This is the top record in the J1 League. Takuro Kaneko, who wears the number 7 jersey this season, has already reached "4" assists as of the 6th matchday. He has already caught up to the number he would have achieved in the 2025 season. His crosses from the right wing have been outstanding since the opening match Gamba Osaka. The way he set up Hiiro Komori 's goal has now become one of the Reds' valuable goal variations. He cuts back with his right foot and delivers the ball with his favored left foot, which lands perfectly on his teammate's head. In the 5th match against Avispa Fukuoka, he set up Matheus Savio 's goal using almost the same pattern. While the accuracy of his kicks is eye-catching, that is not the only reason why his assist count is rising.

"I don't think my kicking accuracy has changed. Compared to last season, there are a lot more players getting into the box, so it's easier to connect with them."

Looking back at the six league Trial, the number of players entering the penalty area has increased. At least three players, including the lone striker, are present, and sometimes five players, including wingers, defensive midfielders, and fullbacks, are swarming the goal. Kaneko, who is responsible for delivering the crosses, says he doesn't always have a specific target in mind.

"Sometimes I aim for a specific player, but basically I'm just kicking crosses into dangerous zones. It's a pattern I've always been good at. I think that's the most effective way to score goals right now."

The goalscorers who have received his assists are all different: Komori, Ryoma Watanabe, Matheus Savio, and Ado Onaiwu. With so many options, the opponents will have trouble focusing on one of them. He doesn't just use his favored left foot to deliver crosses; in the match against Fukuoka, he also scored a goal from a cross with his right foot. If his feints are anticipated, he breaks through vertically to change the situation. The Reds' greatest chance creator is not someone who can be easily stopped. He's been cutting inside and shooting with his left foot less often lately, but that's also a wise choice.

"These days, every team has two players marking me, so I try to make good decisions and not get lazy. If two players come after me, I can easily brush them off and leave the other players free."

However, he also has a strong desire to score goals. He has proven his scoring ability in the J1 League. In 2023, he played in 21 Trial for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, scoring a career-high 8 goals. He has made a strong impact with his powerful left-footed shots, but that's not all he's doing now. His performance in the opening match, where he scored his first goal of the season with a passionate and spectacular diving header, is still fresh in our memories. It's a style he himself is conscious of.

"With Mr. Cho in charge, that's what's been said. From now on, I'll just trust my teammates' crosses and move into the middle."

In the match against Kashima Antlers, he played as one of the two attacking midfielders, threatening the goal from the center as well. He actively makes runs from the second line, showing his ability to exploit the space behind the defense. His long-range shots, where he calls for a pass between the opponent's backline and midfield and turns around, are also a threat. His speed and power are undeniable. He has countless tricks up his sleeve. He's not content with just assists. He's also aiming for a 'double-double' of 10 goals and 10 assists.

"While we will be mindful of individual results, our top priority is to make a solid contribution to the team."

His 178cm tall, imposing back seems to grow bigger with each Trial. His new jersey number has also become quite familiar to him. The veteran who wore the number 7 for so long at the Reds is now part of the team staff. He moves briskly around the training ground, where the signs of autumn are in the air. Under the watchful eye of coach Tsukasa Umezaki, the left-footed player, who is becoming a key player, was diligently practicing his shooting until the very end, in preparation for the match against Fagiano Okayama on September 13th. This season may be a year of great progress for him at the Reds.

(Interview and text by Masayuki Sugizono)