After his display the next person took over for the practise and he retreat to take a bit of rest before the next part of the trails.
'Well let the kids play now' He thought with a perfect straight face without a bit of shame
Watching others finish their cone drill he understand that they are really a lot of talant gathered here for the trials.
The next trial is shoting drill after watching a few players go for their rounds it was finally his turn
'Lets do this shit' He mutters with a grin on his face while encouraging himself.
He step forward as the ball is rolled into position just outside the box. The air feels tighter here. This is different from the passing drills and the cone drill with test endurance and ball control. This is a different ball game entirely and he is ready for whatever comes next. This … this is where player either rush… or reveal composure.
He plant is feet for a second, not frozen by fear or from the stare of his teammate. No, his just settled the confidence, the composure he needs it here, now. His eyes lift quickly goalkeepers position Miguel. That's is his name, a product of the academy helping the coach assess us as part of their training while we are here and so applied to the rest of the team to determine the result of each player that applied for the trials and Miguel is crazy at least the rest who went against him for the shooting trials did not score more than one from possible three so he wont need luck against him but a bit of quick feet also. Miguel position, near post, far post, space, he didn't stare too long. He read it in a glance, He let the Arjen Roben template washed over his body, let it straighten him.
The ball comes to him.
His first touch matters. He cushion it slightly forward and across his body, setting it perfectly into his path. Not too far. Not too close. That one touch already tells the coach something: He is in control before the shot even happens.
Now his body begins to shape.
His non-kicking foot plants beside the ball, firm and balanced, pointing toward his target. His shoulders relax but stay aligned. No tension, no rush. Everything is connected eyes,body, ball.
He draw his leg back, not wildly, not rushed just enough to show the coach that he get this.
Then he strikes.
clean contact.
He feel it instantly. The middle of his foot connects through the center of the ball.No slice, no mishit. Just a solid, controlled strike. His ankle is locked, His posture slightly forward to keep the shot low.
The ball leaves his foot fast but more importantly, it leaves with intention.
It travels toward the corner, not straight at the goalkeeper Miguel. He didn't try to overpower it. He guided it. The ball skims just above the grass, precise and difficult to reach.
He followed through naturally, his kicking leg swinging across his body. He didn't fall off balance. He didn't stumble. He stayed upright, controlled, already watching the result.
Niguel reacts but its late.
The ball hits the net.
No celebration. Just a small exhale. He turn and jog back into position like its normal for him. That calm reaction says more than any scream or fist pump ever could.
Another ball comes.
This time it's a cross.
He adjust quickly, moving into space before the ball even arrives. His body opens, reading the flight early. As it drops, He didn't wait flat footed he step into it.
One touch.
He guide it into his path again, setting up the shot instead of forcing it. The ball sits perfectly.
Then strike.
Different angle, same contro.
low. Accurate. Composed.
He is not guessing. He is choosing.
Each shot he takes follow the same pattern: see, set, strike, finish. Not panic, No hesitation. Even if one slightly wide, his body language doesn't change. He reset instantly, ready for the next.
Because this isn't about scoring one perfect goal.
Its about showing the coach that every time the chance comes, he have same quality and mindset.