Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 20

It has only been three days since the match at Camp Nou.

Still, there was something different about the atmosphere in Augsburg’s clubhouse.

When I entered the locker room in the morning, there was a crowd in front of Ren’s locker.

Familiar teammates are taking turns reading a newspaper.

“Did you see this? ‘Still Hunter’ made a noise on CL.”

“His name was also featured in the Spanish newspaper MARCA. He also received the highest rating for his performance in the match against Barca.”

“…You might be the most well-known Japanese person in Europe right now.”

Ren smiled quietly and reached into his locker.

“Nothing has changed.”

“And Real Madrid has him.”

With that, he picked up his spikes and headed towards the stretching area.

However, everyone could sense that “something” had changed about him.

The manager said this in front of the tactics board before training began.

“The next match against Napoli is two days away. Depending on the players’ condition, we may consider rotating the players.”

For a moment, the players were in a state of commotion.

Ren’s name came up in conversation with the coach.

“No, it’s better not to take it off.

He’s in the game now like he’s breathing.”

“They have an air of harmony with the people around them.”

A media press conference was held in the afternoon.

Along with German media, reporters from Spain and Italy were also in attendance.

“Naoe REN’s reputation is rising rapidly. What do you think are his strengths?”

The director paused for a moment and then replied:

“He understands football.

The timing of runs, the duration of stops, and passing options.

It’s not something that someone taught me, it just seems to come naturally to me.”

When asked, “Talent?” the director laughed.

“Rather than talent, I’d say it’s calm determination.

I feel like that determines the temperature of the fire inside him.”

After practice, when Ren was about to leave the clubhouse,

A cameraman from a local TV station called out to me.

“REN, what are your future goals?”

Ren thought for a moment and then answered briefly.

“I want to become even more… an unforgettable player.”

“Not by name, but by memorable plays.”

That night, footage of Ren’s assist was aired multiple times on German soccer news programs.

The presenter says.

“Japanese athletes are often described as ‘hardworking’ and ‘dedicated,’ but

But he’s also a player who can create a “zone.”

It changes the rhythm of your attack, even with the atmosphere.”

And then──

The starting lineup for the Napoli match was posted inside the club the next morning.

<8th position: No.19 REN>

There were no more exclamations of surprise or questioning looks around the name.

He had become a “trusted presence.”