Blue Lock (21)

Blue lock, one of the best soccer manga which later turned into an anime. The story centers around a world where soccer is extremely competitive in Japan. Our main character Isagi, a young prodigy who has the ability to see the whole field while playing. The anime starts off where Isagi is given the decision to pass the ball or shoot in a game that determines if his team is playing nationals. Isagi has a 50% of making it when shooting so he decides to pass the ball, unfortunately, his teammate misses which causes the defeat of his team. Afterwards, Issagi cries and asks himself why he chose to pass.

The following day, Issagi is invited to a special camp, Blue Lock. Blue Lock is a special camp where the most talented and strongest soccer players come together and train in hope to create an amazing soccer team for Japan, and lead them to victory in the world cup. Issagi is ranked as one of the worst players and instantly feels determined to improve. Despite each player being one of the best and is extremely individually skilled, their teamwork is shambles and nobody can agree on anything. Their sole objective is to compete against each other and become the best striker in the world, and the majority of them don’t feel the need to make friends. Fortually, Issagi becomes the glue through the team, and as team leader, his team strives in the ranking.

As the story progresses, the intense rivalry and competition between the players become a driving force to improve. Rivals work as a catalyst to improve and they learn to overcome their personal demons through developing new techniques and despite their humongous skill limit between the best striker and them; their skills develop quickly and watchers see how their efforts are not futile.

The anime explorers themes of ambition, teamwork, sacrifice, and the true meaning of talent. I definitely recommend watching this anime as it’s not only enjoyable, It also enhances and improves your mindset of soccer.