The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the worn-out pitch on the outskirts of Mostar. Suker stood alone, absorbing the quiet around him, the only sound the gentle rustle of the wind as it swept through the tall grass. This was his sanctuary—a place where he could hone his skills without judgment, away from the pressure of the match and the critical eyes of others.
He set up a few cones, creating an obstacle course that would challenge his agility and ball control. Moving fluidly, Suker weaved in and out, his feet barely brushing the ground as he maneuvered the ball with precision. His control with both feet was exquisite—whether it was his right or left, the ball seemed to stick to his boots. It reminded him of a young Eden Hazard, known for his mastery over the ball, or even Lionel Messi, who could glide past defenders with ease. Suker, still growing into his full potential, had started to feel that same level of control when the ball was at his feet.
But while his dribbling and ball control were outstanding, there was still work to be done. His decision-making, though far better than most players his age, hadn't yet reached the world-class level he aspired to. His past life, playing three seasons in the English second division, had shaped him into a player who could handle high-pressure situations and make quick, smart decisions. However, he had never experienced the intensity of top-tier football—the kind of pressure that came with playing in the elite leagues in Europe. In those leagues, decision-making needed to be nearly instinctive, and Suker wasn't quite there yet.
He knew this, but rather than being discouraged, it fueled his determination. His decision-making might be good, honed from years of playing professional football in his previous life, but he knew it wasn't enough. It was a skill he needed to sharpen. In the English second division, he had faced tough competition, but the game was different in those lower leagues—it wasn't as fast-paced, and players had more time to think. At the top level, everything happened in a split second, and the slightest hesitation could mean losing the ball or missing a crucial scoring opportunity.
Suker moved onto shooting drills, positioning himself at different points on the field. Every time he took a shot, he imagined himself in a high-stakes game. The net became his target, and he visualized the roar of the crowd as he sent each ball flying past an invisible goalkeeper. His shots were strong, and his technique was solid. His footwork allowed him to score with either foot, a trait he prided himself on, and his precision was impressive for his age. But under pressure, he sometimes missed shots he knew he should have made.
He wanted more—more than just raw skill and natural talent. He wanted the consistency and precision of a Cristiano Ronaldo, the ability to finish chances no matter the circumstance, while also developing the playmaking vision that Messi had. This dual ambition drove him forward every day. He imagined himself playing in the top leagues, where he'd need to perform at this level week in and week out, and not just in isolated moments.
Suker paused, wiping the sweat from his brow as he let the ball settle at his feet. His speed and dribbling had always been his strengths. Even now, his ability to run at defenders with confidence, using his quick feet to evade challenges, sets him apart from others his age. But he knew that wasn't enough. He needed to add more to his game—his movement off the ball, his positioning, his ability to read the game and make the right decision in the blink of an eye. That was the difference between good and world-class players.
Despite these challenges, Suker wasn't blinded by overconfidence. He was aware of where he stood in his development. He had the raw talent, the agility, and the technical skills, but he still needed refinement. His decision-making wasn't at the level of players in the top leagues yet. There were moments when he could have made a better choice—whether to pass, shoot, or hold onto the ball. He recognized that, and rather than being discouraged, it motivated him. His mind raced with strategies on how he could improve.
He envisioned himself playing as a second striker or an attacking midfielder, positions that would allow him to roam freely and showcase his ability to both score and create. He wanted tactical freedom—a coach who would understand his strengths and let him flourish, rather than confining him to one role. In his heart, he knew he was meant to play in a role where he could be the difference-maker, not just in scoring but in orchestrating the attack.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the field, Suker finished his drills and started his walk home. His muscles buzzed with the satisfaction of a good training session, but his mind remained focused on the next step. He couldn't afford to be content with where he was now. The dream was clear: to play for one of Europe's elite clubs, to wear the jersey of a world-class team, and to step onto the pitch as a player known for both his goal-scoring prowess and his ability to create magic from nothing.
By the time Suker returned home, night had fallen, and the familiar smell of dinner filled the air. Orlić's voice rang out from the living room, where the television blared. "Hey, Suker! Get in here. The FA Cup's on!"
Suker dropped his gear by the door and joined Orlić on the couch.
Suker joined him, catching sight of the score—Liverpool was up 1-0.
"Who scored?"
"Michael Owen. Too quick for anyone to stop him," Orlić grumbled, admiration laced with frustration.
They watched as Arsenal's play unfolded, a stark contrast to Liverpool's aggressive approach. Arsenal's attack was fluid, orchestrated by Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, and Dennis Bergkamp. The way they moved together was mesmerizing, each pass building towards something bigger.
Orlić couldn't help but admire it. "That's what beautiful football looks like," he muttered.
"Bergkamp's vision is unreal," Suker said, focused on the Dutchman pulling the strings.
Just then, Bergkamp tricked a defender with a clever flick, setting up Henry for an easy goal. The crowd roared.
Suker and Orlić exclaimed in unison, "What a play!"
"Henry's impact on the defense is undeniable, but I believe Bergkamp is the real key to Arsenal's success!" Orlic remarked watching the Arsenal players celebrate the goal.
Orlic hit the nail on the head. Bergkamp, known as the "Iceman" during his time at Arsenal, had transformed from a center forward to a wide midfielder under Wenger's guidance, showcasing a different approach to the game.
Wingers and wide midfielders, while similar in their roles, have distinct responsibilities. Wingers are positioned alongside the center forward, aiming to break down defenses by making runs along the sideline, while wide midfielders play a slightly deeper role, focusing on linking up play, organizing attacks, and even supporting defensive efforts. Bergkamp's transition to a wide midfielder offered Suker valuable insights into this multifaceted position.
As Arsenal maintained pressure, their cohesive attacking style left Liverpool struggling to respond.
"Wow!" Orlic exclaimed, eyes narrowed as he watched the fluid passing. "When can we play like that?"
Suker turned to him, enthusiasm bubbling. "We can try!"
"But we have a core issue; Milinar alone can't sustain such a fluid attack. We need more ball distribution."
"Rosson's ball-playing abilities are solid; he can connect with Milinar. I could drop deeper to facilitate the attack!"
Orlic raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You? Dropping back? Organizing?"
Suker had always been the forward, a silent assassin known for converting chances into goals. Yet now he was suggesting a tactical shift.
"Trust me! I've done this in youth training. We need to play more cohesively, which could free up Milinar for better attacking opportunities."
Historically, Milinar had sacrificed his own offensive game to create chances for Suker, drawing defenders away and providing support. Now, Suker proposed they alternate responsibilities, confusing defenses with their movements.
"A collective attack will disrupt their backline, leading to quick counterattacks. Whether I or Milinar score, it'll create more chances for our wingers too."
After listening intently, Orlic was intrigued. "So you want to play as a 'false nine'?"
Suker responded, "More like a 'nine-and-a-half.'"
Orlic chuckled. "You know what that means?"
"Of course! You think I'm just loafing around here?" He understood that a 'nine-and-a-half' role required more than just dropping back; it demanded excellent decision-making and execution.
"Your passing has never been in the spotlight. Can you handle it?"
Orlic had never closely monitored Suker's passing or organizational skills, but perhaps he could excel at it, after all his passes as a winger were quite amazing. It was a shortcut to enhancing the team's overall capabilities.
"Let's give it a shot tomorrow!" Orlic decided.
Suker nodded excitedly. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Arsenal, thanks to Bergkamp's brilliance. After the game, Suker returned to his room to change for dinner.