In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun spilled over the training ground, casting a golden edge over the pitch.
Dozens of gazes locked onto the piece of paper in Beierlorzer’s hand.
Some players’ breathing began to grow rapid, fine beads of sweat oozing from their foreheads; clearly, they were extremely nervous.
Rolin, however, stood there calmly, his heart without a single ripple.
Aside from Rolin, veteran players like Demirović and Diawusie also wore calm expressions.
After several months of training, they were well aware of each other’s strength.
The players had already concluded that Rolin was the strongest player on the team.
In internal training matches, no matter which group he was assigned to, he always performed steadily.
Every game yielded at least one goal and one assist, with a consistency that was appalling.
At first, some veterans didn’t care much, wanting to “teach him a lesson” on the pitch.
But they hadn’t expected that whether competing in skill or physicality, they simply couldn’t match him.
In the end, they completely resigned themselves to fate, admitting that it wasn’t that hard to acknowledge someone else was better than them.
Once they truly recognized Rolin and began coordinating with him, they found themselves playing more effortlessly on the pitch.
Rolin was never obsessed with personal attacks; whenever a teammate was in a better position, passing always came first.
And when the team needed him to step up and solve problems, he never disappointed anyone, carrying the team on his own shoulders.
How could anyone possibly dislike such a player?
Beierlorzer didn’t keep the players agonizing for too long; clearing his throat, he said directly: “Next, I will announce the final list for the U19 team.
Those whose names are not called should not be discouraged.
In January next year, we will make personnel adjustments, and those who fail to be selected this time will still have a chance to be added to the main roster.” A trace of joy appeared on the faces of the players who had been somewhat nervous just a moment ago.
Although the chances of being added later were very small, it was still better than having no hope at all.
Beierlorzer didn’t dawdle any longer and began reading the list: “Goalkeepers: Tom Wallenstein, Toni Stahl, Valentino Jović.” “Defenders: Jeff Chabot, Kilian Senkbeil, Mert Yilmaz, Dominik Mintz, Liam Schah, Dominik Frank, Maximilian Schnabel.” “Midfielders: Paul Groschopf, Emre Aslan, Elias Abouchabaka, Lucas Schmidt, Tim Schuler, Przemysław Płacheta, Felix Beiersdorf, Kamil Wojtkowski, Rolin Bachmann.” “Forwards: Ermedin Demirović, Amangi Diawusie, Lucas Krüger.” — Beierlorzer’s office was packed with people: assistant coach Thomas Risch, data analyst Fabian Friedrich, fitness coach Björn Rosemeyer, performance analyst Larson Himmel, and team doctor Vogel Schmidt.
“Alright, guys, the League is about to start.
Let’s finalize the starting lineup today,” Beierlorzer tapped the table.
“I’ll talk about the preliminary plan first and see if you have any different opinions.” “I have prepared two plans to ensure quick adjustments when facing different opponents.
The first set is a 4-2-2-2 formation, with the starting players: Goalkeeper: Tom Wallenstein; Four defenders: Liam Schah, Jeff Chabot, Dominik Frank, Maximilian Schnabel; Double defensive midfielders: Paul Groschopf, Elias Abouchabaka; Double attacking midfielders: Przemysław Płacheta, Rolin Bachmann; Double forwards: Ermedin Demirović, Amangi Diawusie.” Friedrich rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully: “I think this lineup is very balanced on both ends of attack and defense.
Demirović acts as a pivot to link up with his back to the goal, while Diawusie makes off-the-ball runs to impact the defense.
The two attacking midfielders can either overlap or penetrate through the middle, providing stronger offensive layering.
Personally, I think this plan can be used as a routine lineup, capable of advancing to attack and retreating to defend.” The others also nodded in agreement, recognizing Friedrich’s view.
Seeing that no one else had any objections, Beierlorzer began to introduce the second plan: “The second set is a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the starting players: Goalkeeper: Tom Wallenstein; Four defenders: Liam Schah, Jeff Chabot, Dominik Frank, Maximilian Schnabel; Double defensive midfielders: Paul Groschopf, Elias Abouchabaka; Left midfielder: Przemysław Płacheta, Attacking midfielder: Rolin Bachmann, Right midfielder: Amangi Diawusie; Single forward: Ermedin Demirović.” Seeing that no one was speaking, Beierlorzer took the initiative to speak: “This lineup leans a bit more towards defense, with two defensive midfielders dedicated solely to defensive duties.
Rolin, serving as the pivot for both attack and defense, is responsible for organizing and linking up the team’s entire attack.
When the team’s defensive pressure is high, his position can also be moved backward to play a three-defensive-midfielder counter-attacking tactic.
Of course, when it’s necessary to strengthen the offense, he can play as a shadow striker behind Demirović, waiting for an opportunity.” As soon as Beierlorzer finished speaking, assistant coach Risch suggested: “I think we can amplify Rolin’s advantage of having no weak foot.
In these two current plans, Rolin’s range of activity is basically concentrated in the middle and right paths.
If the opponent’s left defense is weak, I think we can let him primarily attack the left side, otherwise it would be a waste of his attacking talent.
Let Płacheta play as a substitute, and then put Wojtkowski in the attacking midfielder position.” Himmel nodded: “I think this suggestion is feasible and can serve as a supplement to these two plans.” The others also nodded along, and the starting lineup for the new season was thus finalized.
Over the next few days, the team’s training content was mainly focused on physical fitness reserves and tactical drills.
Rolin’s performance in several positions was outstanding.
And what surprised the coaching staff the most was that when playing out of position as a defensive midfielder, Rolin actually played with a bit of Pirlo’s feel.
His ball control, linking play, and forward passing were obviously a notch higher than Abouchabaka’s.
Appearing in the defensive midfielder position, Rolin greatly enriched the team’s passing ideas in the midfield and backcourt.
Short passes, direct passes, and long-range switches constantly switched, making the team’s offense more three-dimensional.
Especially his 45-degree diagonal long passes in the backcourt; they were simply a nightmare for defenders.
Rolin conquered his teammates and the coaching staff with his own strength, and also obtained the number 10 jersey that symbolized the core.
This jersey previously belonged to Wojtkowski, but ultimately ended up in Rolin’s hands.
This wasn’t something Wojtkowski voluntarily gave up, but rather something Rolin earned himself through strength.
This was the most cruel and fairest rule of the youth training echelon — strength is supreme!
Although Wojtkowski was unwilling to accept it in his heart, after so many confrontations, he clearly recognized the gap between the two.
In terms of tactical understanding, key-pass processing level, and dominance on the pitch, Rolin had already far surpassed players of the same age group.
In the end, he calmly accepted this result.
The number 10 jersey was an affirmation of Rolin’s strength, as well as responsibility and commitment.
From this moment on, Rolin became the absolute core of this U19 youth team.