The position called the "guardian deity" is the last stronghold.The responsibility for conceding a goal is heavier than anyone else's precisely because they are standing there to defend the goal. I asked Vissel Kobe's uniform number 1 player, Daiya Maekawa, about how he confronts the pressure of competing under intense scrutiny. Preparation, unwavering belief, and teamwork. The presence of the goalkeeper, their efforts, bring the team together.

The goalkeeper is a solitary figure, positioned alone in front of the goal to defend their territory even during an attack. I had such an image in mind.

“I think it’s a misunderstanding,”

Daiya Maekawa looked straight ahead and spoke like that.

“Each goalkeeper may think differently, but I believe whether they feel lonely or not can change depending on their daily trust relationships and communication. While it is a position that takes the most responsibility for mistakes or points lost, there are times when teammates offer positive words when it was impossible to prevent. “I have been able to play while truly feeling that I am being supported.”

The goalkeeper wears a different colored uniform, is the only one allowed to use their hands on the field, and of course, their practice routine is different as well. Players in completely different situations not only need perfect play to communicate with other players and move toward the single goal of victory. In order for a team to unite, it is crucial to establish trust. Therefore, it is emphasized that communication in daily life and being trusted as a person are important.

“I always keep in mind that I am being watched, and strive to take the initiative in my actions. This includes talking with my teammates, as well as being mindful of small things such as daily tasks and actions in my personal life,”

The best thing is to be able to keep both mistakes and points lost to zero, but even if they occur, if there is a fact that you are trying hard and there is a trust relationship, you can cover each other as a team and move forward. Therefore, he says, “This is also part of the preparation for the match.”

Preparation, which Maekawa values the most. It can also serve as a shield to ward off pressure. It is said that there was a time when the magnitude of pressure and the voices of criticism were burdensome. In order to rise from that situation, it was necessary to be prepared enough to have confidence.

“I take pride in the fact that I’m so focused on both my practice and actions outside of practice that I believe I can beat anyone. Do it until you reach a point where you think, “If mistakes happen after all this effort, it can’t be helped”. By making the utmost preparations, you can eliminate the elements of anxiety and face the match, and I believe that preparing can also alleviate the pressure. Picking up litter that has fallen is also like that.”It may seem trivial, but I think it’s important to keep accumulating actions that make you feel okay because you’ve come this far,”

Through hard work and overcoming hardship, I have acquired the strength to “not be swayed by trivial matters”. What remained unchanged, however, was my individuality.

“Personally, I believe that a goalkeeper should be someone who is strong and dependable, much like a main pillar or cornerstone.”However, being able to talk casually, including about my private life, and being a trustworthy keeper suits my character. I want to move forward in my own way, towards the image of a goalkeeper that I have drawn.”I’m thinking about becoming the original keeper,”

An innocent smile and a gentle demeanor. The way one strives to enhance their “uniqueness” and become a one-of-a-kind existence is far more appealing than stretching oneself beyond their limits. That’s why, even in Vissel Kobe, where members with overwhelming individuality and achievements gather, it’s possible to blend into the circle without losing oneself.

TEXT: Chiharu Abe