Benjamin and Adam entered the expansive AFAS Training Complex. The walls were adorned in pictures of AZ Alkmaar's legends and previous domestic triumphs.
The chief scout, Hans Van de Zee, was standing by the doorway as they approached. He gave Adam a short nod when he saw Benjamin, then motioned for Benjamin to follow him down one of the long, halls.
Hans stated calmly to Benjamin, "Let's get you sorted out with your medical and then tomorrow, you'll be officially announced as part of the first team. This is standard procedure for all new players."
Benjamin nodded his head in response, walking a step behind him as they proceeded to the medical facility.
Club doctors and white-coated assistants were busy in the examination facility, rushing from room to room. The sight caused Benjamin's stomach to clench.
He was aware that these tests would establish his baseline level of fitness and assess his readiness to handle the demands of first-team matches, so they weren't merely a formality.
"Right in here," Hans led him to a room filled with a wall of medical equipment and a number of enormous machines.
After swallowing, Benjamin entered and was welcomed by Dr. Verstappen, the club's chief medical officer. The doctor shook hands warmly and looked kind, but he didn't spare any time in explaining the procedure.
This doctors in charge of player fitness and assessment were infamous in the football world for their rigid and high level med-exams.
Dr. Verstappen led Benjamin to a treadmill dotted with electrodes and sensors and stated, "We'll start with endurance and heart rate checks."
The electrodes were placed on Benjamin's arms and chest. They function as terminals, collecting the player's physical data.
After Dr. Verstappen gave a signal, a helper started the treadmill. The pace grew steadily faster, and Benjamin regulated his breathing.
As the speed increased once more, the treadmill beeped, encouraging him to jog up his pace. With his legs moving in time with his breath, Benjamin maintained his rhythm.
Minutes went by and it became even faster. He focused, ignoring everything save his heartbeat and the gentle thump of his shoes.
"Doing well, for now," Dr. Verstappen said while his data were being recorded by the machine. "Continue."
Benjamin's stamina was put to the test as he maintained his pace despite the increasing intensity of the burn in his legs as the treadmill soon reached its maximum speed.
But as he kept up his rhythm throughout the entire thing, he could feel the doctor's satisfaction.
A quick look at the doctor's tablet revealed an amazing heart rate score when he eventually got off. He smiled a little to himself.
The doctor nodded to him and said, "Not bad." "Next, adaptability."
A physical therapist greeted him with a mat and guided him through a series of stretches in a separate room. Stretching each muscle area, Benjamin felt the pressure in his back and hamstrings as he forced himself to reach farther.
Astonished by his own dexterity, Benjamin effortlessly bent, twisted, and extended his limbs while the therapist took notes.
He received the therapist's affirming gaze after every stretch. Knowing that he was doing well felt good, but he told himself not to get ahead of himself because this was just the beginning.
Strength was the next test.
They took him to a weighted machine where his strength would be tested to the utmost.
As Dr. Verstappen changed the weight setting, he held on tight to the handles. "We'll begin modestly and work our way upward. Benjamin, let's see what you have.
Benjamin nodded his head. He concentrated, and pulled steadily, his muscles tensing but under control. He maintained his form as the doctor added weight steadily, pushing past each level.
Despite the burns and strains on his body, he persisted. As the resistance rose, the figures on the doctor's screen rose as well.
When he eventually took a step back, Dr. Verstappen exclaimed, "Impressive," with a satisfied expression on his face. "You've got excellent upper body strength."
Despite trying to keep up a composed demeanor, Benjamin's pride grew in his chest. Even though he was relieved that his training in Haarlem had paid off, he wasn't going to show it.
By the end of the physical examinations, he had achieved high scores in strength, flexibility, and endurance. However, speed was the last test, and he was told to go to the field outside where sprint drill timing gates were put up.
As he lined up, prepared to run as soon as the doctor gave the all-clear, the cold morning air slapped his face.
"You're on your mark, set, go!"
He rushed ahead while the wind whipped by. He pushed his legs into the grass and rushed forward, the wind cutting past him. He gave it his all, concentrating on every step.
The timer beeped as he passed the last gate, and Benjamin turned to see Dr. Verstappen nod in agreement. He had a quick, well above-average time.
"Excellent work," Dr. Verstappen remarked as he took the last notes. "You're in great physical condition. The coaches will be happy with what they see today, I believe.
Hans came back, looking over Benjamin's results and nodded. "Very nice," he remarked, giving him a shoulder clap. "Go take a break now. Based on these findings, I would conclude that you are more than prepared for the first team's activities."
The soreness and excitement mixed together as Benjamin stretched his arms and let out a soft sigh of satisfaction.
He sat on a seat next to the training complex's field and looked out over the field. He was excited to get started because this was his new training ground.
***
After the short break, Benjamin quickly reached the training area.
He saw Adam standing by the entrance to the training area. His hands were carelessly in his track pockets and eyes sweeping the players strewn all over the field.
Benjamin nodded toward Adam after taking a deep breath and allowing the cool air to fill his lungs.
"How was it?" Adam asked in a lighthearted tone. Obviously he was asking about his overall assessment in the medical examination.
Benjamin smiled lightly. "Okay, I guess."
They went inside, where the field's clean and recently mowed grass stretches out in the early morning light.
Benjamin inhaled deeply, allowing the pitch's earthly scent to hit him. That scent gave him the feeling that he was supposed to be here.
The other players, all of whom appeared prepared and concentrated, started to make their way onto the field.
Benjamin became a bit excited and under pressure when he recognized a few from TV matches. Now, he was present with them, dressed in the same kit, and prepared to train with the team.
Benjamin stood beside Adam and a few of the younger players, who were encouraging one another with little nods as they executed a few keepie-uppies with the ball.
At that moment, a piercing whistle echoed throughout the field. A middle-aged man with dark hair and a fit frame marched toward the group with a certain authority, and all heads turned towards him.