The first step of a dream has begun
A key player performance from the first year as a professional
DF 30 Teppei OKA
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.
Teppei OKA, who returned to the team after passing through Meiji University, made a significant impact in his first year as a professional, rising to prominence midway through the season and showcasing his skills as a key player in both center-back and left-back positions. Although he initially had limited playing opportunities at the start of the season, he focused on moving for the team, thinking strategically, and concentrating on his own growth, which ultimately led him to the official match pitch. For a soul defender turning dreams into reality, the first year as a professional is.
In my elementary school graduation essay titled 'My Dream', I wrote, 'My future dream is to become a professional soccer player, excel in Europe, and become the best player in the world.' Teppei OKA has taken the first step towards that dream.
After graduating from Meiji University, he once again donned the blue and red. Even before joining, he declared, "I want to take the starting position from Masato MORISHIGE."
However, the early part of the season was a difficult time.
"I couldn't quite break into the main squad, and it continued that I wasn't even allowed to participate in the practice matches. Still, I understood that I had to keep going. Because I had been doing it without expecting too much from myself in a good way, my performance didn't decline."
The main battleground was practice matches mixed with academy players. There, I faced myself and built up my strength. What I had decided in my heart was to "take actions that contribute to the team's victory, regardless of whether I play in the match or not." As a result, "by doing so, the opportunities to be involved in matches increased."
The opportunity came suddenly. In April, after coming on as a substitute in the 2nd Round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, he stepped onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which had been burning in anticipation, following the injury incident involving Kanta DOI in Sec. 11 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kyoto Sanga F.C. However, it would take a month and a half until his next league match appearance. Still, he continued to live his days unchanged.
"I have been trying not to run away from myself. Even though it's my first year as a professional, I was determined not to let myself get discouraged."
After getting another opportunity to play in the match against Shonan Bellmare in Sec. 19, he secured his position as a center-back. In the match against Kashiwa Reysol in Sec. 22, he also scored his first professional goal, which was a delightful moment.
"I thought that if I continued to work earnestly, the ball would come to me. Since the week before the goal I scored in the Reysol match, I had been practicing heading shots from crosses with coach Takashi HARA, so I believe that contributed to the result."
He started to be used as a left back from the middle of the season, broadening the scope of his play. His dream has transformed into a goal.
And I also learned that I can grasp it depending on myself.
"Players who can perform anywhere are valued. I want to be able to play as a full-back or in a three-back formation like Japan national team player Takehiro Tomiyasu, and I need to become a player who is needed in order to rise to the top. I am grateful to Coach Peter for deciding to use me as a full-back. I want to become a player that people think we won because of. Of course, I want to accompany my skills with my words and actions. This season, there were parts where I relied on false energy and momentum. However, I don't think it will be the same in my second year. Still, I want to keep my original intention and continue to work hard."
Finally, we have taken the first step towards our dream in the 2024 season. Oka will continue to shout loudly, "I have a dream."
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
