【BLUE LOCK】Episode 31 Impressions

The follow-up to last week’s episodes shows the power of players who actually know how to play defense; this is a start contrast to the Blue Lock XI who specialize within offensive pushing since it’s a team made ONLY of those who ambitions lies as Strikers.

I think this episode was amazing at showing how the other team tends to operate, seeing as they are defense-oriented. One of the things that is a constant within Blue Lock is showing how players compare to each other, and how individual skills can either be amazingly strong or countered dependent upon the player. A good example is how Kenya Yukimiya is ranked #5 in Blue Lock, able to even beat the #1 ranked Itoshi Rin in a one-versus-one, but was able to be hard stopped by a Japan U-20 Defender. Playing into the strengths and weaknesses of the player, as well as who they can excel against is key to winning. Also, I am glad that even players who are clearly regarded as a cut-above others must still utilize teamwork to be effective; showing that individual skill and team synergy must both exist to be regarded as a great player (which is probably why both teams rejected Shindou).

The biggest takeaway from this episode is that this game will not be as easy as either side believed. Blue Lock believed that they could possibly easily break through early with an all Striker team by catching the Japan U-20 off balance with their “Attack from anywhere” style of gameplay. Japan U-20 probably figured a team of all Strikers was too goal-oriented and possibly lacked defensive skills to properly thwart their plans when put on the back foot. So far, so good. Game is an even 1-1 with both sides showing their weapons. I look forward to the next episode!