|
|
The New Generation |
One could be forgiven for thinking they may have double vision if they were to look at Shinjuku's squad list.
Sakurai and Ohigashi are two names that have graced the list for many seasons now, but to see each name appear in both the Defence and Midfield sections might cause confusion.
Of course, Mutsuhito Sakurai and Yochi Ohigashi have been the engine of Shinjuku's squad for a long time. Even now in their mid-thirties, they have played almost every match in this season and the last.
The confusion stems from the two newest Academy graduates: Raidon Ohigashi and Osaka Sakurai. Yes, they are related: Uncles and nephews.
Osaka was only a newborn when seventeen year-old Mutsuhito made his first team debut. Eighteen seasons and 292 appearances later and Sakurai the Elder found himself lining up for the first leg of a cup tie alongside his nephew this past Thursday. Truth be told: If he's feeling old about that, he sure hasn't shown it in his performances.
For the Ohigashi family, though, this is the third member to grace the turf at Shinjuku Kouen.
Junichi Ohigashi is a bonafide 'Greatest 11' legend at Shinjuku, having made 268 appearances over eighteen seasons before retiring at 35, despite many arguing he still had the legs to continue. His little brother Yochi has a spot of his own in the Greatest 11 as well.
These are some big shoes to fill for young Raidon, having to live up to the reputation crafted by his two uncles. Only time will tell if we'll see a third Ohigashi name making that Greatest 11 lineup.
|
|
|
|