The training pitch was slick with early morning dew, the kind that clung to boots and breathed cold into bones. Nemanja Stojić stood tall near the center circle, arms crossed, watching the younger defenders struggle with positioning drills.

Coach Milenovic approached, raising a brow. “You see what’s wrong?”

“They’re chasing shadows,” Nemanja replied without looking away. “Not reading the runs, just reacting.”

“Then show them,” the coach said.

Moments later, Nemanja stepped in. A whistle blew. The drill restarted. He moved like a wall with foresight—cutting off passes, intercepting with timing that made it look effortless.

After a clean tackle, one of the youth players muttered, “Man, how do you always know?”

Nemanja gave a rare grin. “Because I’ve already watched this play happen five times—in my head.”

He wasn’t the loudest. He didn’t need to be. On and off the pitch, Stojić let his defending speak volumes.