The J.League's first division kicks off tonight with the season's opening match between Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Reds at Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Defending J.League champion Yokohama F Marinos showed plenty of attacking firepower during their Asian Champions League group game on Wednesday, and other contenders for the title have strengthened their lineups in the chase for the glory. The introduction of the video assistant referee system also will be a focus of attention this season, which will be played over 34 rounds and finish on Dec. 5, including a break to accommodate the Tokyo Olympics in July and August.
Marinos have set a target of continuing and refining their attacking brand of soccer. The team scored 68 goals in 34 games last season, and its chase for consecutive crowns will be powered by this offensive prowess. "We'll be confident and just play our own style of soccer," Marinos forward Teruhito Nakagawa said.
Despite being just 1.61 meters tall, Nakagawa's speed and dribbling skills produced plenty of goals and assists last season. Nakagawa was named the J.League's most valuable player and was the league's top-scorer with 15 goals, and he capped off a fine season by being chosen for the national team for the first time. This was a breakout year for 27-year-old Nakagawa, who returned to Marinos in 2018 after being loaned out twice and had previously not set the soccer world alight.
Nakagawa is aiming to score 23 goals this season – the number on the back of his shirt. While Nakagawa favors his right foot, he is planning to improve his left-foot skills.
Nakagawa's ability to burst forward on attack is well-documented. But to add more variety to his attacking game, Nakagawa is keen to boost the accuracy of his left-foot shooting after cutting infield from his regular, wider position on the right flank.
"I'm fully aware that opposition teams will be studying how I play," Nakagawa said. "I'll lift my game to stay ahead of them."
Nakagawa will start the J.League season in fine form, after he scored twice during Wednesday's Asian Champions League group game against Sydney FC of Australia. Nakagawa scored with a right-foot chip and then fired home a left-footed strike.
After a sparkling 2019, Nakagawa is determined to remain a key figure for Marinos this season.
"Last year won't be a one-off. I'll show that I can still play well," Nakagawa said.
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