The final whistle blew, and Signal Iduna Park fell into silence. Borussia Dortmund 2, SC Freiburg 2. Despite Luka Zorić's best efforts, the home team couldn't find a winner.
Luka stood motionless on the pitch, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The disappointment was etched across his face. He'd come so close to being the hero, only for victory to slip through their fingers.
As the Freiburg players celebrated their hard-earned point, Luka felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Reus, standing beside him.
"Hey," Reus said, his voice gentle but firm. "Don't beat yourself up. You were brilliant out there."
Luka nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
Erling Haaland jogged over, his usual exuberance subdued but still present. "That pass for the equalizer was something else, Luka," he said, bumping fists with him. "We'll get them next time."
As they walked towards the tunnel, Luka could hear the applause from the Yellow Wall. Despite the draw, the fans were showing their appreciation for the team's efforts. It was a small comfort, but not enough to fully lift Luka's spirits.
In the locker room, the atmosphere was subdued. Marco Rose, the head coach, gathered the team for a brief post-match talk. His eyes found Luka as he spoke.
"We showed character today," Rose said, his voice steady. "Coming back from two goals down is not easy. Luka, your impact off the bench was crucial. Well done."
Luka managed a small smile, but inside, he was still churning with frustration. He should have started the game, he thought. Maybe if he had, they wouldn't have fallen behind in the first place.
As the team began to disperse, Mats Hummels approached Luka.
"Listen, Luka," Hummels began, his tone fatherly. "I've been in this game a long time. You can't win them all, but what matters is how you respond. You showed today that you can change a game. Hold onto that."
Luka nodded, grateful for the encouragement. "Thanks, Mats," he said quietly. "I just... I wanted to win so badly."
Hummels smiled. "That hunger is good. But don't let it consume you. We've got a long season ahead."
As Luka showered and changed, he could hear the muffled sounds of interviews being conducted outside. He knew he'd have to face the press soon, and he tried to prepare himself mentally for the questions that were sure to come.
Sure enough, as he stepped out of the locker room, he was immediately approached by a group of journalists. Microphones were thrust towards him, and camera flashes momentarily blinded him.
"Luka, can you talk us through your goal?" one reporter asked.
Taking a deep breath, Luka began to speak. "It was a moment of instinct, really. I saw the space and just went for it. I'm happy I could help the team, but..."
"But you're disappointed with the result?" another journalist prompted.
Luka nodded. "Of course. We're Borussia Dortmund. We should always play to win."
"There's been some discussion about why you didn't start the match. Can you shed some light on that decision?"
Luka paused, choosing his words carefully. "It was a tactical decision by the coach. I've been feeling a bit fatigued lately, and with the upcoming matches, we thought it best to manage my minutes. But when the team needed me, I was ready to give my all."
The questions continued, touching on various aspects of the game. Luka answered each one patiently, trying to maintain a positive demeanor despite his inner turmoil.
As the interview was wrapping up, a final question caught him off guard. "Luka, despite the draw, you've been named Man of the Match. How does that make you feel?"
Luka blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that. "I... I'm honored," he said, a hint of a smile finally breaking through. "But football is a team sport. This recognition belongs to all of us."
As the journalists dispersed, Luka found himself alone in the corridor. He leaned against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. Hummels' words echoed in his mind, and he began to realize how caught up he'd been in the heat of the moment.
"I'm putting too much pressure on myself," he muttered under his breath. "I'm only 17, for crying out loud. I need to give myself time to grow."
He pushed off the wall and made his way back to the locker room. Most of his teammates had already left, but Jude Bellingham was still there, packing up his gear.
"Hey, Luka," Jude called out as he entered. "Tough game, huh?"
Luka nodded, dropping onto the bench next to his teammate. "Yeah, but we showed character to come back. How are you holding up?"
Jude shrugged. "You know how it is. Disappointed, but we move on. Can't dwell on it too much."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment before Luka spoke again. "How are you feeling about the season ahead?"
Jude shrugged. "Optimistic, I guess. We've got a strong squad, new manager. Should be interesting."
