Q. Looking back on your professional career, it seems you have steadily stepped up to J1 clubs, moving from Renofa Yamaguchi FC, JEF United Chiba, Sagan Tosu, and now joining FC Tokyo this season.
A. Since I have been a professional, I have always wanted to play in J1. My professional career started as a trainee at Renofa, so I think the result I have now comes from relentlessly striving to get playing time and score goals from there.
Q, Last season, Sagan Tosu attracted attention by playing collective soccer. In that context, YAMASHITA scored 9 goals in the league matches. I imagine that while the evaluation from those around you improved, you were also frustrated by being just one goal short of double digits.
A. The 2021 season was my first challenge in J1. I didn’t know how things would turn out for me, but throughout the year, I clearly understood the parts where I could compete and the parts where I couldn’t. I was very particular about reaching double-digit goals, so honestly, it was frustrating. After summer, I couldn’t increase my tally beyond 9 goals, but I believed I would eventually get there. However, a minor injury and more frequent substitute appearances in the second half of the season prevented me from reaching double digits. Even when coming on as a substitute, as a forward, results are everything. I personally understand that there is a big difference between 9 and 10 goals, so I was truly disappointed.
Q, There were also matches where you were alternated with Noriyoshi SAKAI, and even in the next match after scoring while in good form, you started on the bench. Of course, player selection is determined by team tactics and the opponent, but did you experience any internal conflict?
A, Yes, there were times like that. Honestly, there were moments when I wondered, "Why am I not being used?" However, I turned the arrow toward myself, understood the areas where I was lacking, and made efforts and challenges in training to appeal and get selected. Still, the final decision is up to the coach, and I never sulked or neglected practice because of that. Above all, Sagan Tosu is a team that trains with high intensity, so I couldn’t let my guard down. When I wasn’t a starter, I’m not sure if frustration is the right word, but I did have a somewhat unsettled feeling. However, since the other players were also working incredibly hard without slacking off, I was able to have a strong feeling that I simply couldn’t afford to lose.
Q, Please tell us specifically about the sense of accomplishment and challenges you experienced playing on the J1 stage for the first time.
A, First of all, in terms of confidence, I was confident in my ability to score when a good ball came my way, and I believe I was able to demonstrate last season the off-the-ball movement and quick reactions that allowed me to get ahead of opponents. Joining FC Tokyo, I am excited to play in an environment where the individual level of players is one or two steps higher. Regarding challenges, I keenly realized that in J1, even small mistakes can be fatal, and the mindset of "this is good enough" does not work. Whether it’s post play, switching on defensively, or finishing shots, this is a stage where you must be meticulous down to the smallest details to succeed.
Q, What were the most noticeable differences you felt between J1 and J2 defenders?
A, After a contest, J1 defenders reliably connect the ball to their teammates. Even when applying pressure, they keep their heads up, making it difficult to dispossess them. Their attention to such fine details is very high. When facing an opponent in post play, I paid considerable attention to the direction and angle of my trap and my body's center of gravity. In J1, I lost the ball more often than in J2, and those turnovers could be fatal. Throughout the season, I analyzed opponents and learned to some extent through experience, but I clearly felt the difference in level.
Q, Besides your strength, I think your smooth turns and body movements are also among your playing assets.
A, I don't consider myself a particularly skillful player, but what I value most is positioning when I don't have the ball, the off-the-ball situations. How efficiently I can move toward the goal. I have to think about what kind of situation I'll be in when I receive the ball and proactively communicate my needs to my teammates beforehand. I've focused quite a lot on that aspect.
Q, Regarding scoring patterns, you seem to be a player with many styles, such as meeting crosses at a point or shaking off the opponent in front of you and striking with your foot.
A, I am right-footed, but I believe my strength lies in being able to score with my left foot, my head, or from anywhere. Another asset is scoring with few touches. I am not the type to dribble past opponents alone and take shots, so I play thinking that it’s all about positioning myself well and then demanding the ball from my teammates to bring it to me.
Q, Is there any player you look up to or have admired since long ago?
A, The season before last was a significant experience for me, and I am aware that I changed by having the opportunity to play alongside Hisato SATO at JEF. I was greatly influenced by his attitude and approach from daily practice. Until then, I had never really looked up to or admired any particular player, nor was I very conscious of overseas players. However, from SATO, I learned crucial aspects as a striker and parts that made me feel, "This is the kind of player who reaches the top level." At JEF, not only SATO but also Kengo KAWAMATA's play had a huge impact on me, and that year became a major turning point in my career.
Q, I think what Sato-san and Kawamata share in common is what Yamashita also mentioned earlier: "how to make high-quality movements off the ball."
