Overcoming challenges and daily efforts to surpass Scholz
DF 32 Kanta DOI
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
After gaining playing opportunities but failing to deliver results in the first half of the 2025 season, the second half saw an increase in time spent on the bench. For Kanta DOI, his third professional season ended as a year filled with frustration. However, what he learned during this time was the presence of Alexander SCHOLZ. We delved into the mindset of the young center back aiming to surpass his predecessors through steady efforts such as physical transformation.
He came to understand the weight of wearing the blue and red and standing on the pitch──. That is precisely why he spends each day striving to continue standing in that place.
After being promoted to the top team in the 2023 season, Kanta DOI steadily increased his appearances. In his third professional season last year, he initially secured playing opportunities, but after LORI joined in June, his time on the bench gradually increased. By the end, he had appeared in only 21 league matches.
By continuing to stand on the pitch, all weaknesses and challenges were exposed. There is a clear issue that became evident due to the many goals conceded.
"I was given chances a few times, but the challenge of dealing with crosses still remains. I think it comes down to how much I can improve in that area."
It is not something that can be mastered overnight. He is currently right in the middle of overcoming that challenge. Defense relies not only on talent but also on experience and accumulation.
"I will continue to do what I need to do. If I keep working on heading and strength training, I believe results will naturally come. I want to focus on myself without looking around. Since heading opportunities are limited during full-team practice, the accumulation after practice becomes important. Recently, GK coach Yamashita has also been joining in. I want to continue working while relying on the support of various staff members."
Relentless effort never betrays. Although he is still in the process of physical transformation, he has gained 6 kilograms and his appearance is gradually changing. Above all, meeting a role model to aspire to has been a significant learning experience for Doi. Since June, he has been keeping his eyes on Scholz during practice.
"A player who serves as a role model for me has arrived. Defensively, he excels at sensing danger right in front of the goal and is always positioned where it’s most critical. In attack, the number of passes he makes through the gaps is higher than mine even during practice. That’s an area where I need to keep challenging myself and increase my success rate. I want to constantly take on such challenges."
It was probably because he felt that gaze. Scholz himself also paid attention to Doi, and during practice, they counted each other's mistakes to stimulate their playful spirit. Learning from a living textbook is ultimately to surpass it someday.
"I want to keep believing that by overcoming challenges, I will eventually get a chance. If I can show myself properly from practice, Riki-san (Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI) is watching. After that, it’s about how I can turn the opportunity into results when it comes. Since I’m a center back, even in practice matches, I want to focus first and foremost on keeping a clean sheet. On top of that, I want to make plays that create a difference in attack."
Doi said, "I want to keep going without stopping," and spoke of a hidden goal. The league championship, which even his father Yoichi could not achieve, is a mission entrusted to him by his father. However, he says it would be meaningless if he cannot experience that moment of joy on the pitch.
"To truly become a championship member, I have to surpass Scholz. If I keep playing on the pitch with this team, I will see what lies ahead. I believe that taking a position in this team is the shortest path, and I want to work hard toward that."
There is a place connected beyond the days spent carefully. Believing that, I will overcome the high walls.
Crushed under pressure?
No, no, the man who inherits Yoichi DOI's DNA should show a fearless smile and bounce back.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
