THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Kendrick

JFC Riga's team did not release the pressure despite conceding a goal in the 15th minute. Instead, they intensified their attacks.

Kendrick Otterson, the NF academy goalkeeper, noted that opponents have increased their pace and started pressing the NF— academy box more frequently towards his goal.

Even so, not many efforts from JFC Riga team players who managed to get into the box. The five NF academy defenders ensure that no striker, winger or attacking midfielder can shoot clearly at goal. They endlessly blocked most of the incoming efforts.

Kendrick found himself in a situation where he only had to deal with small-strength shots for the first 30 minutes.

Riga's team is still dictating the game with a minimum possession of 75%, according to his estimates. However, their gameplay lacks substance and execution. They failed to create the final ball that could seamlessly link their midfield with their attackers— keeping their two strikers isolated for most of the first half. Situations often force attacking midfielders and their wingers to take a shot from outside the eighteen-yard — box instead of passing the ball forward.

However, Kendrick did not dare to relax.

He is a goalkeeper—the only player who should remain vigilant regardless of how the game goes. The ball can easily move from the midfield to the box in seconds. A goalkeeper should be completely prepared to make a save in case something unexpected happens.

Kendrick is determined to do his best throughout the tournament. Zachary Bemba's entry into the academy team has motivated him. His excellence inspires his teammates to do their best even when they are left behind. The NF academy players come alive every time he gets the ball.

They're pretty confident in Zachary. They are sure that he will score or make a good pass every time he has the ball. All they have to do is defend well— and voila, they will win the game thanks to Zachary's creativity on the counter-attack.

Kendrick forced himself out of his daydream. Left-back Riga has just fired a cross into his box. He glanced at his surroundings and realized that two JFC Riga strikers ran into the box to attack the incoming ball.

For a moment, he hesitated whether to run out and meet them or stay between his goal posts. However, that decision— was quickly taken from his hands. One of the strikers jumped Lars Togstad, the NF academy centre-back, and headed the ball into the net. The ball flies down, approaching the inside of the right pole.

Kendrick did not waste time thinking about how to handle the incoming ball. He let his instincts guide him.

He empties his mind of everything else—except a single trajectory that will soon turn into a goal for Riga's team if left unhampered.

He takes small steps towards the ball it is heading towards, while keeping a close eye on the ball. Guided by pure reflexes, he swoops in the direction of the incoming ball and makes a comfortable save.

He scooped the ball easily and hugged it to his chest so as not to bounce back to striker Riga.

From his position on the ground, he noticed that Zachary was giving him signals from midfield. Kendrick jumped up suddenly— was like a man bitten by an army ant on his fragile body part. The coach had personally instructed him to release the player as quickly as possible after fending off the attack. He can't waste time.

JFC Riga midfielder started running back to their half of the pitch, chasing the ball. But a lack of concentration has sealed their fate. The ball goes much faster than the mortal foot.

Kendrick saw Zachary master the ball beautifully in midfield. He expertly picked it up from the air to the ground and spun, immediately running into the box.

Kendrick watched the prodigy leave player after player in the dust like he was walking past a stationary pole hurdle.

He does not dribble with flamboyant and fancy footwork—but with an honest body trick that takes him past his opponents as efficiently as possible. As soon as the players became confused by his trickery, he would pass them thanks to his incredible speed, not giving them the opportunity to try to tackle or intercept the ball.

Zachary immediately expertly avoided the last defender and found himself facing off one-on-one with goalkeeper Riga. Kendrick began his celebrations even before the African lifted his foot to pass the ball past the goalkeeper who was out of line to welcome him. There was little chance of Zachary failing to take advantage of a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. That's why the coach likes him.

2:0. The NF academy scored their second goal in the 36th minute. Zachary makes judgment look easy.

However, Kendrick is aware that such a style of play requires a combination of body control, game vision, risk analysis, and agility at a high level. It is not easy to install a look similar to Zachary.

Kendrick has high hopes the NF academy will eventually perform beyond expectations at the annual international cup. All he has to do is defend well, and everything will be fine.

"Return and defend. Go back and defend." Kendrick yelled at his teammates as they took the time to celebrate. He is always afraid of the moments after scoring. The defenders will be excited and most vulnerable.

Robin Jatta, one of the NF academy's central defenders, ran towards him, grinning like a Cheshire cat. He seemed to be incomparably happy. "I think we might be able to qualify for the quarter-finals" he said.

"Zachary turns into a monster in every game. I wonder how he improved his skills that much in such a short amount of time!"

Kendrick flashed half a smile to his teammate. "I'm not so surprised. He practices almost 16 hours every day."

"Did he ever tell you where he trained during his childhood? How did he develop ball control like that?"

"Zachary never talked about his childhood. But I heard he spent his early years in the Congo. But it was enough to chat, get back into position and defend" Kendrick said, prompting the defender.

**** ****