As the sun began to set, the MUFG Stadium echoed with fans still believing in the Reds' goal until the very end. When Trial final whistle blew with the score still 0-1, the 30-year-old with experience playing for the Japanese national team bit his lip. It was the match against Tokyo Verdy on March 14th. The mission of the substitute player, brought on to the front line at the start of the second half with his team trailing by one goal, was self-evident.

"First of all, I wanted to score a goal to get the score back, but I'm frustrated that I couldn't. For a forward, results are the most important thing. Even if it's a difficult Trial and I'm not allowed to do anything, I just need to score one goal. I want to focus on my goal and assist numbers."

Ado Onaiwu 's words revealed the pride of a striker. He scored a total of 31 goals in the French league, where he played for four seasons in total across the first and second divisions. Before joining on a permanent transfer, he didn't get many opportunities to play at 1. FC Magdeburg in the German second division, and was away from official matches for about six months, but his potential is real. He is also regaining his game sense, which he himself was concerned about. This was his third Trial since returning to his former club, the Reds, and he was calmly assessing his own condition.

"The team lost, so we didn't have what was expected of our attackers, but I feel I'm doing better personally than in the last match."

Looking beyond his goal-scoring duties, his performance against Tokyo Verdy was clearly different from the previous two Trial. He made good use of his strong physique, holding the ball firmly in the attacking third, while also demonstrating his characteristic mobility. He actively ran into the space behind the defense, calling for long passes from his own half. Kaito Yasui spoke of the effectiveness of this.

"In the second half, we were able to utilize the space behind the defense and push the opponent's line back. When that happens, even if we lose possession (in the opponent's half), we can defend from a higher position. Ado is physically strong, can hold up the ball up front, and also makes runs behind the defense."

In the 55th minute, he broke through on a through pass from Kenta Nemoto, evaded his opponent with a sharp turn, and aimed for the goal. Pernati's agility in the penalty area is reminiscent of his time in the French league when he was scoring goals in abundance. In the 89th minute, he drifted to the side to create an opportunity and generate chances. He has a strong core that allows him to remain unfazed even when challenged by opponents. While his powerful play is noticeable, what he himself is most concerned with is coordination with those around him.

"Every player has a different personality, so I'm more of the type to adapt to those around me. But if I can break through that barrier, I think I can disrupt the opponent's defensive balance. I hope I can do that."

He's not the type of player who breaks through defenses individually and scores goals one after another. The key is improving combinations that directly lead to goals. In the 54th minute, he reacted to a cross from Matheus Savio and almost created a scoring opportunity, but it fell just short. There is still room for improvement in that area.

"If we can improve the quality in the final attacking area and better communicate our vision with each other, we'll create more chances and more opportunities that lead to goals."

He is steadily adapting to his new environment. He makes sure to communicate with his teammates from daily practice. He pays attention not only to himself but also to the whole team. He acts by working backward from the team's victory and the Reds' success. That's why he proactively gives detailed advice to rookie Renji Hidano, who is competing with him for the same position. He explains things like the finer points of positioning in front of the goal with gestures and body language. The 22-year-old, who is going through trial and error in the unfamiliar role of lone striker, spoke with deep emotion.

"I'm really grateful that he teaches us by incorporating his own (Onaiwu's) experiences."

Even after hearing Hidano's words, Onaiwu's expression didn't change much. It was as if extending a helping hand to younger players was simply part of his job. He himself had struggled with similar issues when he was younger. He joined the Reds from JEF United Ichihara Chiba when he was only 21 years old. In 2017, he had very few opportunities to play, and only appeared in one league Trial. He watched the AFC Champions League victory from the sidelines and didn't feel like he had actually won the title. Nine years have passed since then, and his position has completely changed.

"I think it's very important for players to communicate with each other in the same position. If that's helping Renji, then that's great."

A 30-year-old in his 13th year as a professional, he intends to actively support the team not only with his individual statistics but also as a player with a wealth of experience. What he said at the press conference upon joining the team was not just empty words.

"I want to be the kind of player who can create a positive atmosphere during practice that motivates the younger players. I believe I can do that too."

The presence of the player wearing jersey number 45 is gradually increasing. He was already looking ahead to the match against Kashiwa Reysol on March 18th. The team will be using the same three-man defense system as in the match against Tokyo Verdy. He plans to talk with his teammates and find a way to overcome the challenge without feeling intimidated.

"There will definitely be open spaces. Next time we'll be playing at home, and we want to get three points in front of our fans and supporters."

His tone was calm and composed, yet his words carried conviction. Expectations for his first goal since transferring were rising. Twelve years ago, he scored his first professional goal in an official match for Kashiwa. It's certainly good luck to have good fortune.

(Interview and text by Masayuki Sugizono)