Chapter 121: Putting In The Work

Izan’s week at Valencia’s training ground was intense, a blend of discipline and innovation designed to prepare him for the upcoming clash against Granada.

The club had talked with Izan’s school authorities and had been able to come to an agreement, creating a schedule that accommodated both his educational and sports life.

Each day began with an early morning session, where the team worked on fitness and agility. Izan, eager to improve, pushed through the drills with a determination that caught the eye of his teammates and coaching staff.

In the tactical sessions, Coach Rubén Baraja took a hands-on approach. Izan was often called aside to discuss his role in the team’s strategy.

Baraja emphasized positioning, movement off the ball, and quick decision-making. Using cones and markers, the coach recreated scenarios Granada was likely to employ, explaining how Izan could exploit gaps in their defensive setup.

Midweek, the team engaged in a high-intensity match simulation. Izan played as a wide forward, tasked with cutting inside and linking up with the midfield.

His explosive pace and technical ability allowed him to shine during these moments, but Baraja was quick to point out areas for improvement.

Izan was particularly fond of holding onto the ball. Aside from that, he was good everywhere even tracking back and maintaining defensive discipline.

In one memorable session, Izan was paired with Sosa by Ruben Baraja, hoping he could bring out something exceptional from combining the two of them.

This duo proved exciting as Izan and Sosa went about their way demolishing, the substitutes team. During the scrimmage against the defence of the main team, Izan still performed dazzlingly.

The young star showed remarkable chemistry with his teammates, threading pinpoint passes and executing swift one-twos that left the training staff impressed.

Sosa, on the other hand, showed minimal impact on the game but there were still glimpses of brilliance in his game.

Ruben Baraja, who stood beside the pitch, watched on with an excited expression. "Those guys at the academy should get a raise" he uttered as he watched Izan go past another defender.

As the week progressed, Izan began to internalize the tactical blueprint for the Granada match. By Friday, the focus shifted to set pieces, with Baraja instructing Izan on his positioning during corners and free kicks.

The sessions were demanding, but Izan’s focus and adaptability hinted at his readiness for the weekend’s challenge.

...

The sun bathed the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna in a warm glow as Valencia’s squad gathered for their afternoon training session.

The atmosphere was light, a welcome break from the usual intensity, as the players prepared for their clash against Granada. Izan, walked around with the ball, a bit relaxed.

The head physio had told him to tone it down for this session since he had played a considerable amount of minutes for his age this past week.

During the rondo warm-up, laughter echoed across the pitch as Pietro found himself in the middle of the circle, trying to win back possession.

Every time he lunged for the ball, his teammates passed it away with teasing precision. "Come on, Pietro Even my grandmother can press better!" joked one of the senior players, prompting a chorus of laughter. Pietro grinned and replied, "She must have played in La Liga, then!" drawing more chuckles from the group.

Izan who sat on a ball, watching from the side laughed at Pietro’s remark.

As the session progressed, the camaraderie remained evident. Finally participating in a shooting drill, Izan pulled off a cheeky rabona finish that earned him a round of applause.

"Save those for the match, superstar!" called out Marmadashvili, wagging his finger but unable to hide his smile. Izan jogged back to his spot with a playful shrug.

The highlight came during a small-sided game. Izan, on the same team as the Gaya, pulled off a dazzling nutmeg that left his marker bewildered. "You’ll find your pride in Granada," he quipped, earning an exaggerated groan from Javi Guerra, the victim of nutmeg.

Even Coach Rubén Baraja seemed to enjoy the harmony on display, occasionally smiling as he observed from the sideline. Though the drills remained focused, the jovial energy created a perfect balance between work and play.

As the session wound down, the players gathered for a cool-down jog around the field. Izan ran alongside a few teammates, cracking jokes about everything from missed sitters to questionable haircuts. It was clear he was no longer just the promising new kid—he was part of the family.

The day ended with a round of high-fives and pats on the back. As Izan walked off the pitch, still laughing about a prank one of the players had pulled, he couldn’t help but feel grateful. Training at Valencia wasn’t just about tactics and fitness—it was about belonging to something bigger.

.....

Despite the rigorous schedule, Izan found moments to bond with his teammates. Whether it was sharing a laugh over lunch or staying behind for extra shooting practice.

With the match against Granada looming, Izan’s week of preparation promised a performance that could further solidify his growing reputation.

After the training session, Izan sat on the edge of the pitch, untying his boots while his close friends, Pietro and Sosa, joined him.

