Of
"Luka, your talent is unparalleled. You just haven't adapted to the Bosnian league yet. Next season, I will give you more opportunities and greater tactical importance. I believe that together, we can create glory that HSK has never seen before!"
The youth and the teenager.
One is Modrić, and the other is Fania van Stee, the Dutch coach of Mostar Zrinjski.
Fania van Stee is 33 years old this year and was an assistant coach with good abilities in the Netherlands.
He once partnered with Bobby Robson to coach PSV Eindhoven, one of the three strongest teams in the Netherlands.
However, as a Dutchman, Fania van Stee's coaching philosophy was contrary to Robson's.
He was naturally obsessed with Total Football, while Robson, a British coach, emphasized rapid transitions, counterattacks, and simple, direct English football.
After two years of working together, Fania van Stee decided to start his own career. With the club's introduction, he was assigned to Mostar Zrinjski in the Bosnian league to coach independently and develop his leadership skills.
Fania van Stee is a very ambitious young man.
When he was an assistant coach at PSV, his dream was to become a coach like Hiddink.
However, due to philosophical differences with Robson, they could not fully align their ideas.
Arriving at Mostar Zrinjski, Fania van Stee planned to make a big impact, especially since Dinamo Zagreb, in a moment of generosity, had loaned them such a precious talent.
Modrić's talent was obvious. Although his performance in the Bosnian league wasn't outstanding at first, Fania believed that under his training, Modrić would become the team's organizational core and greatly enhance the offensive ability of their tall striker, Kosopec.
After they built chemistry, they could even challenge for European competitions, not just dominate the Bosnian league.
These successes would also enrich Fania's coaching resume.
Right now, his priority was to stabilize this "treasure" in front of him, keeping Modrić motivated and passionate.
That was why he invited Luka to watch the World Cup together: he hoped that the excitement of the tournament would inspire him.
As Fania van Stee expounded on his grand vision, he occasionally glanced at Modrić's expression.
But something was off!
The "treasure" was not watching the match on TV—he was staring at a waiter.
"Luka? Luka?"
Modrić snapped out of it and turned to look at Fania van Stee.
"What's wrong, Coach?"
"What would you like to drink? It's my treat today," Fania asked with a smile.
"Cocktail? You've probably never drunk alcohol before, right? Try it—it's also a symbol of growing up."
Without waiting for Modrić to answer, Fania raised his hand to call the waiter.
Modrić frowned slightly but did not object.
Soon, a cheerful voice called out:
"Good evening! I hope you're having a wonderful night... Luka?"
Šuker looked at Modrić in surprise.
Modrić smiled, raised his hand, and waved gently, this time without the absent-minded look from earlier.
Fania van Stee asked curiously, "Do you know each other?"
Modrić answered simply, "We are friends."
Šuker smiled too.
Fania van Stee was a little surprised.
He hadn't expected someone with Modrić's personality to have many friends—after all, Luka wasn't very popular in the club.
He looked Šuker up and down.
Short, round-faced, still carrying a bit of baby fat—he looked innocent, even childish next to Modrić.
"Are you really friends?"
Both Modrić and Šuker nodded.
"Alright," Fania van Stee said, shaking his head. "One dark beer and one special cocktail—low alcohol content."
Šuker turned to Modrić. "Do you drink?"
Modrić stayed silent.
After spending some time with him, Šuker understood.
This guy was extremely introverted and shy and didn't know how to refuse people.
"Let's just have milk," Šuker said quickly. "My treat."
Modrić smiled again.
Šuker grinned at Fania van Stee:
"Sir, your drink will have to be paid separately. Maybe once we know each other better, I'll treat you too!"
Fania van Stee was momentarily stunned, then laughed.
"Alright, I'll listen to you!"
Šuker ran off in a puff of smoke.
Fania van Stee turned and asked, "Did you make friends here in Mostar?"
Modrić nodded. "It was a coincidence."
Fania van Stee nodded in satisfaction.
At least Modrić wasn't completely socially isolated.
"A dark beer, a milk, and a steak! That'll be 40 marks!" Šuker soon announced.
Fania van Stee blinked, confused. "We didn't order a steak."
Šuker pointed at Modrić.
"He's so skinny, and he's a professional player. If he doesn't eat properly, how can he grow?"
Then he leaned close to Modrić and whispered:
"He's paying, right?"
Modrić nodded, barely holding back his laughter.
Šuker stretched out his hand firmly. "40 marks."
Fania van Stee was speechless, but he still paid.
After collecting the money, Šuker noticed a small badge on Fania van Stee's chest—the flag of Mostar Zrinjski.
His eyes lit up.
Instead of leaving, Šuker pulled up a chair and sat down, smiling brightly at Fania van Stee:
"Hello, sir! My name is Šuker. I'm currently playing in the Bosnian Second League."
"Professional player?" Fania asked in surprise.
He didn't expect it, given Šuker's physique.
"Yes, professional player! Center forward!"
"Center forward?"
Fania van Stee frowned, shaking his head subconsciously.
This guy was barely 155 cm tall!
A center forward at that height? Impossible.
"But I'm the top scorer—14 goals in 18 rounds!"
Cough cough cough!
Fania van Stee choked on his drink, coughing violently.
"You scored 14 goals?"
Šuker nodded proudly.
"That's impressive," Fania said, nodding.
Šuker kept staring at him.
Thinking Šuker hadn't heard, Fania nodded again:
"Very impressive."
But Šuker still stared intently.
Fania van Stee was confused.
What's going on?
Seeing his confused expression, Šuker sighed inwardly. Opportunities have to be fought for.
Taking a deep breath, Šuker said seriously:
"Not everyone gets a chance to meet a coach like you. I want to become a true professional player.
I want to play for Mostar Zrinjski!"
"If there's an opportunity, I'd love to invite you to watch me play. I promise I won't disappoint you."
Just as he finished, a guest behind him shouted:
"Three dark beers here!"
"I'm coming!" Šuker responded immediately.
Before leaving, he looked back at Fania van Stee and added:
"I really won't disappoint you. I'm willing to play any position the team needs."
Another shout:
"Hey! Three dark beers!"
Šuker hurried off but called out as he left:
"Don't forget, my name is Šuker. I won't let you down!"
Fania van Stee hadn't yet recovered from the surprise.
He hadn't expected that even coming out for a drink would lead to someone recommending themselves—and a 155 cm center forward at that!
He shook his head.
There was no way he needed a player like that.
"You should go take a look."
Just as Fania lifted his glass again, Modrić spoke up.
Fania van Stee turned to him.
"You think I should take a look?"
Modrić nodded firmly.
"The reason we became friends was because of football. Apart from his height, he meets all the requirements for the Super League and can help us."
"I've played with him many times. His forward runs match my passes perfectly. He's the only player who understands my passing intentions and thoughts."
"In other words, he has the same vision and football intelligence as me."
"Šuker is only 155 cm tall, but he became the top scorer in the Bosnian Second League. That proves he has something special."
"I believe that you, Coach, who are good at developing players, can maximize his strengths and greatly boost our team."
It was the first time Fania van Stee had heard Modrić say so much at once—and all in support of someone else.
He knew Modrić well enough to know that he was extremely conceited about football.
If someone didn't have true ability, Modrić wouldn't even look at them, let alone recommend them so sincerely.
It seems that having acquaintances introduce players is really effective.
Fania van Stee, who had been ready to dismiss Šuker completely, now found himself stroking his chin thoughtfully, considering the