The journey to Goodison Park felt different from the short bus ride to Villa Park.
This time, the team bus rumbled through unfamiliar streets, the architecture changing, the crowds growing thicker with opposing fans.
Leon sat by the window, headphones on, trying to block out the low hum of the engine and the nervous chatter of his teammates.
He glanced around the bus. John McGinn (Current: 84) was quietly stretching his hamstrings.
Ollie Watkins (Current: 86) was focused, staring out the window, picturing goal-scoring opportunities.
Douglas Luiz (Current: 85) looked calm, as always, radiating a quiet confidence.
"Nervous, Leo?" McGinn asked, noticing Leon's intense gaze out the window.
Leon turned, giving a small smile.
"Excited, mostly. Goodison's got a reputation, right? Loud crowd."
"Loud is an understatement," McGinn chuckled. "It's a cauldron.
