The Japanese's role as shadow worker and ball sweeper has an impact on Molenbeek's game. It frees more creative players from part of their defensive tasks. Notably Jeff Reine-Adélaïde with whom he trains a very complementary duo at the heart of the Molenbeek game. “Shuto is someone who doesn't shy away from his efforts. He recovers the balls, he projects well, his recovery work is impressive and does me a lot of good”confirms the captain of the RWDM.
The former Lyonnais salutes the exemplary mentality of his teammate. “He is in the light and he deserves it because he works hard every day. He’s someone who never gives up.”
Shuto is a very happy person on a daily basis, and above all a very hard worker.
Even though Shuto Abe does not speak French and only knows a few notions of English, the duo manages to understand each other in midfield. “In football, we always manage to understand each other. And then Shuto makes your life easier. He is someone who is very happy every day, and above all very hardworking. He’s an example for everyone.”
Discretion and modesty above all
Since arriving in Belgium, Shuto Abe has not yet spoken to journalists. It must be said that the discreet Japanese does not yet master English well. Despite everything, we were able to meet him for an exchange full of discretion and modesty, just like him. “Before coming to Europe, I started learning English. I now study every day here and have improved a lot since I arrived,” he confirms.
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Although he had only known Japan in his life and his football career, at the age of 25, Shuto Abe decided to take the plunge towards Europe last July. Taken under his wing by Klaus upon his arrival, Shuto Abe has now acclimatized well to his new life in Belgium. “During the first three, four months, I stayed here alone because my wife did not have a visa to join me in Belgium. It was difficult living alone, having to cook for myself. Fortunately, today we live together.”
Trained at FC Tokyo, where he wore the colors of the first team during the previous four seasons, it was at Sugino Hyakuso SS that Shuto Abe started playing football. “A medium-sized clubhe specifies. From an average club, I then moved to a bigger club, FC Tokyo.”
Japan also has sports clubs at universities. This allowed him to combine football and high-level studies. “I joined the Meiji University club where I played football while studying political science and economics.”
Although he applied himself during his studies, football remained his passion. This is how he became a professional at FC Tokyo. With a first professional match that he will never forget. “We played against Vissel Kobe. That day, Andrés Iniesta scored the only goal of the game. he remembers.
After making his mark in the Japanese championship, winning the League Cup in 2021 with FC Tokyo, Shuto Abe made the big leap to Belgium. As did several of his compatriots before him. “There are a lot of Japanese players in Belgium. I already knew some of them, like Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and I have met quite a few others since my arrival. I also learned that Igor De Camargo, our T3, had played with Takayuki Suzuki.”
By joining the RWDM, Shuto Abe was not completely disoriented thanks to the presence of… Brazilian players. “There were quite a few Brazilians also at FC Tokyo. This reassured me and allowed me to adapt more quickly.”
Even though there have been many coaching changes at RWDM this season. “Four coaches in one season, that surprised me. In Japan, it was more stable”confides the one who always has a dream to realize. “I would love to play in the Champions League one day.”
