Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 89: Europa League Matchday

Chapter 89: Europa League Matchday

The days passed in a steady rhythm, each one bringing the team closer to the second-leg clash against Anzhi Makhachkala.

For the past two days, training had taken on a repetitive yet purposeful nature. Gertjan Verbeek’s instructions were clear to the players: familiarity breeds precision.

The players worked tirelessly on transitions, moving as a unit from defensive positions into rapid counterattacks.

The drills began with structured defensive scenarios. The players packed tightly into their half, holding their shape against simulated pressure.

Martens and Elm acted as the first line of release, tasked with breaking up the opposition’s attack and immediately springing into action.

The wingers, Berghuis and Benjamin, played their part to perfection, darting into open spaces on the flanks as soon as the ball was won back.

"Faster! Transition faster!" Gertjan Verbeek’s voice rang out across the pitch as the players repeated the drill for the fifth time that morning.

Each run they made and each pass they attempted, was just a piece of the larger strategy.

Gertjan Verbeek planned to absorb Anzhi Makhachkala’s high-intensity attack, lulling them into a false sense of control, before unleashing swift and precise counters down the wings.

The coach’s plan wasn’t flashy and entertaining to most football fans, but it was calculated to suit their objective: knocking out their opponent.

The players didn’t question his tactics; they had seen how their efforts in training translated into results on the pitch.

During one of those sessions, Benjamin found himself paired with Berghuis for a two-on-three counter simulation.

The ball was played out of the back to Henriksen, who quickly sent it wide to Benjamin. Without hesitation, Benjamin sprinted down the left flank, his pace leaving the defenders scrambling.

He cut inside at the perfect moment, delivering a low cross into the box that Berghuis met with a sharp finish.

"Exactly like that!" Gertjan Verbeek called out, his approval evident despite the stern tone.

The focus extended to set pieces, with the team practicing both defensive setups and attacking opportunities.

Benjamin, now known for his setpiece techniques, spent extra time honing his free kicks. Each strike he took seemed more accurate than the last, curling just over the defensive wall and into the top corner.

As the final training session before the match wrapped up, the players gathered in a huddle near the center circle. Sweat glistened on their faces, but there was a quiet confidence among them.

Gertjan Verbeek’s voice was firm but steady as he addressed them. "We’ve put in the work. Now, it’s about execution. You guys should stick to the plan, stay disciplined, and trust in each other. Anzhi Makhachkala will come at us hard, but we’re ready. Let’s show them what we’re capable of."

With a collective nod, the players dispersed. Benjamin lingered for a moment, his eyes scanning the pitch as if envisioning the battle ahead.

The Europa League clash was less than 24hrs away, and the team was prepared for the challenge that awaited them.

***

Benjamin walked off the training ground towards the locker room after the intense training session.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed in his pocket and the name "Ashley" lit up the screen. It was the first time this agent of his had called since they had eaten out a few days ago, and he knew these wouldn’t just be casual updates.

He answered while walking away from the sound of distant conversations and the rhythmic thuds of footballs being cleared in the background.

"Hey, Benjamin," Ashley’s voice came through the other end, sounding cheerful. "I’ve got some updates for you."

Benjamin tucked the phone closer to his ear and slowed down his footsteps. Ashley didn’t waste time with small talk.

"So, FrieslandCampina and Hummels offers are still on the table," she began, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation. "But after that Heerenveen game—eight goals, Benjamin? And that performance of yours? Let’s just say you’ve become even more valuable."

He could picture her smile through the phone. She was always the type to turn opportunities into leverage.

"I’ve decided to stall their offers," Ashley continued. "The initial deals were decent, but not good enough for where you’re at now. Your popularity in the league is climbing, and the fans can’t stop talking about you. The way I see it, we can push for better terms."

Benjamin didn’t respond immediately, his mind flickering to the roaring cheers from the fans during the Heerenveen game, the chants of his name echoing long after the final whistle. He wasn’t one for the spotlight, but even he could see how the narrative was shifting around him.

"I’ve requested improvements on both contracts," Ashley went on. "Hummels is already considering revising their offer. As for FrieslandCampina, they’re a little hesitant, but I reminded them that associating with you right now is a golden opportunity. They’ll come around, trust me."

Benjamin let out a small breath, processing her words. Ashley had always been sharp, but this felt different. She was setting him up as a rising star.

"Thanks, Ashley," he finally said, his voice steady but carrying a note of gratitude.

"Don’t thank me yet," she replied with a chuckle. "This is just the beginning. I’ll keep you updated."

As the call ended, Benjamin slipped the phone back into his pocket.

The locker room was just ahead, but he paused, looking back at the pitch where he’d just finished training. The past few days had been grueling, but they were paying off in ways he hadn’t fully grasped before.

He adjusted the strap of his bag and continued walking, his thoughts swirling with anticipation—not just for the game against Anzhi Makhachkala, but for everything else that seemed to be falling into place.

*****

Thursday, 30th August 2012...

The AFAS Stadion buzzed with anticipation as fans poured into the stands, their chants rising into the evening air.

On the pitch, the players warmed up under the floodlights, their figures casting long shadows on the green sea.

Above it all, the voices of the commentators filled the airwaves.

[Welcome to tonight’s Europa League second-leg qualifying play-off match between AZ Alkmaar and Anzhi Makhachkala, here in the AFAS Stadion!] The enthusiasm in the first commentator’s voice was unmistakable.

[It’s a crucial game for both teams, with a spot in the Europa League group stage hanging in the balance]

His co-commentator chimed in, his tone more measured but equally engaged. [Indeed. AZ Alkmaar comes into this one with a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg. But let’s not forget how action-packed that game was. Anzhi Makhachkala will be desperate to overturn the deficit, and with the firepower they have, you can’t rule them out]

[Absolutely, and who could forget that first leg?] The lead commentator leaned into the moment. [Samuel Eto’o, a player of his caliber, missing a penalty. That was a shocker. But the real story of that match was the 17-year-old Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard]

The second commentator chuckled lightly. [What a night he had. A goal and an assist from the teenager, making his mark on the European stage in style. You could see the composure in his play, like he’d been doing this for years]

[Exactly. His performance was nothing short of brilliant,] the lead commentator added. [It’s no wonder the fans have taken to him so quickly]

The co-commentator nodded. [It’s a big ask for someone so young to step up in games like these, but he’s proving to be a real talent. Tonight, though, will be another test. Anzhi Makhachkala will come out with high intensity, and Benjamin will need to handle that pressure]