The team's improved ball possession and increased playing time in the opponent's half have made it more noticeable. It's not just about making counter-attacks; they're creating numerical superiority on the flanks and getting more opportunities to receive passes in good positions. Towards the end of this season, the crosses coming from number 4 have been particularly eye-catching. Hirokazu Ishihara 's kicking accuracy has become even more refined. While his assist count remains at "1," it's fair to say that his accuracy is even better than last season. Striker Hiiro Komori, who receives the passes, speaks with a sense of satisfaction.

"The crosses are of good quality and give me a sense of anticipation. The timing is also good. I want to work on that more. They're really good balls, so all I have to do is finish them off."

He checks the situation of his teammates entering the penalty area and skillfully kicks the ball to both the near and far sides. He has complete control over the quality, speed, and height of his passes. Of course, this wasn't something he acquired overnight.

"Compared to before, I've been able to practice kicking crosses more. Last year was a tough season, so I couldn't stay and practice much. I think simply being able to practice is contributing to my improved feeling."

In addition to his stamina to keep moving up and down the field until the very end, and his sprinting ability, his varied crosses have now become one of his weapons. When he first joined the Reds in 2023, he humbly said, "I'll just do what I can," but the range of his play has steadily expanded.

His calm decision-making during build-up play is also impressive. Even when circulating the ball with a backline of three—two center backs and a right back—he participates in the build-up while maintaining an excellent position. He adapts thoughtfully even when the build-up method changes due to the adoption of a variable system.

"First, we focus on breaking through the opponent's first line (forward line). If we can break them down there, they'll have no choice but to drop back immediately. Compared to when we're passing the ball around with four players in the back line, there are more angles, so we have more passing options. That means we have to be careful not to make the wrong choice."

He sometimes plays diagonal passes from deep positions to the defensive midfielders, and other times he drives the ball straight into the forwards. He communicates with the center backs and makes accurate judgments. Passing isn't the only way to evade the opponent's press. He uses well-timed feints and dribbles the ball inward to increase his options. He has a wide variety of options. In the second leg of the playoff round Fagiano Okayama, his build-up play will likely be one of the keys. In the first leg, which Ishihara watched from the bench, there were many early vertical passes, which avoided risks in their own half, but it meant they had less time on the ball. To take control of the game, build-up play is one area that needs improvement. It seems he saw a lot from observing from the sidelines. He was already visualizing the next match.

"Each player is conscious of disrupting their balance (during attacks) to make it harder for the opponent to catch them. If we line up five players in a neat formation at the front, it's exactly what the opponent wants."

There are endless ways to improve things. Under manager Tatsuya Tanaka, it seems that this is already being shared among the players during training. Opinions were being actively exchanged on the training ground, and loud voices could be heard even during game-style drills.

"If you take a good look at the situation, I think it will be easy to peel off. I think you shouldn't overthink it."

The score of the first match was 1-1. It was by no means a bad result. Ishihara, a fierce competitor, was showing his fighting spirit as he headed into the final game of MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE.

"I hear some pessimistic voices from outside, but I want to play Trial that will prove them wrong. We will win at home."
　
His words were spoken with passion and conviction. This man, who has built his career through sheer grit, often says, "It's all about feeling." He intends to fight at Saitama Stadium on June 6th, showcasing his strengths to the fullest.

(Interview and text by Masayuki Sugizono)