Hikaru Naruoka, an 18-year-old high school soccer player, is a youngster flying under the radar who is hoping to get his chance to flourish at Shimizu S-Pulse, which is hovering dangerously near the bottom of the J. League table.
A youth player who has been given playing time at the senior level in 2020, Naruoka made his league debut in the YBC Levain Cup in August and patiently awaits his turn to get his name on the scoresheet.
"The best scenario is to think about what I can do for the team, then contribute to a win," he said.