Alan Maeda with his eyes set on the U-17 title.

The Mexican national team player Alan Maeda is optimistic about the performance of the Santos Laguna U17 team in the Apertura 2017.

They aspire to the title and hope to add another victory this Sunday when they face Pachuca in Matchday 15.

The Santos defender, who was part of the Mexican National Football Team that participated in the U17 World Cup in India, is going through a good moment. He is motivated by that World Cup experience and now seeks to apply it with the team led by Omar Tapia.

"It's the best experience I have had so far, both football-wise and personally. You learn to look out for your teammates, to be there for them, to give them everything you can, to have internal competition, and that helps you grow," he said about his participation in the World Cup.

He had participation in the opening match against Iraq, an unforgettable experience, because "I felt very happy to wear the Mexican shield, since my dream was to play in the U17 World Cup. Beyond the result, the experience is unforgettable and the learning you take with you is very good."

Now he focuses fully on Santos: "Definitely, yes, I have to earn a spot in Santos Laguna, like every time I came back from a concentration, train hard to be in the starting eleven and at the team's disposal, whenever it is needed."

He pointed out that the team is solid, "going very well, with growing desire, with a coaching staff that supports the player at all times and has clear objectives."

About the reception he had upon his return from the World Cup, he said that he is increasingly surprised by the support he receives from teammates and the coaching staff in general, with a great affection, "they know that I am grateful for that."

He affirms that Santos Laguna U17 is destined for great things in the current tournament, "we train to achieve the goal of being champions, if we continue like this, there is no doubt that we can achieve it," he stated.

dcr