A, I believe it is precisely about the demands made off the ball. Hisato-san makes many demands of his teammates. Kawamata-san is the same, because it is essential for scoring goals. Even with crosses, he would specifically tell his teammates things like, "Not roughly, but put it here," or "I want you to deliver it at this timing." Whether or not you can have that communication greatly changes the quality of teamwork. Learning that attitude was very significant for me.
Q, This season, you have jumped into a new environment with FC Tokyo. There are foreign players with diverse playing styles and speedy attackers like Kensuke NAGAI, who is a senior from high school and university. I am looking forward to seeing how you, as a striker named Yamashita, will thrive in this environment.
A, FC Tokyo is a club that has been competing at the top level in Japan since I was a teenager, and last season Diego OLIVEIRA also scored double-digit goals. Amid such strong individuals, I am thinking about how I can compete. Can I demonstrate qualities that the current players do not have? I believe the club acquired me with those expectations, so I hope to bring out those characteristics to the fullest.
Q. Did you communicate with Nagai before joining?
A, yes, I have trained together in Fukuoka several times before joining, and I have asked about places to live and the environment. When I was told by Nagai that I could ask anything, I felt, "Oh, he has such a kind side" (laughs).
In high school and university, he was my direct senior, and he even came to see me when I was in high school. I never thought I would be able to play on the same team as Nagai, so I am very honored and happy.
Q. What has been your impression of FC Tokyo so far?
A, what stands out is the powerful attacking lineup. Their quick attacks after winning the ball are intense, with the ability to break through individually and finish with great precision. In addition to that, the team also works hard defensively without neglecting that aspect. Another reason I decided to join FC Tokyo this time is because coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA came from Niigata. He builds his team based on the concept called positional play, and I thought that style might match well with me. I have a very exciting image of how it would be if this team fights with an attacking style and I join in. I am already thrilled about that challenge.
Q, Last season you played for Sagan Tosu under former coach Myung Hwi KIM, where you practiced positional play. Do you feel that playing in that style brought out a new side of yourself?
A, I believe I was able to learn aspects that I hadn’t been aware of until last season. How to break away from the opponent and carry the ball forward to reach the finish. How tactically to observe the opponent’s movements and make a move even on defense. We were able to play while feeling our own growth. Honestly, it was quite hard work and tough, but I really enjoyed playing. And when I received the offer from FC Tokyo, where Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was newly appointed as coach, I honestly wanted to try playing organized and attacking soccer again, so I came to Tokyo.
Q. Have you, Yamashita, been able to grasp the feeling of thriving within a flexible group that adjusts its positioning by observing the opponents?
A. Yes, that's right. When I was at JEF, we played a rather orthodox 4-4-2 formation, with many long passes in attack, and a style of defending by dropping deep and holding our shape. We fought in a way that used a lot of energy outside of just attacking or aiming for goals. However, at Tosu, I found myself in a style of play where we deliberately peeled off opponents to carry the ball forward and move toward the goal. Since I am a player who works in front of the goal and is brought to life by my teammates, it also gave me an opportunity to reconsider, "What is the style in which I truly thrive?"
Q. With coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA coming to FC Tokyo, I think the team's style of soccer will be transformed into a different one. I believe there are expectations for Yamashita to become the symbolic FW of that style.
A. Yes, I do want to become that, but of course, there are many talented attackers here, and fierce competition for positions will unfold. When a new coach comes to a team, the flow and methods often change drastically from the start, and it’s uncertain whether that will lead to results. It’s important how much I can get others to understand my strengths and how much I can learn about my teammates’ strengths. Since the season starts early this year, I think it will be about how quickly we can deepen our relationships in a short time. I want to take on the challenges the coach demands.
Q, let me ask again, does Yamashita have a strong feeling about the striker, the "number 9" position?
A. Yes, it is strong. In my first year at Renofa and also at JEF, I had opportunities to play in different positions, experiencing both the fun and the hardships. Among all that, my commitment to the position closest to the opponent’s goal, the job of scoring goals, has certainly grown stronger year by year.
Q. FC Tokyo has a variety of attackers, but I believe there are expectations that a long-awaited goal scorer has appeared in player Yamashita.
A. Are there expectations... I wonder (laughs). If so, I would be very happy. I myself am aware that playing in that position allows me to demonstrate my strengths the most, and I believe that by taking that position, I can also bring out the best in my teammates. I have a stronger-than-anyone commitment to the striker, number 9 position. I definitely want to score many goals at Ajinomoto.
text by YUKI NISHIKAWA
