The lineup appeared on the screen in the locker room, and David's heart pounded as he saw his name among the starters. He looked around and found himself in the middle of the pitch in his mind's eye. A slow smile spread across his face as he turned to his teammates, absorbing the moment.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf as the center-back duo. Luke Shaw at left-back. David de Gea in goal. The midfield trio—Bruno Fernandes as the attacking midfielder, Paul Pogba in central midfield, and Scott McTominay as the defensive anchor. Up front, Marcus Rashford on the left, Cristiano Ronaldo as the main striker, and David himself on the right wing.
His body surged with energy, an electric charge firing through his veins. He had been picked. This was his chance. He clenched his fists in excitement, feeling his muscles tighten in anticipation. Then, a shadow loomed over him.
Ronaldo.
