Strike while the iron is hot.
Iron, which is hard and cannot be bent no matter how hard you try, can be bent by applying heat. In other words, it is important to learn it when you are young and have absorbent ability.
However, "hot" has a limited time.
Even though it is exposed to fire, it does not bend as expected. Why is that? It must be because the next shape cannot be clearly imagined.
But finally found. Finally broke away.
That's just how strong it is when you turn it over. When it becomes a new form, it will surely become even stronger.
Kyosuke TAGAWA's form.
He has been troubled by the meaning of what lies at the root of his desire to do everything. When he tried to untangle the tangled thread of his worries, the answer was surprisingly simple.
Yes, score points.
Yes, become a true striker.
"It was good to have the experience of "suffering"
You can understand it well by watching that muddy shot.
On March 6th, the first home game of the 2021 season, Tagawa was on the starting pitch for the Cerezo Osaka match.
Opportunity seized from showing "results" by throwing in with the left foot without missing the opponent's clear mistake in the YBC Levain Cup Group Stage against Tokushima Vortis (Ajinomoto Stadium) three days ago. I want to score a goal by all means on the stage of the first starting lineup in the league this season. Such feelings were emanating from the body.
It was the 9th minute of the second half, which started with a score of 0-1.
When Masato MORISHIGE holds the ball near the center line, Tagawa runs out from the inside and raises his hand to appeal while slipping away. Although the ball was passed to the opponent, he quickly changes direction and sprints towards the back pass. He lures the opponent's GK into a trap mistake and boldly slides in to push the ball into the goal.
"As soon as I passed the ball back, it was weak, so I just went with the momentum. That's how I was able to induce the opponent's mistake. Both the C Osaka game and the previous (Levain Cup) Tokushima game (goals) were due to the opponent's mistake. But first and foremost, it's important to get into the goal area (the goal in the Tokushima game) and when I saw the opponent's posture, I thought it would come around here, so I was ready to shoot."
Whether the goal is beautiful or not doesn't matter. One point is one point no matter how you take it. It doesn't matter if it's dirty or rough. It was because of the struggles that we were able to reach this point.
"There were no major injuries in Tosu, and there weren't many times when I couldn't play in a game. It was good to be able to experience "suffering" after coming to Tokyo. Thanks to that, I am able to play in games with a clear mind now."
The 22-year-old Kyushu-born man spoke with a bright smile.
Takawa, who is in his teens, was sailing smoothly.
Moved up to Sagan Tosu U-18 from a local club team. The club was in the midst of strengthening its "development" efforts, and coincidentally, the training facilities and youth-only dormitory were completed. An ideal environment for growth. Joined from the U-16 Japan national team and was also registered as a 2nd team player.
"The ground is right in front of the dormitory. The environment was also well-equipped and everyone got along well without much of a hierarchy. There were also injuries, but during that time, I was able to gain strength and increase my speed."
At 3 o'clock, it became the driving force to move up from the Saga Prefecture League to the Prince League Kyushu, and in the 2017 season, the club decided to promote to the top team for the first time in 6 years.
With a height of over 180cm and a fast pace of 50m 6 seconds, also being left-handed. The 18-year-old, who holds infinite potential, has high expectations from coach Massimo FICCADENTI and will consistently get playing time as a substitute from the second game of the season.
"All the professionals are skilled and the speed is completely different (from when I was U-18). I had to keep up and do my best. I didn't really feel a big difference, but it's like a slight difference in quality. However, as I gradually got used to the professional training and felt a sense of accomplishment, I was able to play in games, so I felt that my level had improved and that's why I was able to play."
A big stage with a leap. I was a little scared.
The first goal in the memorable league match was born in the 5th game appearance.
On April 8th, in the away game against Albirex Niigata, Tagawa, who was subbed in during the last 10 minutes, broke through on a pass from Hiromu Kamada, shook off the pursuing opponent, and calmly scored with his left foot in the bottom left corner.
"I remember it. I just ran straight ahead (laughs). But it was also a pattern I was good at, scoring from the left to the right corner of the goal. I remember receiving a lot of messages from friends and acquaintances after that goal. It made me happy to know that everyone was watching. "
Kubo Takefusa, who was also recognized for his performance in the J-League, was selected for the Japan national team for the U-20 World Cup held in South Korea in May. He played the full 90 minutes in the third round group match against Italy, contributing to the team's advancement to the final round. However, the team suffered a 0-1 loss in extra time against Venezuela in the round of 16, which was a disappointing experience for Tagawa, who came on as a substitute towards the end of the match.
"(Being younger) may have made me a little scared. I couldn't do anything in that tournament. I was playing in the J-League, but when I played against overseas teams, I realized that my physical condition was not good at all. It wasn't a failure, but I was starting to panic, thinking that it was dangerous if I continued like this. So when I returned home, I started to focus on my physical training."
In his first year, he played in 24 games and scored 4 goals, which was a decent result. He also continued to start in the league towards the end of the season. In his second year, the team's performance did not improve and he was unable to secure a starting position, despite the addition of big names like Mu KANAZAKI and Spanish player FERNANDO TORRES. However, he still felt fulfilled and learned a lot from them.
"Kanazaki player is putting his body on the line and running for the team on the front line, and it was a learning experience for me that this is what you have to do as a forward. I often imagined playing like Kanazaki player. Thales player is always working hard in practice and it was motivating to see that even top players in the world do this much."
