On February 7, 2024, ahead of the J.LEAGUE kickoff, a preseason match was held between Vissel Kobe and Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.In a match that dragged on to a penalty shootout, the standout performance was from Shota Arai, the newly joined goalkeeper from JEF United Ichihara Chiba.Lionel Messi's scoring opportunity was saved, and two kicks were stopped in the penalty shootout.As the oldest player joining the team this season, what kind of contribution is he envisioning?We had a discussion about the outlook in retrospect of the Intel Miami battle.

——You joined Vissel Kobe from this season, and the full-scale match against Inter Miami was your first. What kind of feelings did you have when you stepped onto the pitch?

From the camp in Okinawa, firstly, adapting to the team was a major theme, and it was a good opportunity to be able to play practically. I participated with a focus on coordination with my teammates and checking my own condition.

——Despite the presence of world-class players in the opposing team, you performed exceptionally well, including stopping Messi’s decisive shot. What were you thinking about during the match?

I approached the match with a certain degree of imagination, considering what kind of tactics and plays the opponent would make. However, I was surprised at how the atmosphere of the stadium changed when Messi came on partway through the game. Of course, the stands are getting excited, but the color of the eyes of the opposing players on the pitch also change. The switch turns on all at once. A game changer that completely alters the course of a match is exactly the kind of player I felt in my bones. And indeed, what was impressive was each and every play. Even if you predict such movements, they might suddenly start a completely different play, or appear out of nowhere from a place you hadn’t even thought of. Even if you know they’re going to dribble, you can’t stop it. Being able to block a shot from such a superstar boosts my confidence.

——You did a great job in the PK battle. What was your mindset approaching this?

Honestly, “Alright!”I thought so. There’s no scene where a goalkeeper can shine as much as in a penalty kick, so let’s enjoy it to the fullest. Since it was our first match against them, we couldn’t conduct a detailed analysis. However, by observing their line of sight, movements as they go into their shooting motion, and speed, we were able to somewhat predict the direction of their kicks. I believe it led to a penalty kick stop because they were also able to match the rhythm of the opponent.

——Looking back since joining Vissel Kobe this season, how do you feel about the team?

The ability of each player is very high. In terms of attack, it has the power to break through situations with individual strength, and it is not so easy to allow breakthroughs on the defensive side either. At the core of it lies the high quality of practice. The level of play required from practice is high. The impression is that the team is getting stronger as the players naturally grow, because they cannot participate in the game unless they reach that level. And it’s important that this is not something instructed by the manager, but rather, it’s the players demanding a high level from each other. I used to belong to Kawasaki Frontale, and the attitudes of the players are very similar. Coming to this team, I was able to reaffirm that such an attitude is most important.

——Being the oldest member of the team, what kind of role do you think is expected of you?

Although I’m a new member, I have years of experience competing in the J.LEAGUE, so I want to raise the team’s spirits by using my voice effectively. No matter how strong a team is, there will always be difficult moments during the season. When that happens, I want to be a team that can communicate with each other the loudest, and keep looking forward. I think it’s just right if my teammates think “You’re noisy” (laughs). In fact, it’s important to raise your voice during a match. Not only coordination with allies, but also “Take good care of your space!”When shouts like “Go for it!” are heard, the opposing players brace themselves. By doing so, it can also lead to slowing down the other party’s movements. The role of a goalkeeper is not just about making saves, and I believe that my loud voice is also one of my strengths, so I want to support the team from the very back of the pitch.

——Please share the secret to continually excel in the front lines of J.LEAGUE.

Over the past two or three years, I’ve become able to detect minor physical discomforts. “I’ve gotten used to sensing things like ‘the movement here is a bit poor” or “somehow it’s different from usual”, and by carefully massaging that area or regularly icing it, I’ve become able to prevent injuries before they happen. I believe I’ve been able to continue at this age because I’ve been able to consistently accumulate practice.

——Do you have any advice for children to prevent injuries?

Stretching is incredibly important, and it’s desired to keep the body flexible. When I was in my third year of junior high school, I went to a selection event for a certain high school. I noticed that the students around me were incredibly flexible. When I asked, they told me they spent time stretching every day. So, thinking, “This can’t go on like this,” I started doing it every day too. Unlike other positions, a goalkeeper uses their entire body to play, so they must take good care of themselves up to their fingertips. Stretching is something anyone can do, regardless of age or gender. I hope you can start practicing this from today.

——What kind of future does Arai want to create through soccer?

I would be happy if I could become someone who is regarded as everyone’s goal. I believe that it’s a very important experience in life for children to have dreams and goals, and to work hard towards them. I have a son myself, and I always play with the intention of setting an example for him. If even one more child sees me playing soccer and thinks, “I will do my best too,” it would be the greatest joy for me.

——Please tell us about the appeal of the goalkeeper position.

In Japan, field players are still more popular, but in Germany, for example, there are many children who want to become goalkeepers. In modern soccer, there are many scenes where the goalkeeper comes out to handle the ball, or supplies long balls to the front line, taking on the role of a field player as well. The scope of your activities is steadily expanding. Then, like in the Inter Miami match, if it comes to a penalty shootout, it becomes the goalkeeper’s time to shine. It may not usually stand out, but it always appears as the last bastion in crucial moments. I believe that when a big save is made, it has as much value as when a forward scores a point. I certainly hope you take up the challenge.

— Please tell us your goals for this season.

First, I want to ensure that I can consistently participate in matches, appeal from practice, and maintain my condition. Of course, there is a formidable rival in Maekawa, but I want to highlight my strengths so as not to lose. I would be happy to become a member of the winning team on top of that.

Arai, who also had the experience of winning in the league and cup competitions during his time at Kawasaki Frontale. When the team is struggling, when we must face forward, his voice echoes across the pitch. Given that player Arai understands what makes a strong team, there is no doubt that he will further enhance the team strength of Vissel Kobe.

INTERVIEW : Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Hiromi Okubo