https://x.com/i/status/2063285022476709901
I thought I'd write in detail about why I said what I did. I'm writing this while my thoughts are still a bit disorganized, so I apologize if it's hard to read.
Current Standing
There is no doubt that he is an important asset for Kashima. He is quite versatile, capable of taking on defenders, connecting with crosses, drawing out passes, and holding up the ball with his back to the goal, and he has scoring ability. For a Kashima side where the core of the attack following Yuma and Leo hasn't been firmly established, he is a prime candidate for that role.
On the other hand, it cannot be denied that his play is quite inconsistent. The away match against Chiba is a good example. There was a scene where he scored after coming on as a substitute, but before that, there was a scene where he lost the ball after a careless move and received a public lecture from Yuma.
Personally, regardless of the way it was said, I think it might have been better that he was told directly and clearly in that moment. For an attacker coming on as a sub while leading, that's a play you absolutely must succeed at; if you fail, being blamed is unavoidable. Depending on the manager, a player who makes such plays might be judged as lacking judgment or being unreliable and might not be used at all. Aside from that scene, Morooka has been making those kinds of plays subtly here and there.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
Considering Morooka's standing at Kashima for the 2026/27 season from that perspective, I think he would be a part of the attacking force and a candidate for the starting lineup. However, at the same time, I don't think he would be an absolute regular like Leo or Yuma.
To become an absolute regular from his current state, he needs to either become a more reliable player with fewer ups and downs or a player with higher scoring ability and a higher success rate for challenging plays. Of course, there is a possibility that Morooka will become that. However, it is also a fact that he is not there yet.
When that happens, whether it's better to stay in a semi-regular position at Kashima or be a firm candidate for a mainstay at a transfer destination will depend on his own judgment. At Kashima, there will definitely be opportunities in the 2026/27 season with many matches, but if he goes to another club, he might be treated with more importance. That judgment isn't something others can dictate, and it would be difficult for Kashima to extremely raise only his treatment just to persuade him to stay.
Conclusion
Sadly, there will likely continue to be such offers for Kashima's valuable assets. In that context, as Kashima aims to improve its strength, there will undoubtedly be cases where they have no choice but to accept offers. Whether the result turns out to be good or bad is something we won't know until it's over.
Personally, rather than "I want to win with [specific player]," I want to win as the club Kashima Antlers, and winning is my greatest joy, so I don't intend to be picky about the means to achieve that.
