Keita Endo’s Journey: From Yokohama F.Marinos to FC Tokyo and Beyond

Keita Endo, a new addition to FC Tokyo this season, made his J League debut against Sanfrecce Hiroshima after a three and a half-year absence from the league. The 26-year-old attacker, known for his sharp dribbling skills, previously played for Yokohama F. Marinos and helped them secure their first league title in 15 years in 2019. Following a stint in Bundesliga with 1.FC Union in Berlin, his loan spell at Braunschweig did not yield desired results due to injury setbacks, providing valuable learning experiences for the promising player.

In a recent interview, Keita Endo shared his frustrations after playing the full 70 minutes in the match against Hiroshima, ending in a draw for FC Tokyo. He expressed a desire to showcase more of his abilities and contribute more to scoring chances for the team. Despite feeling rusty in his characteristic dribbling due to previous positional changes in Germany, Endo is focused on improving his on-field performance to meet expectations.

Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Vissel Kobe, the J1 champions from the previous season, Endo emphasized the importance of securing a victory regardless of the opponent’s strength. He highlighted the need for improved coordination with his teammates, particularly with players like Araki and Kasumi Fu, to enhance the team’s overall performance.

Reflecting on his return to the J League after an extended absence, Endo acknowledged the solid defensive capabilities of opponents like Hiroshima’s three center backs. As FC Tokyo prepares for the challenging fixture against Kobe, Endo remains determined to elevate his gameplay and contribute effectively to secure positive results for the team.

With anticipation and high expectations surrounding his performance, Keita Endo aims to elevate his game to meet the standards set by his teammates and fans. As FC Tokyo gears up to face Vissel Kobe, Endo’s focus on enhancing the team’s left-side activation and fostering strong partnerships on the field is crucial for a successful outing in the upcoming match.