I was browsing through MangaPlus this morning, looking for interesting manga to read from my to-read list. I felt like reading something sports-related, so I decided on Catenaccio.
The photos I'm using on this post are screenshots from MangaPlus.
Catenaccio by Morimoto Daisuke is serialized in Young Jump. It's an ongoing series with 62 chapters so far and I finished all of them today. I just couldn't stop reading it! Anyway, let me tell you what it's about.
The story centers on Araki Yatarou. He's a member of the Tojo High School soccer team. He's someone people may describe as a person with some loose screws. He's a soccer and his life revolves around it. He dreams of becoming the best soccer player in the world by conquering the European football scene.
There's a slight problem, though... he's just not talented at all. He is aware and accepts how untalented he is, so he's multiplying his effort in practicing. He's given a final chance by his dad to prove himself during the nationals. In order to achieve his dream of reaching the top, he's willing to play dirty.
It didn't go unnoticed. A scout from an Italian team offered him a contract despite his lack of talent. He saw something in Araki that would not only help him achieve his dream but also make a change in the current soccer world.
I like Araki's character. He's not a genius, but I won't say he's talentless. It's just not the typical talent that some athlete has, but his hunger is gigantic. He's effin' serious about what he wants to do.
I've read and watched a lot of soccer anime and manga in the past, but I must say, this one shows a huge potential. It's like a combination of Ao Ashi and Giant Killing.
Ao Ashi because Araki (Catenaccio's MC) reminds me of Akutsu (the main team's Center Back) alongside Ashito. (By the way, it's getting more and more exciting these days... the last few chapters were amazing, they made me forget how to breathe!) As for the Giant Killing reference, I like how the coaches and management are involved in the story. The strategies they used were so fun and exciting especially when the players tried to execute them. I guess the art style is also similar to Giant Killing.
To be honest, this is the kind of soccer manga I like. I do enjoy reading something like Blue Lock, but a more realistic soccer is my vibe. Since there are only 62 chapters so far, the story and the characters are still being built up. However, you can already see developments. The games are also really exciting. Although Araki is still working his way up, his progression is so addicting to witness.
I just love smart characters who are also capable of being greedy. He's truly a soccer maniac! I can't wait to witness what's in store for him in the future.
Gosh! I need more sports manga and anime like this!!!
I'll end my post here. Thanks for reading and see you around! (^^,)/