Player Miyashiro, who joined from Kawasaki Frontale, has been leading the team by covering multiple positions during the early part of this season, which has been plagued by numerous injuries.Having completed 16 league matches, the team's top scorer has marked 7 goals (tied for 3rd in the league) and has been showing remarkable performance.Despite being a young 24 years old, he has established a solid position on the front line of Vissel Kobe, which boasts one of the top attacking forces in Japan.In addition to exploring the factors that enabled quick adaptation to the team, we asked about his inner thoughts, including his vision for the future as a member of Vissel Kobe.

——What do you think are the factors that allowed you to make an immediate impact, despite being a new member?

Throughout my career, I’ve transferred several times and have come to intuitively understand how to quickly fit into a team.While it’s essential to understand the characteristics and tactics of your teammates, it’s also important to express your own strengths.Particularly, my high shooting accuracy and ability to break behind the opponent’s defense are my strengths. Therefore, I strive to demonstrate these skills solidly in my practice to gain the trust of my teammates.

——When you were part of other teams, how did you perceive the strength of Vissel Kobe?

As an opponent to compete against, they left an impression as a “troublesome team” in a good sense.Even when strategies are set up to negate the strengths of Vissel Kobe, they would persistently attack without rushing, and even if they are leading the game, I felt that they are a team that fights tenaciously until the end.Even after actually joining the team, such a mindset is ingrained in the players.I believe that because we usually practice with a high level of intensity and tension, we are able to replicate that during games.

——What was your reason for choosing Vissel Kobe as your new destination?

There are several factors, but I had a strong desire to genuinely immerse myself and learn from such a powerful team, wondering what kind of mindset they have towards soccer.Another reason is that there are many experienced players, and I felt that if I could absorb the skills and attitudes they have towards soccer, I could grow to a higher level myself.

——Speaking of Miyashiro, their “Domain Expansion” goal performance has been a topic of discussion, hasn’t it?

It’s delightful to see our supporters, especially children, imitating us.This started as a project on YouTube, but it seems like we’ve become accustomed to it before we realized. So, I think we’ll continue this for a while (laughs).

——What do you think is necessary to create more opportunities for children to engage with Soccer?

“I often hear that ‘the places where you can play soccer are decreasing”,but I think whether to break through this situation depends on ‘oneself’. Soccer can be played anywhere with just one ball.As long as there’s a wall, you can practice passes and shots, and for juggling, you don’t need to worry about the location.Rather, practicing with ingenuity within limited conditions can lead to growth.I hope that children will continue to hold the sentiment of “loving soccer”.

——Did you have any players you looked up to when you were a child?

Although I didn’t have a player I’ve been supporting for a long time, the DVD I got when I was in elementary school was a compilation of the 2006-07 UEFA Champions League season.At that time, AC Milan was in its heyday, with legendary players like Inzaghi as a forward, Kaká and Pirlo as midfielders, and Maldini and Nesta as defenders.Among them, Kaká’s play is particularly impressive, as he leaves defenders in the dust with his incredibly fast dribbles.I’ve watched it so many times, it’s as if the DVD is going to wear out (laughs).However, his physical abilities were so high that it was difficult to use him as a reference.

——When facing off against larger defenders, is there anything in particular that you keep in mind?

So far, there has not been a defender I’ve faced that made me feel “I absolutely cannot compete against them”.This is because they are always devising ways to use their bodies and the timing to receive the ball.By adjusting the way I distribute my weight and timing my starts, I can compensate for any lack of power or speed. This gives me the confidence that I can hold my own against any opponent.There are many teammates who are good at such plays, so I think it would be great if I could incorporate that into my own style while learning from them.

——What are your current goals?

As a team, we aim to win the title, and individually, we have set a goal of achieving double-digit scores from before the start of the season, so we want to accomplish that first.There are many highly skilled players in the same position, so I believe that if I work hard not to lose to them, I should naturally be able to contribute to the team, and it would also lead to my own growth.Considering that I’m in my first year of transfer, I believe it’s important to not overthink, but to simply focus on doing my job well.

——Lastly, what kind of player do you aspire to be at Vissel Kobe?

I want to become a player who can change the flow when the team is struggling.For instance, during a tough game, my single play could change the atmosphere of the stadium, or score a crucial point in an important match where we cannot afford to lose, drawing victory closer.I would like to continue to assert my presence.

This season, which aims for consecutive J.LEAGUE victories and the Asian Champions League (ACL) championship, the integration of new players like Miyashiro is key. He, who is enhancing the team’s offensive power, is undoubtedly an indispensable presence.As the heat intensifies and fatigue from the season begins to accumulate, the upcoming period will likely be a total war involving veterans, mid-career players, and rookies alike.As Vissel Kobe approaches a critical stage in our pursuit of the championship, Miyashiro is expected to make some spectacular goals and lead Vissel to victory.

TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Masato Tamura
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)