Adversity, bring it on. Unyielding fighting spirit hidden behind the brightness to reclaim the starting position.
DF 43 Shuhei TOKUMOTO
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The players' stories, filled with love for the club, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who scored a shocking goal with his right foot in the J.League 30th anniversary match in May last season. As a hard worker who climbed up from J3 League, he will not be defeated by any adversity. He continues to work with an indomitable fighting spirit and a smile on his face to regain his regular position.
J1 League in its second season. The left back, who is eager to reclaim his position, calmly understands his situation and is carefully preparing for an "upset".
After starting his professional career on the stage of the J3 League, Thales reached the top category for the first time in six years and gained various experiences in the battle. Although he struggled to make the bench at the beginning of the season, he never lost his guts and high absorption ability, and actively participated in the build-up with his outstanding positional sense. In April, he established himself as a regular player. He fearlessly fought on the stage of the J1 League and in May, at the Japan National Stadium, he scored his first J1 goal with a powerful shot from his non-dominant right foot in the "Tama River Clasico" against Kawasaki Frontale.
However, as the second half of the league begins, the situation suddenly changes. After Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as coach, I lost my chance to play and had to watch the game from the sidelines for a while.
However, he is a hard worker who can face any situation with a positive attitude. He never gives up or loses his determination, and continues to work hard in practice with sincerity.
"Last season, I was able to patiently endure, which is why I am able to challenge myself this season. After playing for one season, I strongly felt the need to defend on my own, and if I can do that, I believe I can seize the opportunity to play in the game. So, I want to give 120% of my strength and do my best."
The rival in the position battle is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who made his debut for the Japan national team in March last season. Competing with young up-and-comers is never easy, but he is well aware of that. "If I can work hard with Kashif and be told 'there's no problem with Tokyo's left back', I think the team's ranking will naturally improve. I want to stimulate each other and be well prepared, whether I'm playing or not," his determination remains unwavering.
Adversity, bring it on. I have climbed step by step, stage by stage, and that's why I am here. "I always think that my strength is to work hard with a lively attitude, so I want to involve the staff and do it with a smile every day." The indomitable fighting spirit hidden behind the brightness. Shuhei TOKUMOTO brings smiles to Tokyo on and off the pitch.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
