Next, we got the A team’s match-up against Kashiwa up next. What is really apparent is how this Esperion team is a well-oiled machine. Even when Taira got injured, they still more than held up their own. Of course, at halftime, a sub would be needed. It’s interesting to see the moment Kuroda and Togashi hear how much of a disappointment they are; we see Fukuda putting Ashito as Taira’s replacement. It really feels that Ashito is getting closer to Yuuma’s level than the rest of the teammates he had on the B team.
Fukuda putting Ashito is not a doubt wanting to prioritize growth. After all, no player will be around forever. For Ashito getting reps in live action at this level is huge. Everyone will start at some point; the real question is if this is the best position for Ashito to succeed.
No surprise that Kashiwa is targeting Ashito because it is clear he doesn’t match up to the rest of his teammates. Of course, Ashito is bound to have his struggles. His teammates more so just want him to defend. In fact, the thing that pisses Fukuda the most isn’t Ashito’s struggles because it would be silly for him not to expect that from Ashito. But Akutsu’s lack of communication with instructions. It purely comes from Akutsu still looking down on Ashito. He has high confidence in himself, and he is, undoubtedly, an outstanding player. Soccer is a team game; if you look down on your teammates, it can only spell trouble no matter how good you are.
It appears that both Fukuda and Kuribayashi are on the same page about Ashito’s current capabilities. He just needs to receive Akutsu’s instructions. While it is understandable for him to want to know why the instructions are what they are. At this point, him getting playing time without putting the team in a hole is more important.
As we recall the triangle back when Ashito was playing for the B team. Though that was communication for an attack. A similar concept here is where it is like the triangle, but it’s more like an L. Obviously, the point is applying pressure and making the opposition feel congested with a lack of options. Truthfully, this is a core element of Ashito’s game that needs to improve because if he wants to play defense, it has to be his priority at the moment. He already knows how important communication is; now he just needs to get used to the premier level of his new teammates. At the same time, Ashito can make his own adjustments. So it’s good to see him finding his own groove.
Kuribayashi does make his entrance, and it’s interesting then being inspired by his play but feeling intimidated by it. Shows the difference between watching Kuribayashi on the team versus playing alongside him. It will take time for Ashito, but he does make one great play in the direct pass to Kuribayashi. Essentially, the vision that they both share is quite scary if Ashito figures it out more.
It’s clear that Fukuda really wants to flesh out Ashito’s intuition. As the long direct pass was an example of it. Now how can Ashito apply his intuition to defense? That will be the real challenge going forward.
