Half season of a nice guy from the other side of the Earth
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.
From the midwinter of Porto Alegre (Brazil) to the midsummer of Tokyo. The transfer to the blue and red is Ewerton Gaudino's first challenge abroad. His effort to overcome difficult environments and team situations is noteworthy. Reflecting on his half season playing as a right winger and attacking midfielder for the blue and red.
In August 2024, Ewerton Gaudino arrived in Kodaira from the other side of the world. This is his first transfer to a foreign club, and Porto Alegre is located in the southern part, close to Uruguay. August in the Southern Hemisphere is mid-winter. For Ewerton, who came from a cooler region, the heat of Japan was one of the reasons for his confusion, along with his first overseas transfer.
There is no doubt that it was a difficult situation for the transfer. However, in his first practice match after joining, he was utilized in an attacking position on the right, actively seeking the ball and supplying it to those around him, playing a lubricating role that moved the entire team. During a period when the team's overall performance declined due to the extreme heat and coordination was not smooth, Eve's play stood out in making the gathering of 11 players feel like a team. Reflecting on that time, he said, "At first, I didn't understand the characteristics of those around me well, but I made an effort for mutual understanding." His efforts immediately after joining may have been a result of his intention to adapt in his own way.
The attitude of bringing out the strengths of teammates was demonstrated even in the challenging conditions of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 29 match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, where travel was difficult due to the typhoon and conditions worsened. It was his first time starting in the lineup. As he mentioned, "As you know, there were various issues before our arrival. Unfortunately, we lost without being able to convert our chances, but I don't think it was such a bad match," indicating that he had good coordination with Diego OLIVEIRA and created decisive moments early on as they advanced into the opponent's territory, leaving him with regrets about the result.
After that, Ebe, who had temporarily left due to poor condition, returned around October. In practice matches, he has been playing in a central position, and scenes of him scoring with a powerful left-footed shot have started to be seen.
"There is a difference between playing on the wing and in the central 1.5 line. On the side, it was difficult to get involved in the finishing, but in the middle, I was able to play close to Diego OLIVEIRA, and I definitely felt it was easier. As a result, I may be getting more opportunities to take shots myself."
Eve found it difficult to score in official matches. Although he struggled to adapt to positioning, he demonstrated high skills and feels a sense of deepening collaboration with his teammates.
"It is very frustrating that I haven't scored a goal. Although it's a short period, I believe my teammates have come to understand my characteristics, and I have also come to understand the playing style of Japanese players."
A nice guy who joined during the toughest times and made an effort to adapt despite the lack of time. His unwavering smile was a ray of hope for the blue and red in the 2024 season.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
