on growth than on winning, showing little interest in points or rankings. Instead, he appears to be pouring his energy into instilling his style and assessing players for that purpose. Considering this, it makes sense that they achieved three consecutive victories right after the opening, sticking to a realistic approach, and then suffered three consecutive losses in the middle of the season as they began to gradually implement their own vision. Initially facing reality to "gain composure through winning," and once they feel they have surpassed that stage, they aim to implement the style they believe in to "continue winning in the future." This seems reasonable as a long-term team style construction. The opponent in the last home game of the first half is Kashima Antlers, who have also invited a new coach this season and are undergoing team reform. There will be much to learn from facing an opponent that started from the same starting line. I want to see what kind of performance they will show when they confront Kashima, who is already in a title race. I would like to take that as the answer for Albert Tokyo's first half.
▼Best Game of the First Half
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchday 3 vs Cerezo Osaka
(2022.03.06 @ YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM)
This match marked the first official victory for Albert in Tokyo. It was a game right after the team activities were halted due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, raising concerns about the players' condition, but they dominated the game for the most part in the first half. The high press from the three forwards triggered repeated interceptions by Shuto Abe and Kuki Matsuki in the opponent's half, creating numerous chances. The joy of Kazuya KONNO after scoring a goal and the embrace with Coach Albert, along with the sight of everyone running without stopping even after going down to ten men in the second half, was truly moving. It was a 90-minute match that strongly impressed a solid style of short counterattacks from high pressing at the beginning of the season.
▼First Half Key Players
GK & DF
30 Yasuki KIMOTO
As soon as he joined, he declared that he wanted to compete as a CB, and he showed a solid performance in his main position. His solidity and stability when paired with Masato MORISHIGE are among the best in the league, and he was one of the key players who supported the team's strong defense in the early stages of the season. In addition, his accurate kicks and wide vision have been crucial in switching the team's attack, making him an indispensable player in Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's positional play.
MF
Shuto ABE
The length of playing time proves more than anything the size of its presence. As a field player, it is the longest and the only one to start in every game. Its endless stamina and powerful ball retrieval ability stand out even among positional plays. In the future, what is necessary for both the team and Abe himself to move on to the next stage is the quality of on-the-ball play. It will be interesting if he can learn to make the final pass.
FW
11 Kensuke NAGAI
No matter which game you watch, the one who maintains the balance of attack and switches to defense is number 11. Whether he is attacking the side with SB and inside half or threatening the goal with his speed, he leads the high press at the front and returns to his own half with full effort when countered. His contribution in areas that cannot be shown by numbers is outstandingly high, and his dedication is number one on both offense and defense.
