Sawada, Takeshi

沢田タケシ

Sawada serves as Hyuga's partner at Meiwa FC. He also trains under coach Kira, and despite his young age, he is highly talented. He holds Hyuga in the highest regard, doing his utmost to assist him when difficulties arise, though he does not hesitate to point out Hyuga's errors.
In Hyuga's absence from Meiwa, Sawada lost the national championship to Nitta. After Hyuga and Wakashimazu joined Toho Academy, Sawada followed suit, assuming a more significant role since Toho's coach, Kitazume, did not permit Hyuga to play. Striving to match Tsubasa as a scoring playmaker, he struggled against his former Meiwa teammates but ultimately defeated them with the crucial assistance of Sorimachi and Wakashimazu. Recognized as one of the tournament's top players, he was selected for the All Japan Jr. Youth team, despite his young age.
Upon entering high school, Sawada remained at Toho alongside Hyuga and Wakashimazu and was also chosen for the All Japan Youth team. He participated in the match against Uruguay during the World Youth tournament.
Sawada eventually turned professional by joining the Urawa Red Diamonds, playing alongside Igawa Hayato, Asia's best libero. He later became the captain and playmaker of the U-19 All Japan Youth team, leading them to the final match of the Asian preliminaries, where he learned to trust his teammates more, much like Tsubasa. He subsequently joined the U-22 Olympic team for the Asian preliminaries, where his playmaking skills proved valuable.