Vissel Kobe, in their pursuit of consecutive J.LEAGUE championships, have been pushing for further strengthening of their players.Not only the players who have been members since last year and those who have transferred from other clubs, but also the rookies who will make their debut as new J.LEAGUE players are all greatly anticipated. Kakeru Yamauchi, who joined this season after going through Vissel Kobe Academy and Tsukuba University, made his debut in the fifth game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.In the 8th section match against FC Machida Zelvia, they also marked their first goal.We asked Yamauchi who bears the future of the team, about his growth since joining and his thoughts for his juniors and children at the academy.

——You have been a member of Vissel Kobe since 2024, do you feel the strength of the team?

I believe the quality of play required, be it in a match or practice, is high.That comes not only from the manager and coaches, but also from teammates.If you can’t keep up with high-quality play, you won’t be able to play in the games for this team.I feel such a high level of intensity every day.

——What do you think is your own unique style of play?

It’s simple, but it’s about receiving the ball and creating an offensive rhythm with passes and dribbles.I play in a position known as volante or inside half, also referred to as a midfielder. I stand between the forward and defender lines, creating the flow of the game and specializing in plays that lead to scoring.

——​​Are there any players who have strongly influenced you?

I receive positive influence from various players, but particularly from Yuya Osako.When I scored my first goal in J1 at the match against  FC Machida Zelvia,  Osako told me, “I believe you’ll be nervous, but the important thing is to do it with no regrets.”Because of that advice, I was able to actively challenge myself during the match.From the perspective of Osako, it might have been a casual remark, but for me, it was very significant.It was a special moment, with many blessings from the people around me.

——​I believe the depth of Vissel Kobe’s player roster is among the best in the league.What kind of improvements and growth do you think are necessary for you to participate more in matches within such a team?

It’s difficult to narrow down to just one skill.Indeed, we need to consistently improve overall and increase the options for possible plays.I believe it’s important to demonstrate high-quality play from the practice sessions.As for myself, I don’t feel like I’m making a significant contribution within the team yet, so I want to keep pushing forward with all my might every day.

——Looking back, how do you feel about your time at the Vissel Kobe Academy?

I had been a member since my junior high school days, and it truly was an environment where I could hone my skills.I was able to meet irreplaceable friends and seeing the figure of a familiar rival made me think, “Since they’re also working hard, I have to work even harder.”

——​​After that, you went on to Tsukuba University. How was your four years in university?

I was able to grow significantly as a soccer player and as a person.It’s a bit embarrassing, but before I went to university, I was somewhat arrogant and couldn’t respond properly.After entering Tsukuba University, I was able to meet with respected teachers and seniors. This made me realize that I could not remain as I was, and I was able to change.I believe that the person I am now is because of those four years.

——​​Was there any interaction with Tetsushi Yamakawa, the vice-captain who also graduated from the academy, went on to Tsukuba University, and then joined Vissel Kobe, ever since the old days?

One of the reasons I chose Tsukuba University is undoubtedly the presence of Yamakawa.Since I enrolled in the university the year he graduated, we did not play together at that time. However, when I went to observe while I was a high school senior, he talked to me about life at the university and in Tsukuba.Even after joining Vissel Kobe, he asked “How’s Tsukuba University these days?” He was really concerned about me and truly helped me out.

——The success of academy graduates is a great source of hope for the juniors who are there now.Do you ever feel the need to work hard in order to pave the way for them?

First, I want to excel in the games and become a player who can be taken as a goal.I would be happy if more children aspire to join the academy or Vissel Kobe in the future after watching my play.I feel the same way, but if more academy graduates become the core of the team, it should be possible to create a good situation for the club.

——Rakuten Group has the slogan ‘Powered by Sports. Playing for All’. What is the ‘better future’ that Yamauchi envisions?

First, I want to succeed at Vissel Kobe, and eventually, I have a desire to play at a higher level, carrying the flag of Japan at overseas clubs.Furthermore, rather than just living as a soccer player, I want to be a player who can strive for others, so that I can bring joy to the fans through my play.

——Please give a message to children who aspire to become professional soccer players in the future.

In today’s era, we are inundated with entertainment content such as smartphones, social media, and games, and the number of places where we can play sports is also decreasing.However, if you aim to become a professional soccer player, I still want you to spend a lot of time facing soccer.If not, you cannot reach a higher level.Even when I look at the players around Vissel Kobe, I feel that there are talented individuals who have made tremendous efforts to finally stand at the top in Japan.If you seriously want to improve as a soccer player, you must play soccer a lot.That sums it up.

Although he made a spectacular debut as a rookie, Yamauchi is not satisfied with the current situation.It might be a manifestation of the commitment to carry the future of Vissel Kobe and the Japanese soccer world.In order to stand out in a club where top-class players gather, there are still many hurdles that need to be overcome.However, in the near future, he is expected to become a key player leading the offensive line of Vissel Kobe.For the sake of the juniors at the academy, I want to see you shine on the pitch a lot.

INTERVIEW: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
TEXT: Kodai Wada