The main adjustment that Esperion makes is Takeshima for Rindou. Of course much like with Kuribayashi the move doesn’t make sense because you’re down 2 goals and now you’re subbing a forward for a centerback? The manga does an outstanding job of keeping you on your toes about what Esperion is doing.
One thing that is clear is that what Esperion is doing is taking advantage of both Ashito and Akutsu’s capabilities on offense. The fact that the goalkeeper for Barcelona was caught off guard was interesting. Kuribayashi’s position is a false nine. Essentially it is the lone striker that falls back. So more than likely his goal is catch the attention of Barcelona since Kuribayashi is Esperion’s biggest threat.
It also makes sense with 5 defensive backs that Ashito and Asari would move up when Esperion has the ball. Which leaves Ashito having an immense amount of freedom as the situation calls for it. The more interesting player is Akutsu who still be back on defnese. Akutsu being the finisher is quite the surprise, but we know his capabilities. What this strategy depends on most is Togashi and Takeshima. As Takeshima is a pure defender this is the situation that is ideal for him where his priority is to defend only. It’s a reminder in soccer that having a bench that has a versatile amount of options is a great thing to have.
The thing that makes this work the most is the fact that Barcelona is such a fundamental team. They are taught soccer in the core style. Everyone has their specific position. Having the playmaker Kuribayashi on support. Meanwhile Ashito and Akutsu have dynamic positions. Jump between both offense and defense as it desires. Ashito having so much freedom is just a bizarre thing for Barcelona. What Barcelona is going through is the equivalent of when someone’s routine that they been doing for 364 days of the year suddenly is dramaticcally altered in one day.
Ugly soccer, yet thanks to Ashito’s goal they tie it up. This raises to the style that Japan develops their players through soccer. They aren’t pushed like Barcelona, but they are out there. Barcelona’s approach of developing early makes sense, but it isn’t the absolute solution. Japan and their patient approach and finding their players later can grow. In Europe if you don’t present your talents at a young age you can be cast aside while in Japan you can continue to play soccer. The big difference is how Japan views soccer as more fun where Barcelona invests in their youth. For some players of Barcelona soccer becomes the only thing that they cling to and as a result players like Demian lose that enthusiasm.
With Akiyama stopping the penalty kick, all the momentum is on Esperion’s side. Curious how this propells them going forward.
