(9.6 Kanto ROOKIE LEAGUE A League Round 9, Maebashi Ikuei High School 1-2, Funabashi High School, Tokinosu Susono E1 Grand)
Nakamura Takanari (1st year, from Buddy Junior Youth Yokohama) from Maebashi Ikuei High School (Gunma) has been the top scorer in the A-League A-League 2025 Kanto ROOKIE LEAGUE. They faced Municipal Funabashi High School (Chiba) in the final match on the 6th, and scored the first goal in the second minute of the first half. He scored his ninth goal of the season, surpassing Yamazaki Yo, the second-ranked forward Yamanashi Gakuin High School, by one point.
Nakamura moves with a high degree of freedom in his position below the top. They aim for the opponent's back and get out at the right time, and get in touch with the chance. The final round goal was a response to midfielder Suzuki Yukisora's negative final pass, which broke through to the right. “When all the (opposing defenders) became ball watchers, they suddenly moved backwards and they became a lot of free time, so the ball came in well and all that was left was like we were able to match up.” In addition to his exquisite positioning, he also hits directly with his right foot. He thrusts a shot into the right corner of the goal.
Nakamura, who also shows off his skill in shooting, is active as a second striker, scoring two goals each against Shizuoka Gakuen High School, Teikyo High School (Tokyo) and Yamanashi Gakuin High School. “We couldn't decide in every match, but we were able to earn two points in home games and other things. We reached nine points, but I think it would have been good if we could score points in every match,” he said, not satisfied.
He must also carry the ball in the center to make a game, allowing him to more express Maebashi Ikuei's style. In addition, there was a scene in the match against Funabashi Municipality, where he couldn't get past the defender one-on-one after breaking out into the open side. “I would like to do a little more to get past the opponent, like one-on-one when they get to the sidelines a little.” In order to contribute to the team's victory even further, they must also improve their ability to break through.
However, he is a valuable top scorer. “Last year, Tateishi (Yamu) scored goals in almost every game, and was also a great MVP, so that was my goal…I couldn't get the MVP, but I'm happy I was able to get the top scorer.” Although he was unable to reach the double crown of MVP and top scorer after senior forward Tateishi Yomizuka (2nd year), he was honestly pleased to win the individual title.
The first-year leader will now be leading Maebashi Ikuei. In the match against Funabashi Municipality, they lost 1-2 after conceding two goals in the second half. After Nakamura's opening goal, midfielder Kato Rin caught the target, creating opportunities for additional points with midfielder Kimura Kaito's gameplay and midfielder Hadano Kei's rig, but the opponent's good defense prevented them from making the score so they were unable to make it. In addition, there have been more scenes where people kick the ball against opponents who have come out from the front, and there have been times when they concede goals due to mistakes. They were unable to compete to face their goals, and missed the chance to rise to third place in the playoffs of the U-16 national tournament, MIZUNOCHAMPIONSHIP.
Midfielder Kimura Kaito showed his ability to carry and develop
Midfielder Kato Rin has a sharp rigging and left-footed shot on the right side.
The team scored a league-high 25 points, but they had many challenges and finished in fourth place. He was unable to reach the U-16 national tournament and was unable to win consecutive titles in the Kanto ROOKIE LEAGUE A-League and MIZUNOCHAMPIONSHIP following his seniors. Nakamura vows to grow as a person, and declares, “I want to do my best to play Ikuei's soccer.” We aim to accept the results and grow greedyly as individuals and teams.
While he showed strength, he also had challenges. Individuals grow and win the title in two years
(Interview and text by Yoshida Taro)
