Chapter 85: Training Clash
Training at Derby County had been brutal today, and David had borne the brunt of it. He had been fouled, dragged, and even pulled down more times than he could count, prompting Wayne Rooney to shout and threaten to stop the session twice already.
David sat on the bench, breathing heavily. He had just been fouled again not long ago, but as always, he got right back up. He was a firm believer that football should be a little rough—an outlook he had inherited from his dad, who often complained that fouls in modern football were too soft or unnecessary. That belief had become a part of David’s game on the pitch.
Sure, he knew his teammates had been a little or rather a lot more than rough with him today, but he didn’t care. Whenever he stepped onto the pitch—whether it was a competitive match, a practice game, or even a casual five-a-side—David was determined to give it his absolute best.
After getting back on his feet, David carried the ball to take the free kick himself—a free kick that Rooney had just called. He placed the ball carefully, but before he could prepare, Duane walked over, saying, "Hey, David, let me take it."
David frowned. "I’m the designated taker. Plus, I won the free kick," he replied firmly.
Duane smirked. "Yeah, and I was the taker before you. Seeing as you’re leaving soon and Wayne isn’t playing, I’m taking it." Without waiting for a response, Duane walked backward, getting into position to strike.
The whistle blew, and Duane ran forward seeing the keeper too close to the right side he wanted to take advantage for that and punish him by hitting the ball to the far left. But just as he was about to take the shot, a figure darted in, striking the ball with incredible power. Duane stopped in his tracks, staring as the ball sailed through the air.
It moved with an unnatural curve, bending perfectly as it soared toward the goal. The substitute keeper scrambled, but he didn’t stand a chance. Duane was certain it was going to be a goal—until he heard the sharp clang of the ball smashing against the top left post. The ball ricocheted back into play, leaving everyone stunned.
While the rest of the team refocused on the loose ball, now back in play, a substitute defender quickly secured it and cleared it out to avoid conceding a silly goal. Duane, however, stood frozen, staring at the player who had taken the shot.