The rain poured over the pitch like a curtain, but Salih Özcan didn't slow down. His boots splashed through puddles as he closed down the opposition, reading their intentions like a seasoned chess master. He wasn’t the loudest player, nor the flashiest—but he was everywhere.

Coach Arslan stood on the sideline, arms folded, watching Salih intercept yet another pass.

“That’s our spine,” he muttered with a rare smile. “That’s Salih. Solid. Unshakable.”

And in the center circle, drenched and panting, Salih raised a hand to organize the next press—calm, calculating, and already thinking three moves ahead.