Chapter Two: After Nine Matches

Marcus fell three minutes into his first training session. A creator in the stands posted the clip as “Northport signing breaks down instantly.” It passed a million views within half an hour. Hall held the phone under Lin's nose. “Your ninety-four percent?” Lin had watched five years of footage. Marcus's knee had stolen his turning speed, not his anticipation. Northport's high man-marking line would expose him; a compact back three would turn him into the gate of the penalty area. “Shorten the training pitch ten meters,” Lin told coach Aiden. “Drop both wingbacks earlier. Give me sixty minutes tomorrow.” Aiden noticed Su watching. “Forty-five.”