J-League - FC Tokyo 2025/26 Analysis

In this article, I look at some data-driven decisions FC Tokyo could choose to make on the back of a rollercoaster season (2024/25) in which they finished 7th.

Posession Problems

FC Tokyo seemed to win most of the games they had less than 60% possession in, in 2024. Every match which featured a 60% or more possession, FC Tokyo either saw a loss or draw.

This is solid statistic proof that FC Tokyo play better attacking on breaks, whilst letting their opponents build up, leading to eventual destruction of play.

Curiously, both times against Kawasaki, FC Tokyo failed to make use of their so-called possession warp - losing to them 3-0 both home and away.

Formation Fumbles

While FC Tokyo maintained their use of a fluid 4-3-3, they were also easily beaten by a 4-3-3 - employed by a good few J-League teams on occasions.

The use of the 3-4-3 system on the opening day has given Tokyo a narrow win over Yokohama FC, perhaps setting up for a season where they will utilise such a controlling midfield and supporting fullbacks.

Seems like a switch back to the ever so trustworthy 4-3-3 will be imminent in emergencies.

Players' Performance

With the departure of two of their best performers last season - Diego Oliveira (6 G/A) Ryotaro "Taro" Araki (11 G/A) - they will more than likely have less of a focal point in a new-look attack.

Ryotaro was more than just a centrepiece in the attack - but the absolute heart and engine. 13 big chances came from the young star, resulting in four assists. He topped the charts in both goals and assists for Tokyo.

Tokyo can perhaps shift from their usual fluid counter-attacking style into something more steadfast which suits players like Takahiro Koh and Kei Koizumi who like a peak pass percentage (47.6 and 45.6 accurate passes per 90 respectively).

Araki's Apprentice

With the addition of Kento Hashimoto, who is a centre-midfielder, they have stabilized the squad depth. But without a hotshot replacement for Araki, all eyes will now be on 20-year-old Kota Tawaratsumida, who has already notched an assist on matchday one.

Giving Kota more game time this season around in the heart of the midfield could pay off to be a colossal decision, as last season the youngster displayed flashes of brilliance, racking up 3.33 xG in the chances given.

His 57.4% dribble success is also another stat to be built on, better compared to Ryotaro Araki's 45% last season.

The young attacking midfielder, who was Araki's understudy last season, could provide the much needed fire going forward for FC Tokyo.