Gen Shoji

Gen Shōji (昌子 源) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club, Machida Zelvia.

A strong and physical centre–back defender, Shoji is capable of covering and positioning using speed as well as his considerable strength and intensity in one on one.

Born in Kobe, Japan, Shōji started playing football when he was two years old, starting out in a forward position.

His performance when he was in fourth grade playing against the sixth grade attracted attention from Fresca Kobe U12 (Hyogo Prefecture), who signed him.

He joined Gamba Osaka Junior Youth during middle school and then Yonago Kita High School.

While at Yonago Kita High School, Shoji switched to playing in the centre–back position, a position he played today.

At first, Shoji was unhappy with the team's decision to switch him into the centre–back position, but over time, he accepted playing in the position.

It was announced on 30 September 2010 that Shoji would be joining Kashima Antlers from 1 January 2011.

Ahead of the 2011 season, Shoji was registered to the Kashima Antlers’ first team in January.

He spoke about his expectations at his new club, saying: "In 2011, I want to work hard without losing, so that the directors and supporters can recognize me. I want to try out what I can do. I want to do my best to help my team."

He first appeared in the first team for Kashima Antlers as an unused substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the AFC Champions League.

From that moment on, Shoji spent months on the substitute bench, due to Daiki Iwamasa, Takeshi Aoki and Masahiko Inoha.

It wasn't until on 12 October 2011 when he made his Kashima Antlers debut, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 win against University of Tsukuba in the second round of the J. League Cup.

A month later on 16 November 2011 against Kataller Toyama, Shoji made another appearance for the side, playing 62 minutes, in a 2–1 win.

At the end of the 2011 season, Shoji made two appearances for the side.

In the 2012 season, Shoji continued to remain on the substitute bench, as Iwamasa and Aoki were the first choice centre–backs.

It wasn't until on 24 March 2012 when he made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute, in a 2–0 loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

A month later, Shoji made his first start of the season, playing in the centre–back position, as he helped Kashima Antlers beat Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J.League group stage.

Over the season, Shoji then played in different positions, such as, defensive midfield, left–back and right–back, but most of them were substitute.

It wasn't until on 8 September 2012 when he scored his first Kashima Antlers’ goal, in a 7–1 win against University of Tsukuba in the second round of the Emperor's Cup.

Two months later on 3 November 2012, Shoji started in the left–back position for the J.League Cup Final against Shimizu S-Pulse and played 83 minutes before being substituted, as Kashima Antlers won 2–1, his first title of his career.

After the match, Manager Jorginho evaluated his performance.

At the end of the 2012 season, he went on to make eighteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

In the 2013 season, Shoji made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute, in a 3–2 win against Vegalta Sendai on 9 March 2013.

However, his first team opportunities was limited, due to competitions from Iwamasa, Aoki and new signing, Takanori Maeno.

Despite this, Shoji made his first league start, starting the whole game, in a 3–2 win against FC Tokyo on 25 May 2013.

By June, he suffered a meniscus damage while training and was sidelined for four months, eventually ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Despite this, Shoji went on to make five appearances for the side at the end of the 2013 season.

In the 2014 season, Shoji returned to the starting line-up against Ventforet Kofu in the opening game of the season and scored from a header, in a 4–0 win.

This was followed up by helping the side keep two clean sheets in the next two matches.

His contribution to the first team helped the side finish at the top of the table.

However, as the season progressed, the club's place at the top of the table soon slipped.

By September, Shoji scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Omiya Ardija on 13 September 2014.

This was followed by keeping three clean sheets in the next three matches.

The 2014 season proved to be Shoji's breakthrough to the Kashima Anthlers’ first team, and cemented his place in the centre–back position.

At the end of the season, he went on to make forty appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

In the 2015 season, Shoji made his AFC Champions League debut, starting the whole game, as Kashima Anthlers lost 1–0 against Western Sydney Wanderers.

However, he fractured his hand and was sidelined for weeks.

It wasn't until on 22 March 2015 when Shoji returned to the starting line-up, starting the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against Nagoya Grampus.

Since returning to the first team, he continued to regain his first team place for the side.