This week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos will be held at “Our National.” Although FC Tokyo succeeded in a strong season start with three consecutive wins, the team suffered its first defeat in the previous round. For the Blue-Red aiming for the championship, this match is one where victory is absolutely essential. Motoki NAGAKURA has contributed outstandingly to the team with excellent stats and has been involved in many scoring opportunities, but he is growing increasingly frustrated as he has been unable to find the back of the net by just a step.
For the team, and to become the ace of a "team worthy of the championship." One of the league's top versatile strikers faces this crucial match with determination and responsibility.
Determination and Responsibility as an Ace
Determination and responsibility──. These are the powerful phrases currently occupying the heart of Motoki NAGAKURA.
From the opening match, Tokyo has created many chances with a flexible style and shown toughness in one-on-one battles on defense. After the first four matches, they boast the highest number of shots in the league, rank 4th in expected goals, have the lowest expected goals conceded, and the second fewest shots conceded—impressive stats all around. The sense of steady progress felt while watching the matches is clearly reflected in these numbers. Among this, the fact that Motoki NAGAKURA has posted overwhelmingly strong individual stats is a significant point.
Having played full-time in all four matches so far, he has recorded a total running distance of 50.5 km and 109 sprints, both of which are the highest in the league. When he sees an opportunity to exploit the space behind, he bursts forward; when building an attack is necessary, he drops back to midfield to receive the ball. Sometimes he initiates a high press from the front and chases opponents fiercely, and other times he presses back to the last line and doesn’t hesitate to block the opponent’s attack with a sliding tackle. Wearing number 26, he has played full matches from the opening whistle to the final whistle in all four games, tirelessly running and running, using his phenomenal stamina to support the team.
How can he run so much? The foundation is extremely simple: the feeling of "for the team."
"I always try not to slack off. Whether I go back or not in a situation where I think 'I have to return' makes a huge difference, and above all, I run with the feeling of 'for the team.' Showing defensive, fighting plays has a good influence on those around me, and in attack, I want to draw the flow by playing in ways that annoy the opponent and help my teammates, leading to results. Of course, it's difficult to give 100% all the time, so I use my head and control my stamina."
His high level of contribution goes without saying. In the first four matches since the season opener, Nagakura himself recorded a goal expected value of 1.717, ranking 8th in the league. He has taken nearly two decisive shots per game. However, he has yet to accomplish his primary task of shaking the net. While he feels the team is creating many chances through good soccer, he admits there is frustration and a sense of apology to the team for not converting those chances into results. His calm tone grows passionate as he speaks.
“Whether I score or not changes the course of the match. (In the first two matches) if I had scored, we could have won within 90 minutes or at least progressed through the game more comfortably. The flow would have shifted in the Kashiwa Reysol match as well, which would have contributed to accumulating points as a team. While not dwelling on it, I want to take responsibility and play in every single situation. I have been involved in chances, so I want to finish them off. I believe that if I can score just once, something inside me will change, so I have no choice but to keep going. Since I have been given a lot of playing time, I just want to score goals.”
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and the fans and supporters have high expectations. Nagakura himself feels this as well, but he tightens his focus, saying, "Rather than expectations, I think I should play with responsibility." Receiving the words from the coach, "Let's become a team worthy of winning the championship," his desire to become a key point scorer overflows.
And from Nagakura, we received a message for the Aoaka family.
"To win the championship, we absolutely cannot afford to lose consecutive matches, and the next game at the Japan National Stadium is truly an important match for the team. I will play with responsibility, so please give us your support more than ever to empower us."
It will be a game that tests true value both as a team and as a striker.
Energizing the stadium with his running power and igniting the National Stadium with goals. Motoki NAGAKURA’s determination and responsibility, along with play worthy of the title “New National Man,” are sure to bring victory to the Blue-Red.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Toshio Aoyama
