Good News And Bad News

Benjamin took a deep breath, bracing himself. "Let's get the bad news out of the way," he said, his voice sounding calm but betraying a hint of apprehension.

Coach Jansen nodded, his expression serious. "Several clubs top flight clubs like Ajax, PSV, FC Utrecht, and a few others have pulled their interest in you."

The words hit Benjamin like a punch to the gut.

Before the unfortunate accident, he'd already been on the radar of a few top club's scouts in the Netherlands. They'd shown keen interest in his progress most likely would have approached him before the start of the new season.

But after knowing of his injury, they'd become sceptical, concerned about the long term impact of such an injury to his football career.

They had withdrawn their interest in him, leaving him dispirited right now. He had known this was a possibility, but hearing it out loud made it feel more real. His heart sank as Coach Jansen continued.

"The scouts heard about your injury and... well, they're concerned. A Tibial Plateau Fracture is a serious injury, especially for someone your age. They think it could have a long-term impact on your game, and they don't want to take the risk."

Benjamin stared at his plate, his appetite gone.

He had known his recovery would be tough, but he hadn't expected to lose opportunities before even getting back on the pitch. Disappointment weighed heavily on him, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.

"I see," he finally muttered, his voice trembling a little.

The scouts were abandoning him. Clubs that had once shown interest were now backing away. It felt like his dream was slipping through his fingers, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Coach Jansen reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Benjamin's shoulder. "I know this is tough to hear, Benjamin, but don't let it get to you. These scouts are making a short-sighted decision. They're worried about your injury, but I know how talented and hardworking you are. I've seen you play, I've seen your determination. It's their loss if they can't see what I see."

Benjamin looked up, meeting Coach Jansen's calm gaze. The coach's words brought a small spark of hope back. He had always believed in Benjamin, even when others doubted him. "Thanks, Coach," Benjamin said softly. "It means a lot that you believe in me."

"I don't just believe in you, Benjamin," Coach Jansen said, his voice firm. "I know you're going to make it through this hard times. Injuries happen to the best players in the world. It's how you come back from them that matters. And I know you've got what it takes to come back even stronger."

Benjamin let those words sink in. He wanted to believe Coach Jansen, but it was hard not to feel discouraged. The doubt gnawed at him, but Jansen's faith in him helped ease some of the weight pressing on his chest.

"That's the bad news," Coach Jansen continued, offering a small smile. "But there's good news too."

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, trying to shake off the lingering disappointment. "I could really use some good news right about now."

Coach Jansen's smile widened. "In two months, the HFC Haarlem Youth Academy is organizing a special scouting match. It's a big event and some top clubs from across the Netherlands will be sending scouts to watch the players. It's your chance, Benjamin. An opportunity to show them that you're still the player they thought you were or even, better."

Benjamin's heart skipped a beat. "A scouting match?" His mind raced. This was the breakthrough he needed, the chance to prove that the injury hadn't taken away his ability.

"Exactly," Coach Jansen said. "You'll have two months to get ready, to keep pushing your recovery. If you show up strong, with your talent and determination, I believe those scouts will have no choice but to take notice. And trust me, I'll make sure they know who to watch."

A smile crept onto Benjamin's face, slowly at first, then growing wider. The disappointment from earlier faded slightly as hope and excitement replaced it.

A scouting match. He had time to prepare, time to recover fully and show them what he could do.

"I'll be ready," Benjamin said, his voice filled with determination. "I'll be fully recovered and in shape by then."

"I don't doubt it for a second," Coach Jansen replied. "You've got two months to get back to your best. Take it day by day, keep doing what you're doing, and you'll be ready when the time comes."

They finished their dinner in a more upbeat mood.

Coach Jansen left soon after, leaving Benjamin with his thoughts. As he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't help but think about what the next two months would bring.

Yes, he had lost some opportunities. Some clubs had pulled away. But there were still others, and there was still time to prove himself.

The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but it was a road he was willing to travel.

"I'll make it," he whispered into the darkness, clutching the blanket tighter. "I'll prove them wrong."

With that thought in his mind, Benjamin drifted off to sleep, determined to face the challenges ahead. Two months from now would be the start of his comeback, and nothing was going to stop him.