Bincers looked genuinely puzzled.
"I just don't get it… why would we invite this kid for a trial?"
Paul McGuinness leaned back in his chair, brow furrowed.
"Because he was recommended by Nicky Butt."
Bincers blinked. "Nicky Butt? That Nicky Butt?"
"Who else?"
"But why?" Bincers asked, still confused.
"I heard it had something to do with a player from China who almost joined the team before," Paul replied, his tone dismissive. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now. The invitation's already been sent. Let's see what the boy can do. And even if he doesn't fit us, we can always recommend him to another club."
He glanced at the scouting report again.
"At the very least, his physique and strength are impressive. If his positioning was just a bit better… I'd be reluctant to let him go."
Bincers nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's a shame. Having that kind of physicality and strength at seventeen… it's rare."
But that was the problem.
He was already seventeen.
At that age, most players had already solidified their basic skills. It was past the ideal window for technical development. By now, a player should be preparing for the first team — not learning how to pass or dribble.
The two coaches looked at Alessandro's file with a mix of admiration and regret.
Physically? Outstanding.
Technically? Lacking.
If only he had trained in Europe from a younger age. With his frame and physical tools, he could've built a career in a top-tier league.
Just then, Paul's phone rang.
He answered briefly, then stood.
"Let's go. Time to see if this lad from China can pull off a miracle."
---
Moments Later – Jimmy Murphy Training Ground
"Seventeen?" Paul McGuinness muttered as he caught his first glimpse of Alessandro.
Bincers looked over as well. The two exchanged a glance — both thinking the same thing.
He didn't look seventeen.
Paul turned to the staff. "Get him changed and start his physical evaluation. And make sure bone age is included."
Bone age testing wasn't common in England, but it was standard in France — especially with many African players entering French youth academies without birth certificates. It helped determine a player's true biological age when official documents weren't available or trustworthy.
In Alessandro's case, there were whispers that his age might be inaccurate.
But the boy followed instructions quietly and submitted to the exams without protest.
Later, he stood in front of McGuinness once more, having passed all the physical tests.
To be honest, McGuinness was impressed.
Alessandro's physique was ideal for a defensive midfielder. Strong, sturdy, with good explosiveness, balance, and coordination — not slow or clunky despite his height and weight. His coverage area on the pitch would be huge.
Paul shook his head in admiration.
If only his fundamentals matched that body.
Still, with cautious optimism, he decided to continue evaluating.
"As long as he's not a complete disaster with the ball, I might just take him," Paul said to himself.
But then came the technical test — and the disappointment.
Passing, dribbling, shooting — all below Manchester United U18 standards.
Alessandro didn't fail the drills, but he clearly lagged behind his peers in the basics.
If it had been any other kid, Paul would've already told him to pack up and go home.
No matter how strong the physique — if your technique's poor, you won't survive at this level.
But when Alessandro jogged back after the drills, Paul hesitated.
This boy wasn't here on a whim. He was recommended by Nicky Butt himself.
Paul decided to give him one last shot.
He looked Alessandro square in the eyes.
"To be honest," Paul said, "your basic technique is disappointing."
He paused, watching for a reaction.
Surprisingly, Alessandro stayed calm — no visible frustration or panic.
Paul raised an eyebrow.
Mentally composed under pressure. A good sign.
"Still," he continued, "I'll give you one more chance. We have a friendly between the U18s and the U19s later today. You'll play for the U18s. That match… is your final audition."
Paul stepped closer.
"Show me what you can do — without the ball. That's what matters for your position."
Alessandro nodded, eyes steady.
"Thank you, Coach. I won't let you down."
He smiled, then grabbed his vest and jogged off to warm up.
McGuinness watched him go, then murmured,
"This kid's calm — beyond his years. Maybe he'll surprise us yet."
Bincers still looked skeptical.
"He's never played outside China. Can he really handle the pace of English football?"
Paul didn't answer.
But deep down… he hoped.
---