The training session continued for another hour, but the dynamic had shifted fundamentally. Mateo was no longer the new player trying to fit in he was an integral part of the team's tactical structure, a player whose intelligence elevated everyone around him.
His passes found teammates in positions they didn't even know they wanted to be in. His movement created space for others while simultaneously threatening the opposition. His understanding of the game's rhythm allowed him to accelerate or slow play as needed.
During a water break, the players gathered around Mateo with genuine curiosity and admiration. Aubameyang, still buzzing from his header, couldn't contain his excitement.
"You make the game look easy," he said, knowing Mateo could hear him perfectly while Sarah translated for emphasis. "Like you're playing a different sport from the rest of us. I've never seen someone read the game like that."
