Blue Lock Season 2 aired its final episode, concluding the intense battle between the Blue Lock XI and Japan’s U-20 representatives. While the first season was a massive hit, even pulling non-sports anime fans back into the genre. Unfortunately, the second season had a different reception. Fans aren’t too happy with the second season’s animation. Some even went as far as calling it a presentation. While that is mostly true, the match-up between Blue Lock XI and the Japanese U-20 team had some badass moments.
The first part of Season 2 covered Blue Lock’s selection process for the Blue Lock XI. As such, the list will not entirely consist of moments during Blue Lock’s global debut.
Reo awakening his Chameleon playstyle
Blue Lock players aren’t necessarily strangers to constantly evolving and fighting for the right to stay within the spartan training facility. But with the possibility of competing against Japan’s official team, they had to work harder to prove themselves. They duked it out in the hopes of becoming part of Blue Lock’s starting lineup against Japan’s U-20 team.
Arguably the best moment during the tryouts is Reo’s awakening of a new playstyle — the Chameleon. By analyzing other players, he can copy their movements and even techniques. During the tryouts, he copied Yukimiya’s Gyro Shot, proving himself to be a valuable striker. However, this new playstyle shined the brightest not during the tryouts but during the match itself. By copying the U-20 defenders, Reo managed to put a stop to their fiercest attacks on his own.
Shidou being shipped to the U-20 team
Blue Lock isn’t necessarily famed for its realist take on soccer, but Season 2 certainly took it up a notch with how Shidou went to the Japanese U-20 team. Instead of simply going by car, walking, or even via plane, Shidou was treated like some high-class criminal. He was not simply muzzled, he was even put in a straitjacket and strapped on a trolley.
Shidou certainly is Blue Lock’s rowdiest player, and he did show he would assault others standing in his way. Even so, treating him like some rabid dog is certainly over the top, though it does leave a lasting impression.
Sae scoring the first goal
Itoshi Sae was introduced as a genius soccer player, and he proved it right off the bat. He was the first to score a goal during the match, and that was without any help from the U-20 team. In addition, he scored in a very tricky position.
But since it happened during the start of the match, the players barely warmed up yet. There wasn’t much real opposition to his goal, so the goal wasn’t as spectacular as the succeeding ones.
Rin’s response to Sae’s goal
The reason Rin is so adamant about becoming the best striker is to chase after his big brother and gain his acknowledgment. As such, it’s only proper he follows his brother’s goal. Nah, the real reason is his goal is just a bit above Sae’s.
Just like his brother, Rin executed a very impressive goal. He made the ball curve by hitting it using the outside of his foot. Much more impressive is the fact that he made such a move right in front of Oliver Aiku, who was known for his almost impenetrable defensive skills. In addition, this maneuver was what made Aiku reconsider his opinion on Blue Lock and made him step up his game.
Shidou scoring his first goal
While Shidou is very unruly off the field, he is a true menace inside. The moment he entered the match, he kicked off his explosive performance. He gave his rivals and companions at Blue Lock a hard time, while also quickly syncing up with Sae.
Naturally, the members of Blue Lock XI wouldn’t let Shidou run free. Niko did a good job putting a leash on Shidou at first, but the Devil wasn’t one to be stopped easily. After all, they had to put a straitjacket on him. After a few missed attempts, Sae proved his superior passing skills by sending a pass that was barely beyond Chigiri’s reach. It was then up to Shidou to unleash his devil wings and finish the job, which he spectacularly did.
Barou’s selfish playstyle
The Blue Lock facility is known for creating egoistic strikers, and Shoei Barou is a prime example of that. He might not have successfully made it to the Blue Lock XI roster, but he was one heck of a substitute. The moment he entered the field, all he cared about was chasing after and devouring Isagi. He bided his time and struck every time Isagi let his guard down.
However, it was this very same tactic that equalized the score to 3-3. By simply setting his sights on Isagi, Barou managed to find the perfect moment to snatch the ball while Isagi and Aiku were fighting for it. Since U-20’s captain was focused on Isagi, Barou managed to move around, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.
Nagi’s introduction of himself to the world
What equalized Sae’s game-starting goal wasn’t Rin’s response; it was Nagi’s introductory goal. The fan-favorite trap master did what he does best, instantly killing a stray ball. But instead of simply passing it along or clearing it, he used a lift tap to bring the ball into a better position. He then followed up with a jumping turn, which ultimately ended with his wonderful goal.
Even though Nagi seemed like a nonchalant character, he didn’t miss the chance to introduce himself to the world after that goal.
Shidou’s devilish second goal
If Shidou’s first goal was explosive, his next one was downright devilish. Coordinating with Sae once again, Shidou pulled off an impossible bicycle kick that seemed more like a work of art than a soccer move. The trajectory of the ball left everyone completely helpless. It was a goal that showcased his raw talent and frightening athleticism.
This goal cemented Shidou as one of the most dangerous players in the match and proved why he was an invaluable striker despite his unruly nature.
Isagi’s game-winning goal
Throughout the match, Isagi struggled to make his presence felt amidst the overwhelming talent of players like Sae, Shidou, and Rin. But true to his character, Isagi used his superior spatial awareness and Rin obsession to read the game’s flow and predict the perfect opportunity to strike.
In the final minutes and with the score tied, Isagi intercepted a crucial pass and sealed the victory for Blue Lock XI with a stunning direct shot. While it’s supposed to be the highlight of the season, it fell a tad short as the build-up wasn’t there. The anime omitted Isagi’s thinking moments and evolution, making it seem like he simply appeared out of nowhere. However, it was still a spectacular goal and deserves a high ranking.
The Itoshi brothers’ duel
The true highlight of Blue Lock Season 2 is the face-off between Itoshi Sae and Itoshi Rin. For one, it had the most fluid animation in the season. The other is that their duel was very intense.
The brothers’ contrasting philosophies and personal grudges played out not just in words but in every move they made on the field. Sae, with his superior skill and composure, was a force to be reckoned with, embodying the pinnacle of technical prowess. On the other hand, Rin’s raw determination and obsession proved he was a formidable foe in his own right. It’s just that the match-up ultimately ended up with Isagi stealing the limelight.
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