4/12 Interview with Soma ANZAI, confirmed to join the team for the 2025 season

INTERVIEW2023.4.12

4/12 Interview with Soma ANZAI, confirmed to join the team for the 2025 season

Q, please tell us about the process of joining.
I participated in the pre-season camp and had a lot of time to think over the next two months. Among them, I strongly felt the desire to challenge myself in Tokyo and decided to join the 2025 season.

Q, as it will be joining in 2 seasons, there may be some changes from the team's perspective, what kind of information did you receive from the club?
A, being able to play in various positions is a strength. Before deciding to join at an early stage, there were many conflicts, but I have a strong desire to challenge at a high level. As for how I will be used, I will do my best to consistently contribute to the game in the given position.

Q, please tell us the reason why you chose Tokyo among various career paths.
I participated in the camp and found something that fit well within me, and I thought that Tokyo is a club where it is easy to balance soccer and studying by deciding at this timing. Tokyo was the club where my thoughts were put into action and various intentions of myself were aligned.

Q: It is impressive that there were many high-quality players in FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, where player Anzai was enrolled at that time.
A, yes. The impression was that there were many players with high individual abilities. Yuya AOKI, who played together, scored many goals in the 35th All Japan U-15 Soccer Championship of the Emperor's Cup JFA, and also participated in representative activities. Including other players, there were players with high individual abilities.

Q, please tell us again about the characteristics of your play.
A, I don't have outstanding abilities, but my strength lies in being able to consistently play any part of the game and in my fighting spirit, especially in aerial duels.

Q, please tell us about the ideal player image.
I want to become a player who can make the team win. I want to ignite the emotions of the people watching with my play. I want to deliver courage and energy.

Q: Please tell us about wearing the same uniform as Kuryu MATSUKI, who you have been playing with since high school.
I also watched Matsuki's performance during his university days. However, I feel a strong sense of freshness towards being able to play soccer with the "new Matsuki Kuryu".

Q: I think player Anzai himself had a frustrating feeling as he couldn't get promoted to FC Tokyo U-18.
A, I entered high school with the bitter feeling. I was determined to aim higher from here. I believe that bitterness became a source of growth.

Q, there was also a freshness in seeing him play as a side back during the camp.
A, I also played as a side back during my FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa era, and I started as a side back in the Kanto University Soccer League at Waseda University. I see playing as a side back as an option for me personally.

Q, do you also have a strong desire to play as a JFA/J.League designated player?
A, yes. I really think that I want to break into the game lineup, and it's one of the reasons why I decided to join at this point. I want to actively appeal and get involved in the game as soon as possible, even if it's just for one day.

Q, There are also players who have experienced the World Cup, such as Masato MORISHIGE and Yuto NAGATOMO. What would you like to learn from experienced players?
It is valuable to be able to play with players who have fought for Japan. I would like to absorb and make my own the opinions that are conveyed based on their experience.

Q, where do you think player Yasuzaki will play?
A, I think the main battlefield will be the side back. I have also experienced inside half, wing, and side half at Waseda University. I would like to keep the previous experience as an option.

Q, Do I need to have an image of a multiplayer?
Receiving the ball in the central position and playing possession style is not a weakness. I want to receive the ball in the inside position and handle it.