Why Isagi Yoichi Is a Better Captain Choice Than Oliver Aiku for Japan’s U-20 Team?

Blue Lock’s 7th arc has officially started after the Neo Egoist League ended with Chapter 302. That arc lasted 151 chapters, becoming the longest arc in Blue Lock so far. The new arc, the U-20 World Cup, started from Chapter 303 titled “Blue Lock Japan“. It confirmed that the World Cup will take place in Japan this time, thanks to the stronger relationship between the Japan Football Union and PIFA after the huge success of the Neo Egoist League. A total of 64 countries will be participating, including the nations of the New Generation World XI players.

After the NEL ended, Ego gave the selected 23 players a 14-day break. Each player received a personalized training task that matched their role and personality. Most of these assignments were not even related to football drills. They were designed to improve the players as individuals.

Formation and Roles Still Unknown

So far, Muneyuki Kaneshiro has not revealed the full formation of Japan’s U-20 team or what positions each of the 23 players will play. With only 11 spots on the field, team rotations will likely happen alot, but right now, everyone has this question on their mind: Who will be the captain of Japan’s U-20 team in Blue Lock?

Among the names being discussed by a lot of fans are Isagi, Rin, Karasu, and Oliver Aiku. However, in my personal opinion, it should be Isagi Yoichi.

Why Not Rin or Karasu?

Rin is a genius on the field, but judging from his cold and antisocial nature, he does not fit the role of a captain. Leadership is a skill that Rin lacks, and this skill is about lifting the team and communicating well. Rin does not check those boxes.

Karasu, on the other hand, is a great strategic player. He can read the opponent’s weak links and has proven himself many times, especially in the exhibition match against the old U-20 team and the Bastard Munchen vs PXG match. Karasu and Charles were able to stop Isagi and Kaiser’s link-up play, and that changed the flow of the game. But even with all that, Karasu does not have the right vibe to lead. He was never that close to the rest of the players in a way Isagi is, and while he did learn to work with others, he does not feel like the center of the team.

Oliver Aiku Has the Experience

Oliver Aiku was the former captain of Japan’s previous U-20 team, which Blue Lock defeated in the exhibition match. That loss led to Ego taking full control of the Japan Football Union. Out of that old team, only Aiku, Sendou, and Gen Fukaku were selected for the new World Cup squad.

In the new arc, we see Aiku reading books on sports management, which was part of his assignment from Ego. This started heavy speculation that he could be the captain again. Aiku has great leadership traits. Back in the U-20 arc, his spatial awareness and game-reading skills were the best among all the players on the field. He could read and analyze each player on the field.

Aiku has a strong background, knows how to organize the team, and can be a reliable leader. But there is someone else who fits better now, considering the current team.

Isagi Has Everything a Captain Needs

Isagi is the main character of Blue Lock, but beyond that, he has shown real growth. His analytical skills are now above Aiku and Karasu, but what makes him stand out is how he evolves every single match after realizing his shortcomings. More importantly, his presence lifts the entire team.

Back in Blue Lock Chapter 235, after Hiori took a selfish shot and failed, he felt completely useless and wanted to give up. But Isagi did not let that moment break the team. He was already planning the next move and told Hiori to try again. That moment was key. Isagi’s trust pushed Hiori to believe in himself. Eventually, that led to Hiori getting past Niko, Lorenzo, and Barou and giving the final pass for Isagi’s winning goal against Ubers in Chapter 238.

Even more, during the Bastard Munchen vs PXG match, Isagi accepted that he had a limit. Instead of giving up, he chose to team up with Kaiser, even though he hated him. That decision changed the game. Their chemical reaction affected both their own team and the opponents.

Isagi showed in this match that leadership is not always about shouting or dominating, sometimes it is about making hard choices for the team’s sake.

Why I Think Isagi is the Best Choice?

Aiku may have the experience and command, but Isagi has the influence, vision, and ability to connect the whole team. He pushes others to grow and evolve, sometimes even unintentionally, and he is always thinking about the bigger picture. Whether it is a teammate or an opponent, Isagi can change the flow of any match with how he plays and leads.

Muneyuki Kaneshiro is the author of Blue Lock, and the chapters are illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. Currently, there are 305 chapters and 33 Volumes released, and Blue Lock Chapter 306 titled “Hello” will be released on 10th June, 2025.

Related:

• Will Sae Itoshi Play for Japan in the U-20 World Cup in Blue Lock?
• Blue Lock Chapter 304 Reveals Isagi’s Dream Benefactor During His Visit Home