On the bus heading to Carrington, where Manchester United's training ground is located.
'This is my first official match wearing Chelsea's jersey. It's important, it sets the tone for our season.' I thought, watching the countryside roll by through the window.
"Wake up." said Ian Britton, the midfielder sitting next to me.
"I'm awake, just thinking about stuff." I replied.
"I know, it's just an expression. Anyway, we're here." he said as we stood up and got off the bus with the rest of the team.
We made our way through the locker room and then onto the pitch. The stands were packed, just like almost every match in this world.
You could definitely feel the European football culture here, fans chanting, wearing their team's shirts, scarves, and gear. The stadium's energy was electric.
'This is something else.' I thought, looking out at the crowd from the pitch. Then I refocused on the field and spotted Cruyfford in the distance, chatting with one of his teammates.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the match between Manchester United's youth team and Chelsea's youth team is about to begin!" the announcer called out. "Among the 22 players today, all eyes will surely be on Brian Cruyfford, the young Dutch talent!"
'If I play well today, it's a great chance to make a name for myself.' I thought, tightening my laces.
I straightened up as the kickoff was taken. Manchester United started with the ball. A few passes were exchanged before it landed at Cruyfford's feet. He immediately took on one of our players, then a second. After watching him for a moment, I decided it was time, I sprinted toward him.
"Another one." he muttered as I closed in.
"Yes, another one." I replied, pressing him tightly, refusing to give him any space.
"You're a tough one." he said, as I cut off his path and stood my ground.
[ Brian Cruyfford's POV ]
'Who is this guy? He's been on me like glue since the start. This was supposed to be my big debut, but here I am...' I think to myself, frustrated.
I try going left, he's there. I shift right, he closes me down again.
"Alright, you asked for it." I mutter to him.
This time, I manage to get past him cleanly. But I feel him closing in fast again, so I quickly play a through pass to one of our forwards. Let's just say I won that round.
[ Shin's POV ]
He passes the ball to a teammate. 'Damn, just a little more and I could've shut him down.' I think.
Their striker ends up one-on-one with our keeper, Tony Godden dives and blocks the shot.
But Cruyfford had followed the play. He hits it first-time on the rebound, goal.
"And we told you to keep an eye on him, Brian Cruyfford scores! 1–0 for the home team!" shouts the commentator as the crowd erupts.
We get back into position. We kick off.
Britton takes the ball, makes a one-two with another midfielder, and after gaining a bit of ground, he sends it my way.
I receive the ball, take a quick touch, then fake inside and cut outside past the defender in front of me. Then I accelerate.
Brian Cruyfford steps up to block me.
"Let's see what you've got." he says with a smirk.
I just smile, then as he stretches his leg to steal the ball, I spin, pulling off a roulette. In the same movement, I push the ball forward, sliding it between his legs.
"What!?" he exclaims as I slip past him.
"What a move! Brilliant technique shown by Chelsea's new signing, Shin Orochi, and he pulls it off against none other than Brian Cruyfford!" shouts the commentator.
[ Brian Cruyfford's POV ]
'Don't tell me that just happened.' I think, stunned. I start chasing him again, trying to catch up, but he keeps picking up speed.
"Tackle him!" I shout to one of our defenders.
The defender lunges, but that number 7, he leaps right over him like it was nothing.
[ Shin's POV ]
I leap over the defender, land smoothly with the ball still at my feet. In front of me, the goal.
No hesitation. I take the shot. A powerful curling strike with my left foot. It's flying towards the far post.
The keeper watches it… thinks it's going wide, but no. It dips in at the last second. Goal.
"It's in! Shin Orochi with the equalizer, are we witnessing the rise of another phenomenon?" the commentator exclaims.
As I jog back toward our side, I catch a glimpse of Cruyfford. He's watching me… smiling.
[ Brian Cruyfford's POV ]
At first, it bothered me.
But the more this match goes on… the more I can't help but smile. When was the last time I had this much fun playing football?
'Since you maybe, Stijn… my brother.'
[ Shin's POV ]
From that moment on, Cruyfford started playing with a lot more fire, challenging me to one-on-ones, again and again. And of course, I didn't back down. How could I?
We kept going until the halftime whistle blew. Still 1–1.
On the way to the locker rooms...
"What's your name, number 7?" Cruyford asked me.
"My name is Shin Orochi. Number 14." I replied, calling him by his number instead of his name.
"I see. I'll remember it." he said, chuckling a bit before heading into his team's locker room.
In our locker room...
"Turns out Shin is doing a much better job containing Brian Cruyfford than I expected." said Coach Medina, as I nodded quietly. "It's throwing off their entire rhythm since he's the core of their play."
"Keep it up, boys. Let's bring this win home."
"Yes, coach!" we all replied in unison.
[ Brian Cruyfford's POV ]
We were in our locker room, the coach giving his instructions with intensity.
"Brian, you want me to help you with number 7?" one of my teammates asked.
I looked at him for a second, then smiled. "No, please, let me enjoy this match. I've got it."
This wasn't just about winning anymore. This was the kind of game that reminded you why you started playing football in the first place.
It was time.
We stepped out of the locker room and made our way back to the pitch. The second half was about to begin.