During the flight, Andy contemplated how to effectively showcase his strengths during the trial process.
As a player of Asian descent, his physical attributes are not conventionally advantageous within the context of modern football.
In the youth academy of Benfica[1], Andy is employed as a left winger, with a height of 168 centimeters and a weight of 75 kilograms.
Had it not been for his early initiation into martial arts by his grandfather, he likely would have been excluded from the training program at an early stage.
Given that contemporary football places a high premium on physical prowess, the likelihood of a player without exceptional talent being retained is minimal.
Andy's primary strengths lie in his agility, speed, and ball-passing capabilities.
His adeptness at crossing from the flank and executing deep runs is the principal reason for his successful integration into the youth team.
There exists a standardized procedure for participating in trials with European football clubs.
Players are required to undergo a trial period with youth teams lasting at least six weeks, which is a standard requirement across all national football associations.
The evaluation criteria encompass participation in team training sessions and youth team matches.
This process is contingent upon having connections and direct access to the club's senior management.
For aspiring players without such advantages, they may be assigned to the development center or reserve squad for a specified period, with only those demonstrating exceptional performance granted the opportunity to trial.
Andy had become accustomed to navigating such scenarios.
Regardless of one's location, the influence of interpersonal relationships remains pervasive.
My objective is to optimize my strengths!
Even in the context of a temporary contract, it is imperative to fulfill the prescribed tasks.
However, given his skill set, Andy believes he would have no difficulty establishing himself within Dortmund's second team, should the opportunity arise.
Dortmund's second team had recently been relegated from the third division and will compete in the Western German Regional League during the upcoming season.
Throughout the journey, Andy was not only excited about the trial but also eagerly anticipated experiencing Westfalenstadion and encountering several prominent players.
Europe's most formidable home ground!
The roar of 25,000 enthusiastic supporters from the South Stand and the display of various large tifos created an electrifying atmosphere.
Who could resist the allure of competing in such an environment?
Although the transfer window had not yet closed, Dortmund's first-team roster was already highly competitive, featuring players such as Aubameyang, Reus, Gundogan, and Hummels.
Among these, Reus holds a special place in Andy's admiration.
Dortmund's performance during the previous season was lackluster, and they were once at risk of relegation.
At a critical juncture, Reus chose to renew his contract with the club for a five-year term, which significantly boosted team morale.
For this reason alone, he deserved respect.
Upon arrival in Dortmund, Andy was greeted by his coach, Tom, at the airport exit.
Throughout the journey, Tom provided Andy with various instructions and insights, covering topics such as the basic structure of the Bundesliga and the preferences of Dortmund's youth training coaching staff.
Tom's approach was meticulous; he believed that taking shortcuts was a skill in itself.
Upon reaching the training base, the mentor and his student were escorted to the field by the youth training director.
Andy observed that the stadium was surrounded by fences, and there were several orange shipping containers.
Sensing his confusion, the youth training director explained that these containers were part of a system designed to heat the stadium's turf, ensuring that the grass remained lush and green even during winter.
At that moment, two temporary teams had already commenced their match on the field.
The manager introduced Mr. Hans, the interim head coach of the youth team, to Andy.
Hans turned to Andy and asked, "Can you even play full-back?"
Andy replied confidently, "Yes!"
Hans nodded approvingly and instructed Andy to warm up.
Unlike trials with youth teams, where coaching staff may be more patient, European coaches with formal training expect obedience from their players.
Ten minutes later, Hans instructed Andy to replace the left-back on the B team.
The player who was substituted was a black athlete with a physique that contrasted significantly with Andy's.
Hans remained silent, while the youth training director discreetly asked Tom, "Can Andy adapt to high-intensity competition?"
Tom nodded, acknowledging the validity of the concern.
During the match, Andy demonstrated his ability to maintain possession of the ball on the left flank, constantly assessing his teammates' positions.
When a midfielder attempted to intercept him, Andy deftly evaded the challenge and accelerated along the left side.
The coaching staff on the sidelines exclaimed in admiration at Andy's speed.
Tom clenched his fists, anticipating that Andy had entered the comfort zone of his teammates.
In the next moment, Andy executed a precise cross that arced through the air.
The ball landed between the goalkeeper and center-back, providing Team B's center forward, Nikolaos, with an opportunity to score.
Nikolaos headed the ball towards the far post, resulting in a goal.
Cheers erupted from the sidelines, and Nikolaos gave Andy a thumbs-up as a gesture of appreciation.
The coaching staff acknowledged Andy's high-quality cross.
Head coach Hans appeared deep in thought, contemplating Andy's performance.
While Andy's technical skills were impressive, Hans wondered how his defensive capabilities would measure up.
Following the goal, Team A initiated an attack, adhering to Dortmund's high-pressing style.
Andy immediately joined his teammates in contesting for possession.
Team A's attacking midfielder, Mitsumura, attempted to advance into Andy's half of the penalty area but was dispossessed by Andy, who knocked both the player and the ball out of bounds.
The referee, observing the play, determined that no foul had been committed.
Mitsumura, visibly irritated, approached Andy and exclaimed, "This is just a practice match, OK?"
Ignoring the comment, Andy focused on defending the subsequent throw-in.
When winger Domagoy received the ball on the right wing, Andy positioned himself strategically behind him and intercepted the pass.
The ball ricocheted towards the center, creating a momentary stalemate.
Team A's defensive midfielder, Pulis, attempted to gain control of the ball.
However, Andy swiftly approached the scene at high speed.
The ensuing collision resulted in a 50/50 challenge for possession.
Pulis attempted to pass the ball with his left foot, while Andy simultaneously positioned his leg to make contact.
Both players anticipated making the first touch, leading to a tense standoff.
In a split second, Priss experienced a sharp pain in his foot.
As he fell to the ground, he appeared to lose control of his lower leg.
The ball rebounded away from the play, heading towards Team A's half.
Andy quickly regained his composure and continued to pursue the ball as if nothing had occurred.
Observing the situation, the players on the field were perplexed.
The coaching staff on the sidelines were equally puzzled, questioning how a player of Andy's stature could match up against Pulis, who stood over 180 centimeters tall.
Head coach Hans observed Andy's performance with renewed interest.
He was particularly impressed by Andy's tenacity and resilience, recognizing him as an ideal candidate for development.
Andy himself was equally perplexed by the incident.
He distinctly remembered experiencing intense pain in his ankle but was surprised to find that it had disappeared almost instantaneously.
Upon checking his health score, he noticed a subtle change.
The panel, which originally displayed 10+98 (indicating extra health), had been reduced to 10+95 (indicating slightly reduced extra health).
However, the system transaction log provided no explanation for the change.
Andy paused, contemplating the situation.
Could it be a glitch in the system?
An unprecedented anomaly that negates the effects of injuries?
...
[1] Portuguese club