As Jude spoke, something clicked in Luka's mind. He'd been so caught up since he'd arrived to Dortmund that he'd momentarily forgotten what he knew about the season ahead.
"Oh right," Luka thought to himself. "This is the season where things don't quite click for us."
Memories started flooding back. The inconsistent performances in the Bundesliga, the early exit from the Champions League, the growing discontent among fans. Marco Rose's tactics that never gelled with the team.
"We finish second, don't we?" Luka mused internally. "But it's a distant second to Bayern. And the Champions League... yeah, we drop to Europa League and get knocked out early."
He felt a twinge of frustration as he recalled the challenges that lay ahead. The team's defensive struggles, the injuries that would plague key players, the moments of brilliance overshadowed by disappointing results.
"You alright, mate?" Jude's voice snapped Luka back to the present. "You looked like you were thinking hard about something."
Luka managed a casual smile. "Yeah, just wondering how the season will pan out, you know? Lots of games ahead."
As Luka and Jude were about to leave the locker room, Luka's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw Jorge Mendes' name.
"I've got to take this," Luka said to Jude. "See you tomorrow at training?"
Jude nodded, giving him a pat on the shoulder before heading out. Luka answered the call, bracing himself for his agent's enthusiasm.
"Luka, my boy!" Jorge's voice boomed through the speaker. "What a performance! Absolutely brilliant!"
Luka couldn't help but smile at Jorge's excitement. "Thanks, Jorge. Just trying to do my part for the team."
"And what a part it was! Coming off the bench to score and assist like that... you're making waves, Luka. Big waves."
As Jorge continued to praise his performance, Luka found a quiet corner to sit down.
"Listen, Luka," Jorge said, his tone shifting slightly. "I wanted to update you on a few things. First off, we've set up your social media accounts. Professional profiles on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Your social media manager is already running them, posting highlights from today's game."
Luka instantly felt apprehension. "That's great, Jorge. But I want to make sure I have full access and control over these accounts too. Can you arrange that?"
"Of course, of course," Jorge assured him. "I'll have the login details sent to you right away. It's important that you have a direct line to your fans, but also crucial that we maintain a professional image. The social media manager will handle the day-to-day posts, but feel free to add personal touches when you want."
Luka nodded, even though Jorge couldn't see him. "Sounds good. What else?"
"Well, your performance today has already caught the attention of a few brands. Nothing concrete yet, but there's definitely interest. I think it's best we hold off on any major sponsorship deals for now. Let's focus on your on-field performance, build up your profile even more. The bigger you get, the more lucrative these deals will become."
"I agree," Luka said. "Football comes first. Everything else is secondary."
"Exactly!" Jorge exclaimed. "Keep putting in performances like today, and the sponsors will be lining up."
As Jorge continued to paint a picture of Luka's potential future earnings, Luka's mind drifted back to the game. He was grateful for Jorge's work, but right now, all he could think about was how they could improve as a team.
"Jorge," Luka interrupted gently. "I appreciate all of this, really. But right now, I just want to focus on my game and helping the team. Can we talk about the rest of this stuff later?"
There was a brief pause before Jorge responded, his tone understanding. "Of course, Luka. You're right to stay focused. We'll touch base again soon. Keep up the great work, kid."
After ending the call, Luka sat there for a moment, lost in thought. The future he knew was coming weighed heavily on his mind, but he pushed it aside. One game at a time, he reminded himself.
The next morning, Luka arrived at the training ground early. He knew he needed to focus on recovery after yesterday's intense match. He headed straight to the medical room, where Dr. Braun was reviewing some files.
"Morning, Doc," Luka said, catching Dr. Braun's attention.
Dr. Braun looked up, smiling warmly. "Luka, good to see you. How are you feeling after yesterday's match?"
"A bit sore, but nothing unusual," Luka replied, taking a seat on the examination table.
Dr. Braun nodded, pulling up Luka's file on his tablet. "I wanted to check in with you, actually. I've been reviewing your initial medical report, and I think we should discuss some preventative measures."
Luka leaned forward, interested. "What did you have in mind?"
"Well," Dr. Braun began, "given your body type and the areas we identified for improvement, I'd like to suggest a few supplements to support your development and potentially reduce injury risk."
