The theme of this match between Esperion and Funabashi is the difference between a collection of talent and a collective team. It’s curious to learn from Fukuda that Tripone wasn’t on his radar like the case was for Ashito or even Akutsu. In a realistic reality that even Esperion misses on talents.
Though Tripone and his brother Futahara faced a lot of adversity being half Japanese and half Black. Well this isn’t exactly something that is tied only Japan lots of bullying can occur from racism from around the world.
Where it’s fascinating is how it is tied to Tripone’s potential because Natsume is the one who saw the potential in Tripone. Essentially he has all the potential within himself with his ideal body. Now how can he make use of it? No doubt he didn’t trust his teammates because he figured he was like the ones who bullied his brother. A great moment when they assured him they are like them. It’s understandable why Tripone would be hesitant, but that’s when it all clicked for.
The adjustment they make to switch the positions of Tripone and Futahara is a brilliant one because now you force Tripone on Ashito and having Futahara on Kobayakawa doesn’t change much on his flank. The point of Tripone on Ashito is to exploit Ashito’s lack of technique. Now for most players Ashito’s lack of technique can be overcome with his eyes. However Tripone body and athletics are something exceptional. He possesses an athleticism tied more to professional play which is something Ashito has not seen. No surprise this starts the process that breaks Ashito because he was so close to figuring it all out, but now he is struggling.
In this match you really see the psychological aspect of soccer. Early on we see what the successful counter did to Esperion where their commitment to the 5-lane formation was less comittmal. For Ashito more specifically, he has been so consumed by soccer and it is a good showcase for a player like this what happens when they spiral down. Hana’s words are what stop me from giving literally everything to soccer and getting injured like Fukuda.
Still even then Ashito is so out of it he gets a red card. It is a giant blow for Esperion in this match especially when you consider they are down a goal. About losing a defender severely hurts, which also is why Nozomi mentions Taira isn’t who they should sub. No doubt if they lose the mental damage on Ashito will be enormous.
At the very least the two to keep an eye on are Akutsu and Kuribayashi. Akutsu who is fueled by passion is really pissed. But even more Kuribayashi’s play will be interesting because now he is more motivated than ever. Seeing a team as one collective unit is different then how Esperion operates. It will be interesting if they make a comeback with the odds stacked against them.
