Maximilian wiped the sweat from his forehead as he jogged back into position after a drill. The coach had emphasized the importance of pace and precision on the left wing, and it was something he’d been working hard to improve.

"Good job, but keep your head up when you’re crossing," the coach shouted from the sideline. "It’s about finding your man in the box, not just hitting the ball."

Maximilian nodded, adjusting his stance. He knew that his crosses needed to be more dangerous, more precise if the team was going to capitalize on them. "Right," he muttered to himself, refocusing.

As the next play began, he surged forward, tracking his man and keeping an eye on the winger ahead of him. There was no time for mistakes—his team was counting on him to keep the pressure on, defensively and offensively.

He could already feel the anticipation for the next match. It was going to be a challenge, but one he was ready for.