Early Bird

The morning air was cool and crisp as Marcus walked to the training grounds, headphones on, the beats of his favorite playlist setting the rhythm of his steps. He had woken up earlier than usual, feeling a surge of determination. After last night's chat with Mia, he was more resolved than ever to make the most of his new position.

As he reached Motspur Park, the sky was just starting to lighten, and the training grounds were quiet. Marcus pulled off his headphones, the silence replaced by the distant chirping of birds. He headed to the field, the dew still glistening on the grass.

With his bag set down, Marcus began to warm up. He had spent hours on YouTube, studying the top central attacking midfielders—players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, and Thomas Müller. He had taken notes, mentally cataloging their movements, passes, and decision-making. Today, he intended to practice some of those techniques.

He started with dribbling drills, weaving through cones, and focusing on maintaining close control while keeping his head up. Next, he practiced passing and vision, setting up small targets around the field and aiming to hit them with pinpoint accuracy. He visualized himself in-game scenarios, making quick decisions and threading the ball through tight spaces.

As he worked, Marcus felt a sense of flow. The early morning solitude allowed him to focus entirely on his training. He practiced long passes, short passes, one-touch flicks, and more intricate moves designed to create space in the crowded midfield. The repetitive drills helped him internalize the techniques, making them second nature.

Time seemed to fly by, and before he knew it, the sun was higher in the sky, and the rest of the team started to arrive. His teammates greeted him with curious looks, impressed by his dedication.

"Morning, Marcus," Dan called out, jogging over. "Been here long?"

"Hey, Dan. Yeah, just wanted to get in some extra practice," Marcus replied, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Nice. You're taking this new role seriously, huh?" Dan said with a grin.

"Absolutely," Marcus said, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

As the rest of the players gathered, Coach Anderson arrived, clipboard in hand. He surveyed the group, his eyes lingering on Marcus with a hint of approval.

"Good to see you all here, bright and early," Anderson began, addressing the team. "We've got a tough match coming up against Arsenal U21s. They're a strong side, but if we play to our strengths, we can give them a run for their money."

The team listened intently as Anderson laid out the training plan for the day. They would be focusing on tactical drills, set-pieces, and maintaining defensive solidity while exploiting quick transitions—areas where Arsenal was known to be vulnerable.

"Marcus," Anderson called out, "I want you to keep working on those central roles. Your performance last time was impressive, but we need you to be even sharper for Arsenal. Study their midfielders, understand their movements, and find ways to exploit the spaces they leave."

Marcus nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility but also a surge of confidence. He had come early for a reason, and now it was time to put that extra work to good use.

The team broke into smaller groups for drills, and Marcus seamlessly integrated his morning practice into the structured session. His passes were crisp, his movements decisive, and his awareness sharp. Anderson's approving nods throughout the session were a testament to his progress.

Coach Anderson stood at the edge of the training pitch, his hands resting on his hips as he watched the players go through their drills. The morning sun cast long shadows across the field, and the crisp air was filled with the sounds of shouts, whistles, and the thud of boots against the ball. He had arrived early, as usual, to prepare for the day's session, but he had been pleasantly surprised to see Marcus already on the field, practicing with an intensity that was hard to miss.

Anderson's keen eyes followed Marcus as he moved through his drills. The young midfielder had always shown promise, but today there was a noticeable difference in his play. Marcus's control of the ball was tighter, his passes more precise, and his vision on the field seemed to have expanded. Every movement was purposeful, and his confidence was palpable.

He saw how Marcus directed the flow of play, connecting passes and creating opportunities. His positioning was excellent, always finding space and making himself available for the ball. Anderson watched as Marcus executed a perfect through ball to Dan, who was making a run into the box. It was the kind of pass that could split defenses and turn a game on its head.

"Good, Marcus! Keep it up!" Anderson shouted, unable to hide his satisfaction.

Anderson also noticed how Marcus's teammates were responding to his leadership on the field. They trusted him with the ball and were beginning to look for him to initiate attacks. The chemistry developing between Marcus and the other players was a crucial element in the team's success.

As the session progressed, Anderson observed Marcus in various scenarios—under pressure from defenders, making quick transitions, and even taking shots on goal. He was impressed by Marcus's composure and adaptability. It was clear that the young player was not just adapting to his new role but excelling in it.

By the end of the training session, Anderson had seen enough to confirm his thoughts. Marcus was not just a winger trying to play in the center; he was a natural central attacking midfielder. The decision to move him to this position had unlocked a new level of potential in his game.

As the training wrapped up, Anderson gathered the team once more. "Good work today, everyone. Keep this intensity and focus. Arsenal is going to be a challenge, but I believe in this team. Rest up, study the game plans, and come back ready to give it your all."

The players dispersed, chatting and laughing, but Marcus remained focused. He knew the upcoming match against Arsenal U21s was a significant test. With each training session, he felt more prepared and more confident in his new role.

As Marcus headed to the locker room, Anderson watched him go with a sense of satisfaction. Transforming Marcus's position had been a gamble, but it was one that was paying off. Anderson felt a surge of excitement for the upcoming match against Arsenal U21s. With Marcus in the center, the team had a real chance to surprise their opponents.