The morning air at the FC Utrecht academy felt colder than usual. The pale blue sky was still wrapped in a thin mist, and the scent of dew clung to the damp green grass. The U18 players had gathered since eight o'clock, but only one person drew all the attention.
Richard.
Every step he took toward the field seemed to pull the eyes of his teammates. Some were curious, some envious, and some… dismissive.
And on the sidelines stood a man who made the entire atmosphere tighten.
Mark Veldman — Jong Utrecht scout — holding a tablet and a small camera. His expression was flat, barely showing emotion. But his gaze… sharp as a blade.
Coach De Vries blew the whistle hard.
"Everyone, gather!"
The players immediately formed a circle around him. Richard stood in the front row, his heart pounding harder than usual.
"Today," De Vries said, "we'll be running a thirty-minute match simulation. Full 11 vs 11. Teams are already assigned."
He glanced at Mark.
"This is your chance to show whether you deserve to wear the Utrecht badge."
Mark only gave a small nod.
De Vries continued, "Richard — red team. Usual position: left winger. Let's see if you can repeat your performances from the last three matches."
His eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle warning.
"Don't make me regret recommending you."
Richard swallowed. "Yes, Coach."
---
⚽ Kickoff Begins
The simulation started with the blue team taking possession. Richard's teammates looked more aggressive than usual. Maybe they wanted to prove themselves in front of the scout. Maybe they were jealous.
The first opponent to approach Richard was Julian — the right winger who had disliked him from the start.
"Let's see if you're a real star or just lucky," he muttered without moving his lips.
But Richard didn't respond. His focus wasn't on Julian. It was on Mark — the man standing at the sideline, watching with evaluative eyes.
The ball moved quickly. The red team slowly built up from the back. Midfield to fullback.
And when the ball arrived at his feet, the world seemed to slow down.
First touch.
Soft. Clean. The ball glued to his foot like it obeyed him.
"Damn," Julian hissed. "Your touch is always good."
Richard dribbled slowly, waiting for timing. A big defender closed in, aggressive in posture. Richard executed a quick decision.
One step-over.
A body faint.
Ball slipping through the defender's legs — a smooth nutmeg.
"HOI!" several players shouted.
Mark lifted his eyebrow — a small reaction, but clear.
Richard sprinted down the left flank, shaping his body to send in a cross.
CRACK—
A hard tackle hit him from the side.
Richard fell, chest slamming the grass.
The whistle blew loudly. "Foul!"
Julian stood beside him with a cold expression.
"Sorry, bro. Accident."
Richard stood up, pain stinging his knee. Inside, he knew — that tackle was deliberate.
But he had no time to react. Mark's eyes were still fixed on him. He couldn't lose his cool.
---
⚽ Minute 12 – Golden Chance
After a series of quick passes, the ball flowed back to midfield. A teammate spotted Richard making a diagonal run into the half-space.
"RICH!"
A lofted ball sailed toward him. Richard lowered his body, timing perfect.
Chest control.
The ball softened against him, dropping at his feet.
Two defenders closed in instantly.
Richard spun, using momentum.
A small Zidane roulette.
Followed by a short acceleration.
The small crowd at the sidelines — young academy players, a few parents, and of course Ivar and Justin — erupted.
"GO RICHARD!!"
"KEEP GOING!!"
Richard broke into the box. The goalkeeper stepped forward.
He shot.
SMAK.
Right into the keeper's hands.
Sympathetic groans echoed around him.
"IT'S OKAY! Still good!" Coach Bram shouted.
Mark typed something into his tablet.
Richard bit his lip. He needed to be sharper.
---
⚽ Minute 22 – Pressure Builds
The blue team launched a counterattack. De Vries ordered Richard to press high.
"RICHARD, GET NUMBER 8!"
Richard sprinted. His legs burned. But he cut off the passing lane — a clean interception.
"Good!" De Vries shouted for the first time.
Richard drove the ball forward and played a vertical pass to the central striker.
A quick combination followed.
One-two.
Richard running down the left.
The striker returned the ball.
Richard entered the box.
Everyone held their breath.
He raised his leg. Ready to shoot. Ready to score.
But—
THUD!
Julian again tackled him hard from behind.
Richard crashed to the ground, gasping from the pain.
The whistle pierced the air.
Other players protested loudly.
"HEY! That's a clear card!"
Julian looked at Richard with a blank face. "Sorry, buddy."
De Vries was furious. "OUT. Sub!"
Julian froze. That wasn't a warning — it was an immediate punishment.
Richard stood slowly. His knee bruised, but he could continue.
Mark observed him even more intensely.
---
⚽ Minute 30 – Decisive Moment
The simulation was nearing its end. Richard's breathing grew heavier. But he knew — the final moment could decide whether he'd be called or not.
Red team pushed forward once more.
The left fullback sent him the ball. He received it with the top of his foot — perfect control.
One defender stepped up.
Richard shifted the ball inside, baiting pressure.
A second defender cut off his shooting lane.
Richard smiled faintly.
System activated.
[Focus Boost +3 Vision for 10 seconds]
Suddenly every passing lane, every movement pattern became clear — as if invisible lines appeared across the field.
He feinted with a false body orientation.
Then—
Cutback pass.
Perfect angle.
The central striker met the ball and…
THE NET RIPPLED.
GOAL.
The simulation stopped immediately.
Mark smiled — for the first time.
Coach De Vries held back a proud laugh. "That. That is European football."
Richard wiped his sweat. His body trembled — a mix of adrenaline and exhaustion.
---
⚽ After the Simulation
Mark approached. All players watched.
"Richard," he said briefly.
Richard looked at him, tense.
"Tomorrow, I want you in the academy office at two."
Richard froze.
"This… is about your future with Jong Utrecht."
Mark extended his hand.
"We're interested. Very interested."
Richard couldn't speak. He just shook the scout's hand with trembling fingers.
Ivar and Justin screamed from afar.
"RICHAARD!!! THEY CALLED YOU!!!"
De Vries slapped Richard's shoulder hard. "Told you. Consistency."
And for the first time since he set foot in the Netherlands…
Richard felt his dream moving into reality.
One more step.
One more decision.
And the door to professional football would open.