Overcoming difficult times
The number 10 that supported the late-game surge
MF 10 Keigo HIGASHI
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.
Keigo HIGASHI supported the team's remarkable late-season surge with an outstanding sense of balance. There were times when he faced the struggle of being left off the bench, and it felt like the tension was about to snap. However, the experienced veteran never gave up. He focused on further growth, grasped the team's and match's situations from a new perspective, and as he drew the flow towards himself, he found himself once again becoming an indispensable player in the blue-red midfield.
"I feel like I entered a difficult period after getting my first injury in March."
When asked about the 2024 season, Keigo HIGASHI first mentioned the impact of his injury during the match against Avispa Fukuoka in Sec. 4 on March 16. He suffered a right hamstring strain, which will take about 6 weeks to heal. He had been consistently on the bench since the opening and was spending his days preparing for official matches, but due to this withdrawal, he was unable to be included in the league squad until the match against Kashima Antlers in Sec. 24 on July 20.
"My condition started to gradually improve around May and June, and after reaching a level where I felt confident I could perform in matches, I spent about three months in a period where I couldn't participate in games."
However, during this time, continuing training with a bright expression without looking down led to being included in the starting lineup for the final matches. Whether in practice, practice matches, or cup competitions, I became a "supporting player" and tried to change the flow. The quality of my play in delivering sharp passes never diminished.
Regarding this period, Higashi himself reflects, "The fact that I was able to stay consistent has given me a lot of confidence in my current position." The team's progress shown since September was due to his efforts to contribute as a defensive midfielder and to support his teammates.
The efforts made during the time away from matches have borne fruit. I thought about not wasting time and turning it into something positive. At times I watched matches on DAZN, and at other times at Ajinomoto Stadium, closely observing the games. What is lacking, what is good──. Participating in the B-class coaching course also provided a closer perspective to that of a coach, and my dedication to observing and analyzing the team from a more comprehensive viewpoint led to new discoveries.
In terms of physical condition, I made it a point to prepare starting an hour and a half before practice, creating a state where I could approach training at 100 percent. "By doing that, I can naturally perform well in practice," I repeatedly worked on improving, and the results were evident in the autumn matches.
Before long, an atmosphere of "We need Keigo" began to drift around. Higashi responded to that expectation.
Looking back, at the beginning of the 2022 season when Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA took charge, he had lost his chance to play, but he later secured the anchor position. It seems that he has become an essential presence, and his commitment to growth even as a veteran is likely one of his outstanding qualities.
"At this age, I have a bit of pride, and I felt like I was in a situation where I could be cut from the team and play practice matches with academy players at any moment. However, even in those times, I thought it was important not to let go of the strange misunderstanding that 'I can definitely perform when I get to play in a match.'"
The sense of achievement from continuing to clear the given challenges. Once again feeling the joy of being involved in the matches, the blue and red number 10 shone in the latter part of the season.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