The three of them, sat sharing jokes, banter, and the occasional deep conversation about life in football.

"Man, that rabona today," Pietro began, shaking his head in mock disbelief, "showing off already? You’re not even 16 yet."

Izan laughed, tossing his boots into his bag. "What can I say? It’s in the blood. You wouldn’t understand, Pietro—you don’t take risks like that!"

"Oh, I take risks," Pietro shot back. "Remember last week? I tried a backheel pass, and the boss nearly benched me for it."

"Probably because you sent it straight to the other team," Sosa chimed in, his grin widening as Pietro pretended to be offended.

The trio’s laughter filled the warm evening air. As they walked toward the locker rooms, the conversation shifted to the upcoming match against Granada.

"Watched the news yesterday, a lot of people a looking forward to seeing you play" Sosa said.

"I’m pretty sure I won’t start but I’ll do my best when I come on. Unlike the person calling himself the next Xavi, I’m more humble", Izan said as he took off his kit.

"Like how I’m staying grounded" Pietro said earning looks from Izan and Sosa.

"Grounded?" Sosa smirked. "We’re just here to make sure you don’t start calling yourself ’the next Messi’ after one good game."

"Who says I’m not already better?" Pietro shot back with mock arrogance, striking a superhero pose before they all burst into laughter again.

As they reached the locker rooms, the mood turned a little more reflective. "Seriously, though," Sosa said, pausing by the door, "it feels good to be here, you know? Training, playing, being part of something like this. I just hope I can keep proving myself."

"You will," Izan said firmly. "We’ve seen what you can do. Let’s just stay humble and keep working." Izan said.

Hearing it from Izan felt a little weird since he was older than him but Sosa couldn’t help but agree. At least in terms of football seniority, Izan was ahead of him.

"Yeah," Pietro added. "But don’t be like this guy, doing rabonas and stuffs—don’t want the old guys getting jealous." Pietro said pointing to Izan

With that, they stepped inside, still laughing and joking. For Izan, moments like these reminded him that football wasn’t just about goals and glory—it was about the friendships forged along the way.

As the trio settled into the locker room, their conversation took a lighthearted turn. Pietro, always the instigator, leaned back on the bench with a mischievous grin. "Alright, boys, we need to talk about Mark."

Izan raised an eyebrow, tossing his towel into his bag. "What about him? Did he mess up another drill?"

"No, no," Pietro said, waving it off. "It’s more serious than that. The guy’s single. And not just ’single,’ but chronically single. We’ve got to do something about it."

Sosa chuckled, leaning against the lockers. "You mean we’ve got to get him a girlfriend? Are we running a dating service now?"

"Why not?" Pietro replied, grinning. "I mean, we’ve got Izan here—the golden boy of Valencia—he can vouch for us. Girls love football players, right?"

Izan laughed, shaking his head. "I promised I’d help him find one but its hard since he’s a bit dense."

"That’s the problem!" Pietro exclaimed. "He’s too great. He spends all his time being polite, working hard, and...well, not noticing when girls are interested. We need to give him a nudge."

Sosa nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, but who do we nudge him toward? You’ve got someone in mind?"

Pietro rubbed his chin dramatically. "There’s that girl who works at the café by the training ground—what’s her name? Lavi? She’s always smiling when Mark orders his post-training smoothie."

"Oh, come on," Izan said, rolling his eyes. "She smiles at everyone. It’s called customer service."

"Maybe," Pietro conceded, "but Mark gets the extra-wide smile. I’m telling you, there’s potential."

Sosa laughed. "Alright, let’s say you’re right. How do we get Mark to actually talk to her?"

"That’s where Izan comes in," Pietro said, pointing at him. "Mark listens to you. If you walk in with Mark and drop a line like, ’Hey, this is my buddy, Mark. He’s a legend,’ she’ll be all over him."

Izan groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You are unbelievable. Fine, I’ll help—but only if Mark’s on board. I’m not about to embarrass him."

"Deal," Pietro said, clapping his hands together. "Operation Matchmaker is officially underway."

Sosa grinned. "This is either going to be a disaster or the best thing we’ve ever done."

As they finished up and headed out, the three of them couldn’t stop laughing at the ridiculous plan they were hatching.

Izan couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like this—where life was just football, friends, and a bit of harmless mischief.

A/n: I’m feeling a bit nauseous so imma rest bit. Have fun reading.