F.C.Tokyo are in the midst of their most successful stretch in club history, finishing in the top half of the table in each of the last four seasons. That includes a second place finish in 2019 and the J.League YBC Levain Cup crown in 2020. Can the capital club keep it going in 2023?

Last season

After failing to score in their first two matches of the season, F.C.Tokyo won three straight to shoot up the table and take a place in the top half that they would not relinquish at any point the rest of the season.

Albert Puig brought solidity to the team in his first season at the helm and leaned upon Adaílton, who was excellent with 12 goals to lead the club to another fine season.

Goal for 2023

There’s no reason F.C.Tokyo can’t keep their run of top half finishes going. They bring back a lot of the team that finished in sixth place last season and matching that is very much in the cards for 2023. Toss in a deep cup run or two and there’s a lot of reason to be optimistic that the best run Ajinomoto Stadium has witnessed continues.

What to watch for

Puig knows how to build a side that is organized and reliable. That goes a very long way and puts a very high floor on the team. Adaílton and Diego Oliveira give the team a pair of nice players up front too. The question is whether there is another level to this team.

Kei Koizumi has been brought in to add another good player to the team, so he can help the team go a step further, but the key might be Kuryu Matsuki. The teenager is a terrific talent and has the ability to grow into the outright star that FCT have been yearning for. If he is as good as the club hopes, watch out.