Nishimoto's presence as a middle blocker
The four middle blockers were given equal playing time.
On the first day, Onodera and Larry played in the first two sets, and Nishimoto and Sato played in the last two sets. On the second day, the pairings changed for each set.
In the Nations League final round, Onodera and Sato, who are both over two meters tall, were in the starting lineup, but it was Nishimoto who made the biggest impression throughout the two days of the match against Bulgaria.
His quick shots after long hang times were decisive, and he scored two goals with blocks on the first day. And his post-match actions were great, haha. He's still small at 189cm, so it might be difficult for him to be in the starting lineup, but I think he's an essential part of the team as a game changer and mood maker.
On the first day, Sato made his presence felt with his attacks and blocks, and on the second day, Larry made his presence felt with his attacks and blocks. Onodera made a little less impactful than the other three players.
However, the quality of his play (passing, etc.) that doesn't show up in the numbers was impressive, as expected from Onodera. On the other hand, his handling of Sato's short serves was a bit scary.
There is still a possibility that one of the middle blockers will be dropped from the 14-man World Volleyball Team, so they will be desperate to make an impression in the next match against Italy.
Outside hitters are survivalists, Kai is one step ahead
Along with the middle blockers, there is a possibility that the outside hitters will be dropped from the team.
However, I don't think Ishikawa and Takahashi will be left out, so there is a possibility that the remaining Kai, Otsuka, and Tomita will be dropped from the team.
Among them, Kai seems to be one step ahead in making it onto the bench.
Above all, he is two meters tall, something that other outside hitters don't have, and on the second day of the match against Bulgaria, he made attacks with a high success rate, making him one of the key players in the comeback victory.He has also shown steady improvement by not collapsing in his weak point, serve reception.
That leaves Otsuka and Tomita, but while Otsuka had the opportunity to play one full set on the first day and two full sets on the second day, Tomita only played the final set on the first day and was otherwise used as a relief server and defensive replacement.
Both players are well-balanced offensively and defensively, and are likely to be considered as third outside hitters when starters Ishikawa and Takahashi fall apart, but considering their height and international experience with the national team and clubs to date, I personally think Otsuka has a slight lead.
Opposite Nishiyama was also good
Miyaura-san will undoubtedly be the starting opposite, but Nishiyama, the reserve, was also very good. Especially on the second day, his twin cannon with Kai was unbeatable. His serve is good and his blocks are high. Amazing.
Attention also on the players selected and tactics used in the match against Italy
The next match (warm-up match) against Italy will be the final test for selecting members and deciding on the starting lineup for the World Volleyball Championships. Italy is a team several levels higher than Bulgaria, so each player will be put to an even greater test against this team.
Keep an eye on manager Tille's tactics.
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Photo: Volleyball World
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