Yōichi Kiriki, a technically gifted midfielder, combines precise ball control and tactical intelligence to dominate midfield battles. His ability to retain possession under pressure and execute flawless traps—even with his back turned or handling powerful passes—anchors his team’s rhythm. Specializing in rapid one-touch combinations and incisive dribbles, he dismantles defenses to create scoring opportunities, balancing offensive flair with disciplined playmaking. Rising through Esperion’s junior youth ranks to secure a senior youth starting spot, he chafes under the shadow of Haruhisa Kuribayashi, a prodigious teammate whose acclaim overshadows his contributions. This rivalry sharpens his resolve, driving him to hone his craft while battling self-doubt. Thrust into a captaincy role during a pivotal Tokyo Vans match amid key absences, he initially buckles under leadership pressures, contemplating selfish play. A heated exchange with Kuribayashi and coach Tatsuya Fukuda sparks introspection, redirecting his focus toward collaboration. Persistent efforts to unify his inexperienced squad culminate in a crucial assist to Yūma Motoki, after which he publicly acknowledges his earlier underestimation of the team’s potential. Beyond his on-field adaptability, he mentors rising talent like Ashito Aoi, guiding him through high-stakes scenarios while respecting his evolution. Injuries during the J-Youth Cup test his resilience, yet he persists, advocating to play through recovery against Aomori Seiran High. Off the pitch, he navigates emotional trials—supporting Taira Nakamura’s retirement decision and confronting Nagisa Akutsu’s disrespect toward Taira. His tactical versatility shines in executing Fukuda’s five-lane system, blending creative risk-taking with structural discipline to exploit opponent vulnerabilities.