The day before...
Long shadows moved across the walls of AZ Alkmaar's training grounds as the sun sank below the horizon.
Gertjan Verbeek, AZ Alkmaar's first team manager, was sitting behind his desk in the manager's office, his face softly lit by the illumination of his computer screen.
His big, calloused palms resting on a stack of reports while his eyes watched intently as he flipped over the details,
Max Huiberts, the technical director of the club, was leaning back in his chair across from him. As Verbeek went to the next page, the only sound in the room was the soft hum of the air conditioner, broken only by the rustle of papers.
They had been talking for the past hour, mostly about the upcoming season, which was just a few months away.
The usual topics had come up, concerning transfer targets, potential signings, youth promotions, the sort of discussions that filled their days in the off-season.
But Verbeek appeared a little preoccupied. His brow furrowed and his thoughts appeared to be elsewhere as Max talked.
Having a lot on his plate was nothing new for the manager. However, he was thinking about something specific today, something that had just fallen onto his desk just before Max had arrive.
"Got something on your mind?" Max noticed the paperwork strewn all over the desk and asked in a casual manner.
Verbeek's eyes did not leave the report before him. "Hans sent this over earlier," He muttered and raised the page a little. "One of the youth trialists earlier today. Benjamin Rijkaard. Apparently, he's being recommended by Dennis Haar."
Max raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for the manager to elaborate.
Verbeek set the report aside and tapped the play button on the laptop in front of him. The screen flickered to life, and for a moment, both men were quiet as the highlights of the trial match began to play.
The first few minutes of the match played out like any other youth trial, fast-paced, slightly chaotic, with players trying to make an impression.
Benjamin's presence was soon obvious though. He had attacking intelligence, clean touches that weren't overdone, and a more calm movement than most players his level.
With curiosity sparked, Max leaned forward and murmured, "He's got a good sense of space, Doesn't rush his passes and also has good ball techniques."
Verbeek nodded, a little impressed but not immediately answering.
His gaze was fixed on the screen as he saw Benjamin sprint forward on the counter after tracking back to make a crucial interception.
Though brief, it demonstrated a level of awareness that distinguished him from the other trialist.
"He's got something," Verbeek eventually said and his tone was contemplative. "Appears at ease under pressure. Most significantly, his ability to read the game is just as important as his talent."
Max folded his arms while continuing to watch the video. "What is his story? Did Hans only advise us to watch him or did he provide little background information?
Verbeek flipped open the report once more, skimming the pages for the relevant details. "He's been playing with the youth academy for HFC Haarlem. Although he has been to a few regional camps, this is his first significant trial with widespread exposure.
Max took a moment to process the facts before nodding. "And that injury?"
The concluding incident of the match was captured on camera, including Lars's careless collision with Benjamin.
Everyone in the stands had winced from the brutality of the tackle. Benjamin collapsed to the ground, gripping his knee as his leg twisted awkwardly.
With a somber expression, Verbeek paused the recording. "That's when things get complicated. He was involved in a car crash six months ago, lost his family and fractured his tibial plateau."
"He made good recovery before the trial, but now...'sigh'...the doctors haven't confirmed it yet, but from what I've heard, he'll need surgery."
The room fell silent again as both men contemplated the situation.
For a trialist, an injury like that could spell the end of the road. Clubs rarely invested in youth players with signs of being injury prone and uncertain recovery timelines, and Benjamin was no exception.
"He was the best on that pitch, no doubt." Verbeek added, almost to himself. "Even before the injury, you could see it. He was in charge of that group.
Max tapped his fingers on his chair's armrest as he leaned back once again. "What is the plan, then? Should we let him go or take a chance on him?
The burden of the choice was evident on Verbeek's face as he sighed and leaned back in his chair.
He had witnessed a great number of players come and go; some succeeded, while others faded into obscurity. However, he was still affected by Benjamin's performance. He had something that he hadn't noticed in any young players...
"Defiance."
Not a lack of regard for authority, but a spirit of challenge to overcome any obstacle.
"Watch this," Verbeek said, rewinding the footage to a moment just before the tackle.
Benjamin moved to receive the ball, pressure coming from three defenders behind him. Most young players in that situation would panic, loosing the ball or passing it to a teammate close by.
But Benjamin didn't flinch. He kept his head up, feint a touch, and the ball slipped between him and the first defender with a quick dribble.
Max watched as Benjamin evaded the defender and burst past the other two with great speed. It was a moment of calm in the chaos, a sign of real attacking intelligence.
"That's not something you can teach," Verbeek said quietly. "He's got the instincts. He's not just reacting to moments like that as they come...he's thinking ahead."
Max stroked his chin, still thinking deeply. "His instincts are good, but that knee... What if he doesn't come back the same?"
Verbeek gave a small shake of his head, but his eyes remained fixed on the screen. "Isn't that what the risk is? However, we might have something unique here if he does comeback.
Max sat silently for a bit more, considering the advantages and disadvantages.
After all, he was in charge of player acquisitions. Managing the risks and benefits of adding new players to the team was his responsibility. But it's important to take Verbeek's intuition into account.
Benjamin's potential was taken seriously by the manager who had a knack for recognizing it.
"He'll need the best medical team," Max eventually said and his voice was decisive. "We must ensure that he is well cared for if we are to commit to this. Additionally, the healing process will need to be closely watched.
Verbeek gave a nod of approval. "We'll get him through rehabilitation and do the procedure. He has a chance if he puts in the necessary effort."
Max took another look at the paused video, Benjamin's young face unmoving on the screen. "It will be risky, But it could be worth it."
The decision was made.
With a gentle thump, Verbeek shut the file. They were both aware of the dangers, However, there were occasions when you had to take a risk in football, particularly when there was potential.
Max nodded to Verbeek as he got up to go. "I'll tell Hans to get the paperwork started and also talk to the medical team tomorrow."
With his eyes still fixed on the TV, Verbeek reclined in his chair. "Let's hope our bet pays off."
Verbeek was left to think by himself as Max left the office. The last few minutes of the trial match were shown on the screen as the video kept playing.