Takuhiro Nakai, a player who joined the prestigious Spanish soccer team, Real Madrid's youth academy, at the age of 10.While he has caught attention as a prodigy, being selected for the Japanese representative team across different generations, he has not been fortunate with playing opportunities in recent years, and has even experienced being loaned out to other teams this season.Struggling every day.To prevail in fierce competition.What kind of future might he be envisioning now, having turned 20 in 2023?

As an attacking midfielder, known as an “inside half”, the player creates opportunities and performs crucial tasks in front of the goal.During defense, be aware of the distance with your teammates while looking for opportunities to steal the ball.The position where Nakai plays is glamorous, but it is characterized by the difficulty of being required to contribute to both offense and defense.Although the individual expresses a desire to become an attractive player, they also understand that this alone is not enough.Even while being repelled by walls too high, my gaze was directed towards the pinnacle of the world.

――We’re halfway through the 2023-24 season. Looking back so far, could you tell us about your growth and the challenges you’ve faced?

Firstly, what I feel is improving is the posture of my body when I play.I am currently training with Mr. Tetsuo Nakanishi, a former J.League player who is now also a commentator, and the main point he coached me on was my posture during play.If the position of your neck is bad, it can lead to fatigue and a drop in performance.Since correcting that, the quality of my play has improved and injuries have also decreased.My movements have become quicker and breathing has become easier.On the other hand, the challenge is decisiveness.I want to shoot well without straining, but I end up tensing up in front of the goal.If you can’t overcome this challenge, it will be difficult to excel at the top of La Liga (Spanish League).Returning to basics, we will continue to practice shooting in front of the goal.

―― Nakai, you have been playing in Spain for a long time. Is there any player who has particularly impressed you?

These are the players of Real Madrid, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.He’s a globally recognized player that everyone knows, but now he’s in the same position as me.He is indeed an exemplary player to look up to.The accuracy of passes, flexibility of traps, high precision of shots, off-the-ball movements, and abundant physical activity.It is world-class in every respect.Furthermore, Jude Bellingham, who joined the England team this year, is also amazing.He scores in almost every match and is already the central figure in the team.Since we are the same age, I am extremely inspired.I also want to become such an “attractive player”.

――Are there any Japanese athletes you are particularly interested in?

As expected, it’s Takefusa Kubo. He is a senior who went to Spain earlier, and is a top player who consistently delivers results.I occasionally get in touch and always watch the games where Takefusa Kubo is playing.Although our positions are different, I want to learn from your decisiveness and shooting accuracy.

――Do you ever notice any differences between the soccer cultures of Japan and Spain?

I came to Spain when I was 10 years old, so I actually don’t know much about Japanese soccer.However, I believe that the environment for playing soccer is more fulfilling in Spain.The practice field with natural turf and training equipment are well-prepared, allowing for soccer to be played from early childhood in such an environment.For children around 10 years old, while Japan plays 8-a-side Soccer, Spain plays with 11 players.There are factors such as physical growth to consider, so both have their pros and cons, but I feel it’s an environment where you can enhance your understanding of tactics from a young age.

――Apart from soccer, do you learn anything else from living in Spain?

The most important thing is language. At first, it was a struggle, but the people in Spain are incredibly kind, and everyone helped me.I feel blessed by my surroundings.Then, there is the importance of a siesta (a midday break or nap).Taking adequate rest is indispensable for physical growth and recovery from fatigue, and it can help maintain good health.When there are games or practices in the afternoon, taking a siesta can enhance performance.It has blended into my daily rhythm to that extent.

――For Nakai, what does Soccer mean to you?

Simply put, it’s a sport I like.You would want to eat your favorite food every day, wouldn’t you?Just like that, I want to do my favorite sport every day and never get tired of it.I can keep playing because I love it.It’s simply just that.I don’t watch other sports much, so I’m not sure, but there are various types of players in soccer.Players who are fast runners, players who have technique, players who are good at passing, players who have a large physique…When such players gather, the game changes dramatically in just a few minutes, making the match more interesting.I believe that’s the charm of soccer.

――Please tell us about your future goals.

First of all, I want to play in La Liga’s first division.I am not satisfied with my performance up to this point, and while it’s difficult to stand out immediately, I still feel like I am growing.When the opportunity comes, we must not let it slip away.And eventually, I want to excel in the UCL (UEFA Champions League).Of course, I want to participate in the World Cup as well, but as long as I’m in a wonderful club like Real Madrid, I have a strong desire to perform in the UCL, which is the world’s top tournament.

――What do you think it takes to secure a regular spot in a team like Real Madrid?

It is to continue daily practice.I believe it is important to continue and accumulate things that may look the same every day, such as trainings, practices, and care that need to be done.I believe my strength lies in trapping (first control), and I am confident that it is applicable even among top teams.While leveraging such strengths, I want to overcome my weaknesses.

I love Soccer, that’s why I keep playing. From his words, such genuine feelings were conveyed.The performance of this season is still not satisfactory.Even so, I feel like I’m able to grow.The rest is whether or not you can seize the opportunity.Preparations are in place to stand shoulder to shoulder with star athletes on the world’s highest stage.

INTERVIEW&TEXT:Kodai Wada
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
PHOTO: Taijun Hiramoto