Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 57's

RSCA Youth Academy officials follow the game closely from the technical area. They are restricted to the part marked close to the touchline, where only substitutes and officials sit during the game.

The academy has sent three coaches, one medical officer, and an administrative assistant to Riga. They all have a special role to fulfill in the team.

Sebastian Rijkard is the coach responsible for the physical fitness of the players. He also secretly doubles as a scout to spy on the tactics of other participants.

He soon realized when Riga's team closed the way to pass to Nero by overloading him with two guard players. Although the stunt left their flank short of one attacking player, it looked like a fair exchange for them as it left Nero tired faster than usual.

"Don't you think we should tell Nero to relax a little?" He suggested, turn to look at Coach Marcel. "We shouldn't give the other teams a chance to go after him before we go through to the knockout stages. I'm also worried about his stamina because we'll also play the day after tomorrow."

Coach Marcel kept his sights fixed on the game, which had just restarted, half-smiling. "Do you really believe we can hide it after this match? Let it go." He shook his head as if he had just remembered something. "You know; I checked the results of his agility training after the Christmas break. The increase was beyond my expectations."

"His running speed has increased once again?" Coach Sebastian asked, without hiding the shock in his voice.

"Yes. And far enough. His fifty-meter run was now continuously descending between 6 and 7 seconds. If he keeps improving at this level, we could have one of the fastest players in the league before next year." Coach Marcel paused for a moment, returning his attention to the game.

RSCA Youth Academy just won the ball and counter-attacked again. It looks like conceding two goals has sealed the fate of JFC Riga.

Isaac received the ball in midfield and passed it to Kierst Donovan, the right wingback of the RSCA Youth Academy. Kierst controlled it like an expert and advanced through the right wing, darting towards the halfway line. One of Riga's academy wingbacks ran to intercept him; however, he quickly passed the ball back to Isaac who ran in tune with him through midfield.

Isaac received the ball and kicked it to the left wing towards Stefan who was waiting. The rapid transition from the right to the left side of the field left Riga's players disorientated for a few seconds. They did not react until Stefan managed to run with the ball a few yards, poking deep into Riga's half-court.

One of the midfielders, clinging to a tight stick Nero, left his team to intercept the winger. Only one player remained close to him. Nero suddenly increased his speed and dashed past the player, towards Riga's eighteen-yard box.

Coach Marcel's only hope is for Stefan Kvennson to release a timely pass that will beat the Riga players and release a cross to Nero inside the box.

The Norwegian boy did not disappoint. He expertly flipped the ball past his target into the path of Nero.

Nero received the ball on the left edge of the box, close to the goal line. He did not stop to control it. He spun with the ball hooked to his left foot, shaking the defender chasing him.

He created a few meters of space for himself. Only a defender stood between him and the wicket. He advanced into the box, performing body tricks like a boxer rather than a football player. He did not put any art into his footwork. The defenders and goalkeeper Riga was fooled by his movements, he was moving from side to side, like he was doing some kind of ritual dance.

Coach Marcel wondered why the Riga defenders didn't just approach him instead of making them look stupid. The ball stayed at Nero's feet, but they wouldn't attack him.

Nero flicked the ball to his right, ran forward, and made a feedback to Stefan, who was unguarded.

Goalkeeper Riga was helpless.

3:0.

RSCA Youth Academy managed to score their 3rd goal in the 44th minute of gameplay.

Coach Marcel didn't bother celebrating. He was already confident his team would win easily against Riga despite their lack of experience. He was only worried about the upcoming match.

"Have you managed to scout the players from the other team? Is there anyone we need to worry about specifically?" He asked his assistant.

"Yes" replied Coach Sebastian with a smile. "The other "teams look pretty strong overall. However, most lack exceptional players who perform above their level, such as Nero. The only exceptions are Atletico Madrid and Vfb Stuttgart. They have two miracles each." The assistant coach opened his notebook.

"The first Stuttgart they have a striker named Timo Werner, while the other is a defensive midfielder named Joshua Kimmich. While Atletico Madrid have a midfielder named Rodri and a left-back named Theo Hernandez" Coach Sebastian continues to read his notebook. "One of my friends from Germany told me that the two boys from Stuttgart had participated in several European competitions and performed like stars. Same with the two players from the ATM. There was a chance they would join the senior team even before they reached the age of 18."

"Oh!" Coach Marcel raised an eyebrow. "Maybe they're Nero-level?"

"most likely. They also have more experience in international tournaments."

"Good." Coach Marcel was half-smiling. “I think it would be good for our players, especially Nero. Playing against boys below his level might make him satisfied in the long run. He needs to learn that football is not easy regardless of the advantage given to him by his talent. That was the main reason why Anderlecht officials agreed to send him to international competitions."

Coach Sebastian sighed. "But before we think about VfB Stuttgart and Atletico Madrid we need to deal with Milan in the group phase and maybe Zenit, Ajax, Dortmund or Leverkusen in the quarter-finals. I hear the players they have good chemistry."

"I have confidence that we will win and reach the semi-finals this time," replied Coach Marcel confidently. "Hopefully, we can avoid injuries and suspensions before that."

*PRIIIIITTTTT!*

The referee blew the whistle down the drinking, halting their discussion.

The players from both teams slowly walked off the field. The RSCA Youth Academy players heard coach Marcel say.

"Let's go to the dressing room" said Coach Marcel, leading the way into the dressing room.