15 August 2009
"We should get going, Carlos." Alejandro turned towards the Pre-Benjamí Head Coach, Carlos Ruiz, behind the desk.
"Yes, let's do it, brother! First day of training for the new batch. So exciting!" Carlos pushed his chair back and sprang up.
Alejandro gave no reaction to match Carlos's energy and just followed behind with a notebook and pen in hand. He had been the Assistant Coach to Carlos for 3 years now and had long become accustomed to his boisterous friend.
"Carlos, why did you specifically ask for Jordi to play the last period of the match?" Alejandro asked a question that had been on his mind since last evening.
Today was the first friendly of the season, and they were playing CF Badalona. Normally, the staff tried to keep everything fun and light. At this age, all these kids needed to do was play football and enjoy.
"Alejandro, my friend, that boy is already too good for this level. His technique, his skillset, and most of all, that mind of his. He will stand out even two years above him just from how he perceives the game.
Xavier will be here by the end of the match. If he sees what I see, he will take Jordi up to Benjamin B. Of course, we talk to the family first, see what they want for him at this stage."
…
Over half a month since camp started, I had made acquaintances with many of the boys, but I hadn't made a good friend. My only friend, Eric, was an 8-year-old and playing for the Benjamin B.
"Boys, gather up," Coach Carlos shouted from the sidelines. I completed my lap and jogged towards him. I sat next to Mukhtar, who was from Belgium and played at right back.
"Alright, boys. We play 3 rounds of 10 minutes against our friends from CF Badalona. Every round, the seven will switch so that all of us play. Okay?"
Coach Alejandro stepped up and started reading the names off the list. Coach Carlos had said we would all get to play, but I still sighed in relief when my name was called for the third round.
Playing VII - Period 3
Damien (GK)
Konstantin (DF)
Fermin (DF)
Mukhtar (DF)
Jordi(Mid)
Sergio (ST)
Jorge (ST)
…
The first period could hardly be described as football. The fourteen boys on the field just ran around out of position, sometimes with the ball, often without it. While it was difficult to watch, I kept my eyes peeled for any good competition. It's safe to say I will keep looking for now. The first period ended 2-3 in favor of CF Badalona
The teams in the second period had been drilled over the previous 10 minutes and were much better. At least, most of them did not run around aimlessly. Most of the kids, to my surprise, were very skilled. I guess it makes sense that they are playing at this level. The second period ended 3-1 in our favor. Overall, we led 5-4 when I stepped onto the field. It was time!
...
Xavier Franquesa set his bag down and leaned against the corner gate. He focused when the kids walked out for the third period of the game. From the shape of the team, there was only one midfielder, which should be the boy Carlos was so flustered about.
The boy was certainly extraordinary at first glance. Not only was he handsome, but the kid carried himself with a solitary confidence. He had a silent yet deep presence, even as he stood still on the pitch. Xavier was looking forward to the game now.
"He's here, Carlos." Alejandro leaned in and whispered.
"I know, brother. Let's relax and watch our kids play." Carlos kept looking straight, no sense of humor on his face now.
"FWHEE"
The CF Badalona striker kicked the game off. Jorge and Sergio ran towards their midfield to press.
"Calma," Jordi mouthed and pressed his hand down towards the backline, all of whom were about to press as well. Alejandro just chuckled and shook his head. Maybe Carlos was right about this boy. No other kid at this level would care about team tactics.
A booted ball from the opposition defender fell right into the path of Jordi. He had already scanned before receiving the ball, but he had space, so he took a touch and looked up again. He took a couple of touches as two players came running towards him. Before the first reached, Jordi laid the ball off to Mukhtar, who sprinted forward.
Xavier nodded to himself. With his first involvement, the boy consciously pulled two players towards him. It was difficult to admit that this boy had no prior formal coaching. They spent years training La Masia students the pausa that this six-year-old just showcased.
…
In the third minute, Jordi received the ball back from Fermin. He turned his body to receive the ball and took a large touch with his right foot to ghost past the incoming opposition striker. He looked up to confirm whether Jorge was still in space.
Then, he curved the ball around a midfielder for a grounded pass that left Jorge in a large pocket between two defenders. Jorge took a half touch to direct the ball without stopping it. The keeper ran out to block, but Jorge shot with his laces into the bottom right corner.
6 -4
Xavier pushed himself away from the gate and walked towards the corner flag. First the pausa, now that half turn, the awareness of the opposition shape, and the technique to rush past and provide that pass through 5 players. This was inexplicable.
The remaining 7 minutes went by with Jordi passing through the entire opposition team. By the last minute, they were too tired to even bother with the ball anymore. Sergio took advantage and cut past two defenders. He then faked a shot with his left foot before running around the goalkeeper and into the net.
Soon after, the game ended 7-4 for Jordi's and FC Barcelona Pre-Benjamí's first win. Carlos shot several pictures and videos of Jordi and the team through the match. He had a feeling they would be very valuable one day. After greeting the CF Badalona coach and leaving the kids with Alejandro, he walked over to Xavier.
"Hola, Xavier. I wasn't exaggerating, was I?" Carlos waved at Xavier with a skip in his steps.
Xavier, however, kept staring at the empty pitch, as if tracing the phantoms of the midfielder who was there a few minutes ago.
"Carlos, he might even be too good for us. If only his age did not limit his physique, I am sure he could play with the 10-year-olds."
Xavier turned to Carlos, "I'll talk to Mister Alexanko and Mister Borrell. We'll discuss with the family then."
Xavier began to walk away, but paused as he retrieved his bag, "Carlos, this is a generational talent. We need to take care of him."
Carlos hummed back and nodded with a heavy look on his face. A sense of responsibility grew in him.