He turned the tablet so Luka could see. "First, I'd recommend we start you on a high-quality whey protein supplement. This will help support muscle growth and recovery.."
Luka nodded.
"Next," Dr. Braun continued, "I'd like to add a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. These can help support joint health, which is particularly important given the stress indicators we saw on your ankles."
"That sounds good," Luka agreed. "Anything else?"
"Yes, two more things," Dr. Braun said. "I'd like to start you on a high-quality Omega-3 fish oil supplement. It's excellent for reducing inflammation and supporting overall joint health. And finally, given your high training load and the need to support healthy weight gain, I'd recommend a vitamin D supplement."
Luka took in all the information. "Do you think these will help prevent injuries?"
Dr. Braun smiled reassuringly. "They're not a guarantee, Luka, but they can certainly help. Combined with your strength training, nutrition plan, and the physiotherapy you're doing, these supplements should support your body as it adapts to the demands of professional football."
"Thanks, Doc," Luka said, relieved to have a concrete plan. "When can we start?"
"We can begin right away," Dr. Braun replied. "I'll have the supplements prepared for you, along with a detailed schedule of when to take them. Remember, these are to support your overall health and development. They're not a replacement for proper training, rest, and nutrition."
As the team gathered for training the next hour, there was a sense of determination in the air. Everyone was eager to put the draw behind them and focus on improving.
After warm-ups, the squad split into different groups for specialized training. Luka found himself in a long range shooting drill with several other attackers. As they took turns firing shots at goal, Luka's precision and power stood out.
"Nice one, Luka!" Erling Haaland called out after Luka curled a shot into the top corner. "That keeper didn't stand a chance!"
Luka grinned, his confidence growing with each successful shot. He was in the zone, and this was his range, every shot found its mark with accuracy.
As the drill progressed, the coaches decided to add an element of pressure, having defenders close down the attackers before they could shoot. Even with the added challenge, Luka continued to excel, using quick feints and footwork to create space before unleashing his shots.
"Where did you learn to shoot like that?" Gio Reyna asked during a water break.
Luka shrugged modestly. "Just lots of practice, I guess."
After individual drills, the team moved on to unit work, focusing on set pieces. Luka had yet to showcase his prowess in this area, otherwise Reus wouldn't still be their primary free kick taker.
As they lined up to practice free kicks, Luka waited patiently for his turn. When it finally came, he placed the ball down carefully, took a few steps back, and surveyed the wall of mannequins set up to simulate defenders.
With a deep breath, Luka started his run-up. His foot connected with the ball perfectly, sending it soaring over the wall. The ball dipped and swerved, nestling into the top corner of the net with pinpoint accuracy. The goalkeeper, diving at full stretch, couldn't get anywhere near it.
There was a moment of stunned silence before his teammates erupted in cheers.
"Do that again!" Jude Bellingham challenged, a look of disbelief on his face.
Luka obliged, stepping up to take another free kick, this time from even further out. Once again, his technique was flawless. The ball flew through the air, curling beautifully before smashing into the back of the net.
"No way!" Jude exclaimed, running towards Luka with his arms outstretched. "That's disgusting!"
Luka found himself engulfed in a bear hug as Jude reached him, laughing in sheer amazement.
"One more!" someone shouted from the group.
Emboldened by his success and the excitement of his teammates, Luka decided to push it even further. He placed the ball down a good 35 yards from goal, drawing skeptical looks from some of the coaching staff.
As he started his run-up, the entire training ground fell silent. His foot connected with the ball, and everyone watched in awe as it sailed through the air, clearing the wall with ease before dipping viciously and rocketing into the top corner.
The reaction was immediate and electric. Luka took off running, a huge grin plastered across his face as his teammates chased after him, whooping and cheering.
Jude caught up to him first, jumping on his back. "That was insane!" he yelled, still laughing. "How are you even real?"
<>
Later that day, as Luka was relaxing in his apartment, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Jorge Mendes. He picked up, wondering what his agent had to say.
"Luka, my boy," Jorge's voice came through, sounding both excited and slightly urgent. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"No, not at all," Luka replied. "What's up, Jorge?"
