Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 161: League Table Updates 1

Chapter 161: League Table Updates 1

As the crowd’s noise faded into the post-match buzz, the cameras followed Benjamin as he walked off the pitch with sweat dripping from his brow but his face glowing with satisfaction.

The AZ Alkmaar fans stayed behind, chanting his name, their voices growing louder with each repetition.

[Well, if there was any doubt about Benjamin Rijkaard’s potential, I think we can safely put that to rest tonight,] Mike said, his voice still buzzing with excitement. [Three consecutive Man of the Match awards in the Eredivisie. Let’s just look at his stats again—six matches total in all competitions, ten goals, nine assists. And he’s seventeen!]

[And let’s not forget, Mike, that includes two hat-tricks in just four league appearances,] his co-commentator added, shaking his head. [Those are numbers you’d expect from an experienced striker, not a teenager breaking into the first team...in his first season]

The replay of Benjamin’s latest goal flashed on the screen again, and Mike couldn’t help but chuckle. [I mean, just look at that. The audacity, the calmness under pressure. Who does that? This kid is special]

[He’s not just scoring goals, Mike,] his partner said, leaning forward. [Look at his assists. Eight in the league, and one in the Europa League. He’s not just finishing moves—he’s also creating them. He’s already the heartbeat of this AZ Alkmaar side without an atom of doubt]

The camera panned to Benjamin as he exchanged shirts with one of the PSV players, Memphis Depay, before walking over to the away section, where the AZ Alkmaar fans were still cheering wildly. He raised his hands, clapping toward them, his smile genuine and unguarded.

[And look at how he’s handling it all,] the co-commentator noted. [No arrogance, no over-the-top celebrations—just pure joy. That’s what makes him so likable]

[It’s early days,] Mike said cautiously, [but you’ve got to wonder where this kid’s ceiling is. Seventeen years old, dominating in the Eredivisie and already stirring ripples in Europe. If he keeps this up, we could be looking at a future superstar]

The camera cut to Gertjan Verbeek, who was deep with his assistant coach on the sidelines and deep in conversation with the officials, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

[You can see what this means to Gertjan Verbeek as well,] Mike added. [He’s trusted Benjamin with so much responsibility, and the young man is repaying that faith tenfold]

The commentators paused for a moment as the broadcast showed highlights from the match—Benjamin’s inch-perfect passes, his clever movement off the ball, and, of course, the stunning chip that sealed the win.

[If you’re a fan of AZ Alkmaar, you’re pinching yourself right now,] the co-commentator said, laughing lightly. [This team is young, fearless, and with Benjamin leading the charge, they’re a joy to watch]

[And don’t forget, they’re not just performing domestically,] Mike reminded the viewers. [Two goals and an assist in the Europa League as well for the young lad. AZ Alkmaar are looking dangerous on all fronts, and Benjamin Rijkaard is at the heart of it]

As the post-match interviews began, Benjamin stepped in front of the camera with a calm expression but his excitement could barely be contained.

He answered the questions with humility, crediting his teammates for their efforts and brushing off individual praise.

[What a head on those young shoulders,] the co-commentator remarked as the interview ended. [He’s grounded, he’s focused, and he’s got the talent to back it all up]

[The sky’s the limit for Benjamin Rijkaard,] Mike concluded. [And if tonight’s performance is anything to go by, we’re witnessing the rise of a truly special player]

The cheers in the Philips Stadion had barely begun to die down when the commentators shifted gears, their attention snapping toward the league table.

Matchday 5 had delivered its fair share of drama, and Mike wasted no time diving into it.

[Well, you have to start at the top, don’t you?] Mike said, his tone still brimming with residual excitement from Benjamin’s stunning chip. [Ajax sitting pretty up there. Five games, five wins, 15 points and a goal difference that’s almost ridiculous at this point]

His partner chuckled, leaning back in his chair as the table filled the screen. [Ridiculous is the word. Fourteen goals scored, and only one conceded—that’s dominance, plain and simple. And the scary part? They don’t even look like they’re in top gear yet]

[But look at who’s sneaking up behind them now,] Mike continued, a grin tugging at his lips as he pointed at the screen. [AZ Alkmaar, leapfrogging PSV, Twente and Utrecht into second place. What a win tonight, and what a player they’ve got in Benjamin Rijkaard. That kid’s the real deal]

The co-commentator nodded, his voice picking up a note of admiration. [Second place with 10 points, and deservedly so. They’ve scored nineteen goals and conceded six in five games, Mike. Nineteen! That’s more than anyone else in the league, Ajax included. And Benjamin...what can you say? A hat-trick against PSV in their own backyard? That’s not just talent—that’s ice in his veins]

The replay of Benjamin’s chip flashed on the screen again for the umpteenth time, and both men fell silent for a moment.

Starting from the dribbles, the ball’s arc, the clang of the crossbar, the net rippling—it was a sequence they couldn’t tire of.

[That goal,] Mike began, shaking his head in disbelief. [You don’t see that kind of composure every day. Especially not from a seventeen-year-old. And this is his second hat-trick of the season, by the way. Two in five matches!]

[And let’s not forget the context,] his partner chimed in. [AZ Alkmaar were tied 3–3 with PSV, away from home and in the dying seconds of the game... in front of a packed stadium. He could’ve gone for power, could’ve panicked. But no—he chipped it. Who does that, Mike?]

Mike let out a low whistle, leaning closer to the mic. [Someone who’s destined for greatness, that’s who. But let’s not get too carried away. Look at Twente and Utrecht—still very much in the mix at ten points each. This top four is shaping up to be a real battle]