Ishida Yusuke: From University Dropout to J2 Star | Footballista

Iwaki FC, an emerging J-League club, is seeing remarkable growth. Young writer Kakizaki Yusei will be sharing this hot current situation where pride in “football that breathes the life of a soul” has grown players and clubs, and passionately involves the community.

The 9th episode features Ishida Yusuke, who has grown since last season into an indispensable figure in Iwaki’s soccer, led by manager Tamura Yuzo. How has the talent for commanders to say, “I want to raise them and make them first-class” blossomed?

The league has already finished the first half and is entering the second half.

Recently, Iwaki FC has been receiving a lot of cheerful talk, such as Ishiwata Nelson‘s selection for the Japan Under-20 national team and multiple goals in his most recent match.

On the other hand, although they were able to match the number of defenders before the season, they have been injured one after another, but they are lacking in stability. In addition, they have conceded goals in 18 consecutive games since the third round match against Tokushima Vortis, which has contributed to the slump. Even in interviews after the victory, players often talk about the “points conceded,” so the challenges are clear. If you overcome this challenge and continue to win, you will likely be able to see a path to escape from the lower ranks.

The commander said, “I want to raise him and make him first class.”

Looking at the individual, Ishida Yusuke stands out for his stability in his play and his high contributions.

Ishida, who is in his third year at Iwaki, has played in 19 games before the 20th round match against Catale Toyama. As a left stopper with a three-back, he has been an indispensable player for Tamura Soccer since last season. In a position where participation in the attack and strength in interpersonals are required, he made a big difference last year by showing his abilities to the fullest. His play has been visibly evolved and he has become a player with great growth.

Three years ago, Iwaki acquired Ishida from Gainare Tottori as soon as he was promoted to J2. Coach Tamura Yuzo, who was a GM at the time, said, “Tottori’s Ishida was a prominent figure in his reflections on the game and scouting. He has room for growth in his second year in professional life and is a highly capable player, so I want to develop him and make him first class.”

The center of the three-back and the right stopper change depending on the opponent and the situation, but Ishida has established a standing position as the left stopper. He holds the opponent early on with his speedy decisions and excellent situational judgments that were not seen in his first year. The strength of the interpersonal strength has been further refined this year, and we are dealing with players who have individual and powerful breakthroughs and speedy opponents without being able to resist. His skillfulness gives him an advantage through the tactics that only players can understand, and creates a situation that can be taken in conjunction with those around him. He also has the ability to pick opportunities with wide defensive range, positioning that narrows opponents’ options, and quick sprints.

“My goal is to create a situation where I can always prepare and respond. For example, it’s easier to do it if there are players on my side who can attack the ball with strong attacks, like Onishi Yusuke and Shibata Sousuke. Not only do they pick up the ball, they also narrow down the opponent’s options and create situations where it is easier to take, leading to the next development.”

Ishida’s ability to develop on the opposite foot is also a distinctive feature. His left foot kick, which is comparable to his right foot, was cultivated during his time as a Tokushima Vortis junior youth team. I was impressed by the idea of ​​Oshima Yasuaki (now FC Gifu manager), who was the manager at the time, to “become better at enjoying soccer,” and he spent more time devoted himself to soccer. He practiced his left foot with Mr. Oshima over an hour and a half before the start of practice, which was the cornerstone of his success as a professional.

“Soccer is a job, but I love it. I don’t want it if it’s not fun.”

Head coach Watanabe Takumi was a major player in his breakthrough last year.

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Kakizaki Yusei

Born on November 29, 1996. The soccer match was in the 2005 German World Cup final qualifying home match against North Korea. He was captivated by Daikoku Masashi, who scored the goal just before the end of the match, and became a supporter of Gamba Osaka, as he lived in Osaka at the time. Since 2022, he has been a reporter for the soccer newspaper El Gorasso Iwaki FC, and has been watching the growth of the great future players.