"Listen, we need to talk about something crucial," Jorge said, his tone becoming more serious. "One of my associates will be coming to your apartment shortly to discuss a pressing matter - your national team allegiance."
Luka sat up straighter, his interest piqued. "My national team allegiance? What do you mean?"
Jorge sighed. "It's a bit complicated, but essentially, you need to declare for a national team within the next two days. There are some deadlines for national team selections coming up, and we need to make a decision."
Luka's mind raced. He knew this moment would come, but he hadn't expected it so soon. "Okay," he said slowly. "What are my options?"
"Well, that's what my associate will go over with you in detail," Jorge explained. "But in brief, you have interest from England, Croatia, and Portugal. Each has a different offer on the table."
As Jorge continued to explain, Luka's thoughts drifted to what he knew about each nation's future performances. He'd have to weigh this information carefully in his decision-making process.
About an hour later, there was a knock on Luka's door. He opened it to find a well-dressed man in his mid-thirties, carrying a leather briefcase.
"Luka Zorić?" the man asked with a smile. "I'm Carlos Oliveira, one of Jorge's associates. May I come in?"
Luka nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for Carlos to enter. They settled in the living room, and Carlos wasted no time getting down to business.
"So, Luka," he began, pulling out some documents from his briefcase. "We have a big decision to make. Let's go over your options, shall we?"
Luka nodded, leaning forward with interest.
"First, we have England," Carlos said, sliding a folder across the table. "They're offering you a place in their U21 squad. It's a strong setup, with a clear pathway to the senior team if you perform well."
Luka nodded, but internally, he was skeptical. He knew about England's performances - their run to the Euros final, yes, but also the frustrating tactical decisions. He could already imagine himself being shoehorned into unfamiliar positions.
Carlos continued, unaware of Luka's inner thoughts. "Next, we have Croatia. They're being quite aggressive in their pursuit. They're offering you an immediate place in the senior squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers."
This caught Luka's attention. He knew Croatia would perform well in the next World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. But he also knew that around the time of Modric's retirement, the team would struggle. There was a chance for him to be part of something special, but it might be short-lived.
"And finally, we have Portugal," Carlos said, pushing forward the last folder. "They're offering you a spot in the U21s, with the promise of senior team consideration if you impress. It's a middle ground between England and Croatia's offers."
Luka's heart skipped a beat. Portugal - the chance to play alongside his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. A team brimming with talent that just needed that extra push to go further in major tournaments.
Carlos looked at Luka expectantly. "So, what are your thoughts? It's a big decision, I know."
Luka took a deep breath. "It's a lot to process," he said carefully. "Can you give me more details about each offer?"
Carlos nodded, diving into a more detailed explanation of each nation's proposal. As he spoke, Luka's mind worked overtime, weighing the pros and cons of each option.
England's offer was tempting on the surface. The Premier League was arguably the best in the world, and playing for England would certainly raise his profile. But the tactical rigidity, the pressure from the media, the constant scrutiny - it all seemed like more trouble than it was worth.
Croatia's offer was bold and exciting. The chance to immediately play senior international football was not something to be taken lightly and he'd be able to play for the country he was most passionate about, but, he had to be realistic, he wasn't a football fan anymore, he was actually a player on the pitch.
And then there was Portugal. The more Luka thought about it, the more it appealed to him. The chance to play with Cristiano Ronaldo, even if only for a short time, was a dream come true. But beyond that, he saw the potential in the Portuguese squad. They had an abundance of talent, but something had always seemed to hold them back from achieving their full potential in recent tournaments.
Luka could see himself being that missing piece. His creativity, his vision, his ability to unlock defenses - these were all qualities that could elevate Portugal from contenders to champions. And unlike with Croatia, the future of Portuguese football looked bright even after their current stars retired, with a steady stream of young players coming through.
As Carlos finished his detailed explanations, Luka found himself leaning towards Portugal. But he knew he couldn't make this decision lightly.
"Carlos," Luka said, "this is a lot to take in. Can I have some time to think it over?"
