A Fantasista Who Cast a Spell on the Pitch
Proving Overwhelming Ability in Blue and Red
MF 71 Ryotaro ARAKI
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.
Ryotaro ARAKI became a key player for the team with a shocking debut of 4 goals in 4 matches after joining as a loan player. The passes that break through the situation in an instant and the elegant one-touch plays in front of the goal are essential to narrate this season's Tokyo. He has once again been named to the U-23 Japan national team and experienced reaching the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics in the summer. He tasted the grand stage of the world. How does 'Taro' view the year at the blue-red club, which should have been a turning point in his football career?
How many people felt excited when they heard that Ryotaro ARAKI was joining? There were many voices of expectation. But to be honest, there were also some voices of concern. Look at it now. Everyone in blue and red calls him "Taro" and places their full trust in him. The first player in the club's history to wear number 71 has proven himself with his play.
I have mentioned this many times before, but Ryotaro ARAKI absolutely hated being described with words like "comeback" or "revival." This was not due to unnecessary pride or strange stubbornness, but because he had a solid confidence within himself that he could do it. He had expressed such strong feelings in words even before the season started, and looking at his performance during the season, it was immediately convincing. When I asked him again about the decision to play in Tokyo towards the end of the season, he gave a pleasant answer.
"I don't think my choice was wrong. I was able to be part of the U-23 Japan national team and go to the Paris Olympics. I believe that this season is built on the experiences of the season before last and last season, but I think my career options have expanded because of this, so I want to pursue an even better career from here."
Araki, speaking a little happily and a little relieved, had a hectic first half of the season, especially with the simultaneous activities of the team and the national team. However, that busyness, which he felt after a long time, was also quite pleasant.
"Anyway, I was really busy with what was right in front of me during the first half of the season. But it was fun. I had a little time to reflect in the second half of the season, and I realized that being busy is a good thing. The first half of the season had a lot of consecutive matches, but the feeling of going to the national team during the off period was truly the most fulfilling time as a player. It was a fun season, with a sense of nostalgia that I hadn't experienced recently."
When reflecting on this season as a team, the name Ryotaro ARAKI is absolutely indispensable. Similarly, when Ryotaro ARAKI looks back on his future professional career, if he thinks, "It was because of the 2024 season in Tokyo," that would be a happy thing.
"I have definitely gained confidence. Many fans believe that 'Taro can do it,' and I think I was able to play well this season for those people. I believe that is the result of continuing to play without changing my playing style."
His creativity saved the team and added color to the attack. With a dedicated attitude that does not shy away from hard work, he led the blue and red and became a player remembered in records and memories.
Taro will continue to run in his own way.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
