Overcoming difficult times
The number 10 that supported the late-game surge
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 got my first injury in March, and from there I felt like I entered a difficult period."
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 gradually started to improve around May and June, and once I reached the level where I was confident I could perform if I played, I spent about three months unable to get involved in matches."
However, during this time, continuing training with a bright expression without looking down led to him becoming a starter in the final stages of the season. Whether in practice, practice matches, or cup games, he acted as a 'behind-the-scenes' player, trying to change the flow. The quality of his sharp passing never declined.
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 period away from matches bore fruit. He decided not to waste time and to turn it into a positive. Sometimes watching matches closely on DAZN, other times at Ajinomoto Stadium. What was lacking, what was good──. Since he was also participating in a Class B coaching license course, observing and analyzing the team from a more bird’s-eye view, close to that of a coach, became a new discovery for him.
Regarding his physical condition, he made it a point to start preparing an hour and a half before practice, creating a state where he could train at 100 percent. "By doing that, I can naturally perform well even during practice," he said, and the results of his repeated efforts to improve appeared in the autumn matches.
Before long, an atmosphere began to emerge around him that "Keigo is needed." Higashi responded to those expectations.
Looking back, at the start of the 2022 season when Coach Albert took charge, he had lost his playing opportunities, but he secured the anchor position midway through. It seems that he became an indispensable presence before he realized it, and his excellent trait is that he strives to grow even as a veteran.
"At this age, I do have some pride, and there was a feeling of being in a state where I could have snapped at any moment, playing in practice matches with academy players after being left out of the main squad. However, even at times like that, I thought I must not throw away the strange misconception of 'If I get to play in a match, I can definitely perform.'"
The sense of accomplishment from continuously overcoming the challenges given. While once again feeling the joy of staying involved in matches, the number 10 in blue and red shone brightly in the final stages of the season.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
