First goal──
No one can beat the desire for scoring
FW 14 Keita YAMASHITA
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are approaching the opening, thinking and preparing for the year? The stories of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill - Keita YAMASHITA, who is steadily rehabilitating towards his return from injury, is waiting for his goal more than anyone else, and it is none other than himself who has spent unexpected days.
The season of revival begins. In his third season since donning the blue and red uniform for the first time, the striker who is more determined than anyone else to make this season his own, is preparing to return to the pitch at Ajinomoto and rain down goals.
For Keita YAMASHITA, the past two years have been a time of "incomplete combustion". He arrived in Tokyo as a highly anticipated Japanese striker for the 2022 season, but finished with no goals. Considering his record of scoring 9 goals for Sagan Tosu in the previous season, it can only be described as a "disappointment". And last season, he transferred to Shonan Bellmare on loan, but suffered a serious injury to his left knee meniscus in the summer, ending his season prematurely.
Returned to Tokyo and now that the new season has begun, I am unable to start due to rehabilitation. However, as I am able to do more and more, my smile has returned to my face. I tell myself not to rush and face my body as I work towards my return. While cherishing each day, I am now able to think about the future.
"Of course, all forwards want to score goals, but this season, I have no intention of losing that feeling to anyone. When asked about my goal at the beginning of the season, I used to aim for double-digit goals, but for now, I just want to score one goal. I want to score one goal for Tokyo and share the joy with everyone."
There is no doubt about his ability as a scorer. Especially this season, where the team's cross attacks from both sides seem to be coming together, it's impossible not to fit in with the new number 14's playing style of confidently charging in and being able to score and assist with cross balls.
"I can't wait. Since coming to Tokyo, I've been itching to get back. There's still a lot I need to do, but when I return, I want to give it my all."
Now, Keita YAMASHITA is more hungry for soccer and goals than anyone else. I can't wait to see him release the frustration he has been building up for the past two years.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
