Hartjes stands tall after injury setback: 'I've missed too much'

Hartjes has returned to action at Excelsior after two ACL surgeries derailed his development as a former Feyenoord prospect.

Lennard Hartjes, 23, is finally establishing himself as a regular Eredivisie player at Excelsior after two anterior cruciate ligament operations severely disrupted his career trajectory. The midfielder, who came through Feyenoord's academy, has spent only one year playing over the last three years due to his injuries.

"I haven't had the luck other boys have had," Hartjes said, reflecting on the setbacks. "It's gone on far too long, much too long." Despite his frustration at the lost time, he is pleased to be back and contributing meaningfully to Excelsior's midfield. "I can and want to do much better," he added, expressing confidence in his recovery and future prospects despite the pain of the years missed to injury.