A hardworking genius makes his top debut, showing new potential as the number 10 for the U-17 Japan national team
MF 23 Ryunosuke SATO
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 what kind of determination are they making for the year? The story of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, thoughts for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. Last season, Ryunosuke SATO, who signed a professional contract at the age of 17. The promising player entrusted with the number 10 in the U-17 Japan national team is aiming for his professional debut and an increased presence in the top team.
On August 26, 2023, on the day when Tokyo welcomed Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium, Ryunosuke SATO's professional contract was announced with great fanfare. Still in high school, he was a member of FC Tokyo U-18. As a promising player who was entrusted with the number 10 for the U-17 Japan national team, he was expected to make an early debut in the J1 league, but he was unable to even make it to the bench in league matches. He also struggled to be involved with the first team in overall training. Despite this, he chose to prioritize the top team instead of focusing on FC Tokyo U-18 in his daily life.
"At that time, if I said I didn't feel any indigestion, it would be a lie. But in my mind, I had decided that I wanted to compete in the top team. Last season, there was also the U-17 World Cup in autumn, and I had the goal of playing in the top team, so I think I was able to work hard every day."
Despite facing setbacks, Sato never gave up and continued to work hard with two goals in mind. As a result, he was able to secure a spot as a member of the regular team in the final practice match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima before the start of the 2024 season at the Miyazaki camp. In the 30th minute, he scored the second goal out of four, forming a fluid 2-top with Ryotaro ARAKI. The club's goal for the new season, "an attacking style of soccer that pushes forward while maintaining possession," was evident in that moment.
In the pre-season camp, a fluid front line without a center forward was tested. The opportunity to express the desire to be a positive force for the team has already arrived.
"While checking Araki's position and finding open spaces, we were able to play freely while looking at each other. It was really fun to do and I thought this kind of soccer is also possible."
A transformation that seems to have brought the culture of the academy, which holds the ball, to the top team that has not been able to break away from the base of solid defense and quick attack. The play involving the young number 23 gives off a fresh sprout-like feeling.
"By continuing to play soccer, I have been able to turn opportunities into something tangible. That is the strength of a 17-year-old who seized the chance with the resilience of "my own strengths". A strong-minded individual, who does not fit the image of a delicate genius, will elevate Tokyo to a new dimension."
text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
