On the edge of the penalty area, Stephan El Shaarawy sized up his defender with a mischievous grin. The ball felt like an extension of his foot as he dribbled with exquisite control.

“Watch this,” he muttered under his breath, shifting sharply to the right and leaving his marker off balance.

With a swift cut inside, he unleashed a curling shot that zipped past the goalkeeper’s outstretched fingers. “Goal!” he exclaimed, pumping his fist as teammates rushed to celebrate.

“El Shaarawy, always full of surprises!” his coach shouted from the sidelines. “Keep that fire burning, Stephan!”