Escaping from the Counter Personnel
New Possibilities Shown by Brazil's "Master of the Trade"
MF 70 Jája Silva
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what determination are they bringing into the year? The stories of the players, who hold in their hearts their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. Jája Silva, who became a member of the team midway through last season. He showcased his presence as a super sub with his outstanding speed, but in the new season, he is displaying a new playing style like never before. What effect will his potential have on the team? All eyes are on the future.
The 2023 season will be remembered as an unsatisfactory one. The biggest factor was injuries. On October 14th of last year, he suffered a right anterior tibial ligament injury with a recovery time of 4 weeks. His appearance during practice with taping on as he worked his way back to the team was painful to watch. He was finally able to return in the final league match against Shonan Bellmare on December 3rd. He played for 18 minutes as a substitute, but his true revenge would have to wait until the start of the 2024 season.
"It was very disappointing to get injured when I was starting to fit in gradually after coming to Tokyo in the middle of last season. However, I have been able to start this new season without any injuries and my condition is good. From the first day of training camp to the end, I have been spending time with my teammates, so things are going smoothly in various aspects. I didn't have a chance to start in last season, so this season I want to contribute even as a starter."
After returning to Tokyo from the camp, Jája showed a smile and said, "I was able to use my speed as a counter player and push the opponent's defense line, putting pressure on their goalkeeper. That is also my strong point." However, it was a difficult role to play in which he couldn't fully demonstrate his strengths. But looking back, this season Jája's natural soft ball touch and ability to read the game have been shining. We can now see the charm of the "master" from Brazil.
"I have both the style of receiving the ball and moving forward, and the style of receiving the ball and hitting it forward," said Jaja confidently, suggesting that his image is likely to be greatly changed for the better.
He spoke confidently about the team's performance, saying "It will be a great season," but remained humble about himself.
"Whether a good result will come out or not, only God knows. I want to contribute to the team by giving my all with what I have. That's all."
There is no hesitation in the fluid attack that moves between the top and right side positions. The new potential of Jaja will also expand the possibilities of Tokyo.
Text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
