No doubt Barcelona is putting the pressure on Esperion. It leads to the one score lead for them. It’s interesting that even the players in Barcelona are also proving themselves. Which makes sense they want to appeal to the senior team like Demian is. Kind fo raises the point when you play this sport you will always be giving your 100%. Of course Ethan remembers Fukuda in his playing days as someone who simply enjoyed playing soccer.
Fukuda being outspoken with the pep talk is precisely what they needed. Everyone knows Barcelona is the favorite and them getting a 1 goal lead should be within the expectations. The biggest thing for Esperion is keeping their heads up and pushing forward. This is something we don’t see from Fukuda normally, which more raises the point that this is precisely what Esperion needed.
It’s good to see for Ashito not getting raddled after getting beaten by Xhaka. Who from a physicality perspective reminds Ashito of Trepone. Smart of him to realize not to match im beat for beat. The trap from communicating with Akutsu was well done. It will be curious how the matchup between Xhaka vs Ashito continues into the 2nd half.
Takasugi being the switcher is an interesting call. Obviously the play is high risk and requires the defense to make the right adjustments. However if they can create a spot at the right time more so when Barcelona looks down they can create a great opportunity.
Esperion getting the goal was thanks to both Ashito and Rindou. The same thing both these guys have in common is execution. It’s curious to see this from Tsukishima since his coaching style is very fundamental and logical. No doubt he misses the it part of the sport that Nozomi and Fukuda easily understand. Not to mention if Nozomi leaves Esperion.
For both of them which leads to a goal from Kuribayashi is huge because for both Ashito and Rindou they can be seen as a diamond in the rough. Talent that is there, but isn’t apparent like Kuribayashi. But it is those types of players that a great one like Kuribayashi needs alongside him.
Very curious on the 2nd half goes. Ootomo subbing for Kuroda is clearly indicating for a more offensive plan. Curious what Fukuda is considering to go for. Kuribayashi gets his wish of Demian
