English Dub Review: Aoashi: “Where I Ought to Be”

Overview: Aoi (Ciaran Strange) struggles to adjust to his new position as a defender with him having more than a few growing pains and fights the urge to go with his instincts as a forward. 

Our Take: Where Aoi ought to be is not where he is with him unable to make heads or tails of his position as a fullback, not to mention absolutely hating it. One of the best aspects of Ashito’s journey, thus far, are all the different kinds of problems he has encountered as a forward. The series continues to build upon that foundation continuing to evolve with not only new trials but those within entirely different aspects of the sport, like in the case of defending with the shuffle technique. The feeling that there is always a new hurdle to overcome around every corner and a new corner to uncover at all times, especially considering Aoi hadn’t even come close to mastering his role as a forward, makes 

How Aoi’s problems morph into issues for his teammates, forcing them to change up their playing style because of him, echoes the multifaceted development of how they can go from bad to worse in a team sport. However, at least Aoi has his Ultra Instinct to help him out and keep the other team from getting the ball, showing he has the potential to improve. Takeshima set himself up as a strong likable character in being honest yet caring for Aoi’s improvement as a defender, giving him similar advice to Anri in watching Kobayashi. Anri gets a nice moment as well in showing how much she loves soccer and how she wants to earn her own way in coaching soccer, despite the clout her name brings. Anri, along with Togashi and Motoki, bringing up the prospect of Fukada grooming Aoi to be playmaker is an intriguing prospect, one that will be interesting in how it clashes with Ashito’s intense desire and goal of being a forward