Suker wiped the sweat from his forehead as the final whistle blew, signaling the end of another grueling training session. His body ached, but it was the familiar ache that came with pushing his limits. As the players gathered near the sideline, Coach Orlić stood in front of them, hands on hips, surveying his team.
"You've all been improving," the coach began, his tone measured. "But improvement isn't enough. We need consistency—consistency in our effort, in our tactics, in our execution."
Suker stood silently, his gaze fixed on the pitch. His mind replayed the scrimmage from earlier: a dribble past two defenders, the shot that ricocheted off the crossbar, and his assist that set up a teammate for the winning goal. It wasn't enough. He craved more—more moments of brilliance, more success on the field. His ambitions were far greater than what the humble village team could offer. He wanted to play for the best club and become the best player, representing Croatia on the international stage.
As the players began to disperse, Coach Orlić motioned for Suker to stay behind. "Suker, a word."
Suker walked over, feeling the weight of the coach's eyes on him. "Yes, coach?"
Orlić studied him for a moment. "You're something special, you know that?" he began. "Your speed, your control on the ball—it's something I haven't seen in a long time, not at this level."
Suker looked down at his boots, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Compliments from Coach Orlić were rare.
"But there's more to football than just skill," Orlić continued. "It's your mentality that needs sharpening. You're hungry, I see that, but sometimes that hunger needs to be controlled. Channel it properly, and you could be unstoppable."
Suker nodded, absorbing the advice. He understood that his desire to prove himself sometimes overshadowed the game plan. Football was a team game, and he still needed to balance his drive with discipline.
"Tomorrow, we're starting tactical drills," Orlić said, his voice more direct now. "I want you to focus on your positioning, not just running at defenders. Understand where the space is, and how you can exploit it. You're already fast—use your brain to get ahead of the game too."
"I'll do my best, coach," Suker replied earnestly.
"I know you will," Orlić said with a nod. "Now go get some rest. We have a long season ahead of us."
As Suker made his way back to their shared apartment, he reflected on the upcoming match. The opposition's coach had reportedly been preparing specifically for him, with defenders tasked with stopping the young prodigy at all costs. Suker relished the challenge. He had learned that obstacles were just opportunities in disguise.
The walk through the village was quiet, the sun setting over the sea in the distance. Suker found solace in the simplicity of his surroundings—the smell of saltwater in the air, the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore. It grounded him, reminding him of his roots.
But there was a growing pull, urging him beyond the borders of the fishing port. The world of professional football beckoned. He was half Croatian and half English, but it was the Croatian part that called to him the most. He dreamed of donning the national jersey, feeling the pride of representing his country.
-4 Hours Later-
When Suker entered the modest apartment he shared with Orlić, he found the coach going over game strategies at the dining table.
"Hey, coach," Suker said, grabbing a bottle of water.
"Hey, Suker. You ready for the match?" Orlić asked, glancing up.
"More than ready. I can't wait to show what I can do."
"Good. Just remember what we talked about. Play smart."
As they settled into conversation, the topic shifted to the team's recent developments. "Did you hear about Luka Modrić?" Orlić said, leaning back in his chair, a hint of excitement in his voice. "He's a young talent on loan to Zrinjski Mostar now."
Suker's ears perked up. "Yeah, I've heard of him. I watched some of his matches. He has good vision on the field."
Orlić nodded in agreement. "He's got a bright future ahead of him. You know, people are starting to talk about him being the next big thing."
"He's definitely a player to watch," Orlić continued. "But remember, you have your own path to forge. Focus on your development, and the opportunities will come."
Suker nodded. He wanted to make his mark in football, to join the ranks of great players representing Croatia on the field. Modrić was a player he looked up to, a young talent making waves in the game. The thought of one day sharing a pitch with him ignited a fire in Suker's heart that disappeared in his first life.
"What do you think sets him apart?" Suker asked, genuinely curious.
"His ability to read the game," Orlić explained, folding his hands. "He's always a step ahead, whether it's finding space or making a pass. And he's got that creativity that can turn a game on its head. That's what you need to aim for."
"I'll keep that in mind," Suker said, nodding enthusiastically. He envisioned himself on the field, making those decisive plays, dribbling past defenders just as he had imagined Modrić doing. He couldn't do them in his past life, but now he could do it with ease.
Orlić shifted the conversation. "Dinner's almost ready, by the way. I made your favorite—pasta.
"Awesome! I'm starving," Suker replied, a smile spreading across his face. He loved sharing meals with Orlić. It felt like a family dinner, a comforting routine amidst the intensity of training.
As they sat down to eat, Orlić shared stories from his playing days, recounting the fierce rivalries and unforgettable matches. Suker listened intently, hanging onto every word. It was inspiring to hear about the highs and lows of a football career.
"Luka is just starting out, but if he keeps it up, he'll soon be making headlines," Orlić said, taking a sip of water. "He's got the talent, but it's his work ethic that will determine how far he goes."
"Exactly," Suker agreed. "He works hard and has a great attitude. It's no wonder he's getting noticed."
"Just like you," Orlić added, raising an eyebrow. "If you put in the effort and maintain that hunger, you could find yourself on a similar path. Remember, Suker, talent is just the starting point. It's the dedication and mindset that truly sets players apart."
Suker nodded, feeling encouraged by his coach's words. "I want to be the best, Coach. I want to play for the best club and represent Croatia one day."
Orlić smiled, his eyes reflecting pride. "And you will. Just keep pushing yourself, stay focused, and never lose sight of your goals. The journey is just as important as the destination."
As they finished dinner, Suker felt a renewed sense of purpose. He envisioned himself on that national team, wearing the Croatian jersey with pride. He wanted to be remembered as one of the greats, just like the players he admired.