He is a right-back who appears out of nowhere. For Seiya Maekawa of AZ Alkmaar, his ability to launch attacks from the flank is well-known, but his movement into central midfield positions has also become a key weapon. Now in his second season with the Dutch side, the Japanese defender has been plagued by persistent injuries, forcing him to spend long periods on the sidelines. During this difficult time, he revealed that he went through the most profound self-reflection of his life. “I’ve never thought about it so much in my life,” Maekawa confessed. Despite the setbacks, he refused to give up. “It would be a waste to end it here. The experience and growth I’ve gained through this suffering are irreplaceable,” he said. With his injury behind him, Maekawa is now determined to fight his way back into contention and prove his value on the pitch.