Expectation and Nightmare
I have spent 5 years at Tosu since U-18.
The atmosphere was comfortable. There were no complaints. However, there was a part of me that was anxious about my growth. That negative emotion that sprouted during the U-20 World Cup always lingered with me.
At that time, an offer came flying in from Tokyo. My heart was filled with excitement. I was able to continue my growth at a club with the goal of winning the league under the guidance of manager Kenta HASEGAWA.
"There was no hesitation. I was able to make a quick decision to challenge honestly. I am prepared for the tough competition that awaits. I believe it is important to be tested here."
I felt that the atmosphere of the club suited me.
"I felt the incredible unity of everyone wanting to fight together, with older people taking great care of younger people. I also felt that I wanted to contribute to the strength of this team."
I have to show my abilities from scratch now that I have joined a new team. Otherwise, I won't be able to break through the stronghold of forwards Kensuke NAGAI and Diego OLIVEIRA. Just like my first year in Tosu, I first tried to keep up with everyone. Although I started as a sub, I was able to have the image of climbing up.
In a certain match during the group stage of the Levain Cup, there was a halftime moment where the performance wasn't improving, and coach Hasegawa was told in the locker room, "We have 15 more minutes, so give it your all!"
This year, Tagawa had a big event waiting for him. It was the U-20 World Cup, which he had a bitter experience with two years ago. This tournament, which will be held in Poland, will kick off in May. Tagawa was also a leader for the team as one of the older players.
The first match against Ecuador ended in a draw due to my own goal, so I was determined to do well in the second match against Mexico. I scored the team's second goal with a header from a right corner kick and we won 3-0. This victory greatly increased our chances of advancing to the final round.
"At halftime of the Ecuador match, coach Masanaga KAGEYAMA gave a stern talk to the team. As a result, in the second match, the team was completely different and was able to relax and play well, and also fought hard for the ball. We were able to dominate Mexico."
There is no difference in physicality like two years ago. If the team can regain its original form, there is nothing but anticipation. For myself and for the team.
I never thought that a nightmare was waiting.
In the third match against Italy, Tagawa's movements were good, including earning a PK in the early stages. However, in the 22nd minute of the first half, he injured his right hamstring while shooting after breaking through from the back, and had to leave the pitch. The diagnosis revealed a "right hamstring strain" with a recovery time of 6-8 weeks.
Although they drew with Italy and secured their spot in the final round, Tagawa and Saito Mitsutaka, who was also injured, will have to leave the team.
What is your striker image?
It may have been the entrance to a tunnel.
Returned to the team, but couldn't help the team in the fight for first place. Even though I was able to return to the team in August, my condition didn't improve. I couldn't perform as I had hoped. In the end, I ended the season as it was. In the league, I only played 11 games and scored 1 goal. That's a total of 247 minutes. If I had played the full game, it wouldn't even be 3 games. More than anyone else around me, I was frustrated and couldn't do anything about it.
"I was clearly lost. (My mind and body) weren't working well together, and even I could see that I wasn't feeling well. I was thinking that I needed to do more than just score goals, but there were times when my feelings were wavering. Even if I tried to do my best, my heart wasn't in it."
Myself who can't make it work even though I want to do it. Then, I can't see the answer if this is okay.
I didn't show anyone my struggles. I didn't consult with anyone. I was struggling alone. It was the same during the 2020 season, which was affected by the coronavirus. On July 12th, during the away game against Yokohama F.Marinos, I injured my left shoulder and was forced to take another leave of absence.
"Even if I get injured, I'm not the type to get depressed about it. There are also areas where my ability and preparation are lacking."
I took the time to think carefully. During the game, I made sure to watch the movements of Nagai and the strong foreign attackers. I also didn't neglect my rehabilitation training. I felt the effects of the pull-ups I started when the pain in my shoulder disappeared. It seemed like my body was getting better. Instead of worrying about the end of the tunnel, I focused on what I could do right now.
I felt like I saw light.
"The 2021 Okinawa camp, which was approached with the expression "sense of crisis" intentionally spoken."
I had come to see that what I needed to do was not just "various plays", but "scoring goals". Every time I shook the goal net during camp, that feeling became stronger.
"I really felt like I was getting organized during the middle of the camp. I also started to score goals and got into a good rhythm. I feel like I've been able to keep up the momentum since the start of this season."
Of course, I also play defense. If the ball is taken away, I will return to my own goal at full speed to try and get it back. There is no change in Tagawa, who does everything, but his awareness is completely different.
"I wonder if it's because I keep doing it, will it eventually pay off in the end? That's why I'm conscious of it."
To continue is to defend, to move behind, to entrust the ball and demand a return. It is not born from luck, but from hard work. It has become recognized as the result of continued effort. Be more aware of your strong point, speed. That is the striker image that you should establish for yourself.
Without a trace of hesitation, there is Kyosuke Tagawa, who throws everything he has onto the pitch. It's like a blazing flame of blue and red.
Height/Weight: 182cm/72kg
Hometown: Nagasaki Prefecture
Career: Sagan Tosu U-18 → Sagan Tosu → FC Tokyo
Text = Toshio Ninomiya
Text by Toshio Ninomiya
Photo = Kenichi Arai
Photo by Kenichi Arai
