His play conveyed a strong determination to lead the team.

In the 11th matchday, played at Kashima Antlers' home ground, I was so impressed by Ado Onaiwu 's play just 30 seconds after kickoff that I couldn't help but jump out of my seat.

He relentlessly pressured the opposing center-back as he played a through pass to the defensive midfielder, using his body to steal the ball. Turning forward, he dribbled forward and unleashed a shot with his right foot without hesitation.

"The distance (between me and the opponent) wasn't that far, and it looked like I had a little bit of space, so I thought I could get the ball and went for it. I could see other players nearby, but the distance (to the goal) wasn't that far, so I aimed for a shot. I also thought that being proactive and aiming for goals from positions like that is something the team needs to do."

His aggressive approach of pressing forward to win the ball back, combined with his fearless attitude towards scoring, demonstrated his determination to change the team's slump and lead the team himself.

On February 23rd, it was announced that he would be joining the club on a permanent transfer from 1. FC Magdeburg in Germany, and he made his debut as a substitute in the fourth match against Kashima in the same period.

After making his first start in the 7th match against Kashiwa Reysol, he has continued to start in five consecutive Trial since then, steadily increasing his playing time, which is evidence that his physical condition has improved.

"Personally, I was given the opportunity to join Urawa Reds during the season, and I've always been thinking about what I could do to contribute to the team, especially since things weren't going well for them. I've played in more Trial, I've been able to communicate with various players, and I feel that my physical condition has improved."

There are many tasks assigned to him as he leads the front line. As demonstrated by the press he showed in the first 30 seconds of the Kashima match, in defense he continuously puts pressure on the opposing defenders as the first defender, embodying the high press that is one of the team's benchmarks.

In attack, he initiates plays with his back to the goal, driving the team forward. His ability to play with his back to the defender brings new options to the team's attack.

Along with his improved physical condition, his agility has also been honed. In the attacking third, which manager Maciej Skorza calls "Zone 3," he has created numerous scoring opportunities through intricate passing with his teammates.

The play he showed in the 15th minute of the match against Tokyo Verdy in the 10th round is a perfect example of this. He received a throw-in on the right side with his back to the opposing defender, then received a return pass from Takuro Kaneko and forced his way through the center. He wasn't able to get a shot off, but he tenaciously stuck his leg out, trying to turn the situation into a chance.

He has played eight Trial since joining the team. While he has fulfilled many tasks, he feels a strong sense of self-reproach for not having produced results as a striker.

"As a forward, I'm frustrated that I haven't been able to contribute with goals for a long time. I don't feel like my performance is bad at all, but since it's a position that directly impacts the team's results, I feel a sense of responsibility. That's why, even though Renji (Hidano) is scoring goals right now, as a player in the same position, I don't want to lose to him. I think it's good for the team when many players can score goals, and I feel that I need to be at the center of that, so that's what I'm asking of myself the most right now."

When a striker scores a goal, the team gains momentum, and the fans and supporters get excited. He knows the feeling of the stadium becoming heated up when he scores a goal.

"Honestly, I don't really care where I score a goal, but I think there's a different kind of joy in scoring a goal at home. My greatest happiness would be to score a goal, make the people who came to Saitama Stadium happy, and have everyone go home feeling good, so I hope to be able to show that to them soon."

The first of three consecutive home games is against Yokohama F･Marinos, his former club. Although he only played there for two seasons, he considers it "a club that helped me grow significantly" and "a place where I was given the opportunity to challenge myself in Europe."

I recall November 14, 2020, the 27th matchday of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, when I played for Yokohama F･Marinos against Urawa Urawa Reds.

"Trial against Urawa Reds at Nissan Stadium was really fun. At that time, there were still players I played with at Urawa Reds, including Makino (Tomoaki) and Hashioka (Daiki), so it was refreshing to play against them. And what's more, Yokohama F･Marinos managed to win."

"Therefore," he continued.

"Now, as a Urawa Reds player, I want to do the opposite. I definitely don't want to lose to the players I played with back then. Playing at home is definitely an advantage. I've said this many times (since joining), but Saitama Stadium is special. I want to win there and carry that momentum into the next Trial. I want us to perform well at home and show the fans and supporters who always support us what it's like for Urawa Reds to win at home."

During the 2017 season, when he was with Urawa Reds, he heard much of the support from the stands. Now that he can hear it on the pitch, he feels its power. In order to reciprocate that support, Ado Onaiwu aims for victory. And he understands better than anyone that he needs to score goals to achieve that.

(Interview and text by Daisuke Harada)