Carlos nodded understandingly. "Of course, Luka. But remember, we need to make a decision within the next two days. Take tonight to sleep on it, and we can discuss further tomorrow."
<>
As Luka grappled with the weighty decision about his international future, another pressing matter began to occupy his thoughts. The DFL-Supercup against Bayern Munich was looming on the horizon, presenting him with his first opportunity to win a trophy with Borussia Dortmund.
The timing of the Supercup was unusual this year. Typically played before the start of the Bundesliga season, it had been pushed back due to scheduling conflicts and the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Now, it was set to take place just days after their league match against Freiburg, adding an extra layer of complexity to their preparation.
As he arrived at training, he tried to push thoughts of international allegiance to the back of his mind. This match against Bayern was too important to be distracted.
The history and significance of the DFL-Supercup weren't lost on Luka. He knew it was a prestigious fixture, pitting the Bundesliga champions against the DFB-Pokal winners. It was more than just a glorified friendly; it was a chance to lay down a marker for the season ahead, to show that Dortmund could challenge Bayern's dominance.
As the team gathered for their tactical briefing, Luka could feel the nervous energy in the room. Marco Rose began to outline their strategy for the match, and Luka listened intently, his mind already racing with possibilities.
"We need to be cautious," Rose explained, pointing to the tactical board. "Bayern's attack is lethal, and we can't afford to leave ourselves exposed. We'll play conservatively, look to hit them on the counter."
Luka felt a twinge of disagreement. Playing conservatively against Bayern? It didn't sit right with him. Being too cautious often played right into Bayern's hands, take Barcelona for example. They thrived on opponents who sat back and gave them time and space.
As Rose continued to explain, he revealed the formation they would be using: a diamond 4-4-2. Luka's heart sank as he realized what this meant. In this setup, there was no natural place for him in the starting lineup. His suspicions were confirmed when Rose announced the starting eleven:
Kobel in post, Akanji and Witsel as the centerbacks as Hummels and Zagadou were injured, Schulz and Passlack as full backs and in the midfield were Dahoud, Bellingham, Reus, and Reyna, while the two strikers were Haaland and Moukoko.
Luka tried to hide his disappointment as he processed the information. He understood the logic behind Rose's decision – the diamond formation allowed for a more compact midfield, potentially nullifying Bayern's strength in that area. But he couldn't help feeling that they were playing into Bayern's hands by not utilizing their full attacking potential.
As they moved onto the training pitch to work on the tactics for the game, Luka still threw himself into the exercises with determination. Even if he wasn't starting, he knew he needed to be ready. Super Cup matches often came down to moments of individual brilliance, and he wanted to be prepared if called upon.
The team ran through various defensive drills, focusing on maintaining their shape and quickly transitioning from defense to attack. Luka watched closely, mentally noting how he could fit into this system if he came on as a substitute.
During a water break, Jude Bellingham sidled up to Luka. "Tough luck not starting, mate," he said sympathetically. "But knowing you, you'll probably come on and score the winner."
Luka managed a smile. "Thanks, Jude. I just hope I get the chance."
As they continued to work on their tactical approach, Luka's mind drifted back to his dilemma about national team allegiance. The pressure of the upcoming Supercup and the disappointment of not starting had momentarily pushed those thoughts aside, but now they crept back in.
He found himself drawing parallels between his current situation at Dortmund and the potential scenarios with each national team. Would he face similar tactical decisions with England? Would Croatia offer him more immediate opportunities like the one he was missing out on now? Or would Portugal provide the perfect balance of opportunity and long-term potential?
The complexity of his situation wasn't lost on Luka. Here he was, a 17-year-old with knowledge of the future, grappling with decisions that could shape his entire career. The weight of it all threatened to overwhelm him at times.
As training wound down, Marco Rose gathered the team for a final pep talk. "Remember, every one of you is crucial to our success," he emphasized. "Starting eleven, substitutes, everyone. We're facing a tough opponent, but I believe in this team. We can do this."
Luka nodded along with his teammates, trying to push aside his doubts and disappointments. He knew that dwelling on what could have been wouldn't help anyone. Instead, he focused on what he could control – being the best possible version of himself, ready to make an impact if called upon.