Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 87: Training Session

Chapter 87: Training Session

Tuesday, 28th August 2012...

The day began with a distinct buzz in the air around the AFAS Training Complex.

The echoes of their emphatic 8-0 victory over Heerenveen during the weekend hadn’t yet faded, and the anticipation for the Europa League second-leg qualifying play-off clash against Anzhi Makhachkala only added to the heightened energy.

The training ground was a hive of activity as fans began gathering early, more than the usual turnout for a weekday session.

Some carried scarves and jerseys, others waved banners adorned with "AZ Alkmaar" and "We Believe."

The previous weekend’s demolition of Heerenveen had stirred the fanbase, and they turned out in greater numbers today. They lined the fences just outside the training grounds with their cameras and phones at the ready.

Inside the gates, the players were already on the pitch and were being warmed up by the morning sun that painted the grass in shades of gold and green.

The ever stoic, Gertjan Verbeek, stood near the halfway line with his arms crossed and a clipboard tucked under one arm, barking instructions as the drills unfolded.

The training session began with a series of dynamic stretches and light jogging round the training grounds, the kind designed to loosen muscles and clear the cobwebs of the previous off-day.

The coaching staff moved among the players, offering corrections and words of encouragement to bolster their intensity.

Clad in the No. 21 red-and-white training kit, Benjamin stood out as he kept pace with the senior players, his movements fluid and precise.

He found himself the focal point of much of the day’s attention. The young forward moved with quiet determination, his touches precise and purposeful as he worked through a series of passing drills.

Every now and then, he’d subconsciously glance toward the fans, acknowledging their cheers with a subtle wave or a quick grin.

It wasn’t a showy gesture—it never was with Benjamin. But even the smallest gestures from him seemed to draw an outsized response.

"Benjamin! Over here!" a voice shouted from the crowd, prompting others to join in. And soon, their calls began overlapping.

Benjamin didn’t look immediately as he was too focused on completing the sequence.

Fweeee!~

A whistle shrilled, and the tempo shifted.

The team broke into passing drills, forming tight triangles and zipping the ball between one another. The focus was sharp and each touch purposeful.

Martens, Elm and Henrikson orchestrated the midfield sequences, their communication almost telepathic.

Benjamin, who was positioned in one of the groups, received a short pass. He shifted his weight to balance himself and threaded the ball back through the smallest of gaps.

As the drills progressed, Gertjan Verbeek switched gears, directing the team into formations.

Today’s focus was clear to the players: breaking down a compact defense and exploiting space on the wings. "Quick transitions!" Gertjan Verbeek called out, his voice cutting through the buzz. "Don’t wait—attack the space!"

The players responded. Bereens surged forward on the right flank, receiving a perfectly played through ball from Maher.

His cross into the 18-yard box was met by Altidore, who struck it first-time into the netting of the small training goal.

Applause erupted from the gathered fans, their cheers carrying across the training ground.

Benjamin wasn’t far behind. Paired with Berghuis in a simulated counter-attack, he darted down the left side, his speed catching the defenders off-guard.

The ball seemed strangely glued to his feet as he weaved past an incoming challenge from a marker. He squared himself, and delivered a low cross that was met cleanly by Berghuis. Another goal, another cheer from the sidelines.

Despite the joviality among the fans, the session wasn’t without intensity. Gertjan Verbeek halted drills on more than one occasion, pulling players aside for quiet but firm feedback.

He lingered near Benjamin after one particular sequence, gesturing animatedly as he explained the importance of timing his runs. Benjamin nodded with a focused expression as he intently listened to the gaffers instructions.

The players shifted into tactical drills, with Gertjan Verbeek emphasizing the importance of structure and discipline.

Facing Anzhi Makhachkala would require more than flair and ball possession—it demanded a collective effort from the players, something he was drilling into them relentlessly.

The fans didn’t lose interest in the small pauses though, their focus often drifted back to Benjamin. Majority of them held up hand-painted signs bearing his name and jersey number, while others chanted songs hastily crafted for him.

A young girl with braces, perched on her father’s shoulders, waved a miniature AZ Alkmaar flag with her eyes glued to the teenage star.

"Look at him," one supporter said to another, pointing toward Benjamin as he broke into a sprint during a counterattack simulation. "He’s got something special. You can see it in how he moves, how he sees the game."

"Arguably the best signing we’ve made in years," another replied. "Mark my words, he’s going places."

On the field, Benjamin continued to display his capabilities. In a small-sided game, he skipped past two defenders with a slick combination of speed and skill before threading a pass to Jozy Altidore, who slotted it into the net.

The session concluded with set-piece practice. As cones were set up to mimic defensive walls, the players took turns delivering free kicks, corners, and penalty shots.

Henrikson’ efforts from the corner curled dangerously into the top corners, while Altidore’s powerful strikes forced saves from Alvarado, who seemed equal to the challenge.

When it was Benjamin’s turn for the freekick set pieces, the young winger lined up his shot while taking a breath, and struck the ball cleanly. It soared over the wall and dipped just in time, kissing the crossbar on its way into the net.

The fans erupted in cheers. Benjamin turned, a small smile playing on his lips as he jogged back to his position, waving briefly to the crowd.

As the session wound down, the players gathered for a final set of cool-down stretches while making light banters.

Gertjan Verbeek gathered them near the center circle. His voice dropped, forcing everyone to lean in. "The game against Anzhi Makhachkala won’t be an easy run-through. Regardless of our 2-1 win over them in Dangestan, we’ll have to put up our A-game"

He paused to let his words sink in and then continued, "They are a tough opponent and we can attest to that. They’re physical and disciplined, but so are we. Remember what we’ve worked on today. Compact shape, quick transitions and clinical finishing. We’ve got the advantage in this return leg—let’s make it count."