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[Mon, 12/08/2019, 10:30, Kurtekotten Bayer 04-Leistungszentrum]
Peter Bosz blew his whistle again, signalling a shift in drills. The players scattered into smaller groups, each heading to different stations set up around the pitch. Rakim found himself paired with Paulinho and Diaby for a quick-passing and movement drill.
Paulinho initiated the sequence, zipping a pass to Rakim, who controlled it smoothly and immediately sent it to Diaby. Diaby, with his lightning pace, played it back with precision, forcing Rakim to adjust his positioning. The drill was relentless, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and fluid coordination.
Paulinho, who had trained with Rakim and had watched him closely throughout the day gave an approving nod. "You've got quick feet, amigo. You'll fit in here." Not knowing how to react to his sudden words he simply nodded as he continued with the training.
After several rotations through different drills, the session culminated in a small-sided game. Rakim's team included Wendell, Paulinho, Havertz, and Jonathan Tah. Opposing them were Bailey, Diaby, Volland, Lars Bender, and Retsos.
The match was fast-paced pace focussed on fluid control and 3 touch football, leaving no room for error. Rakim quickly found himself in possession on the left flank, facing off against Lars Bender. With a quick shift of his weight, Rakim executed a Hocus Pocus, flicking the ball behind his standing leg before bursting past Bender. The veteran right-back stumbled slightly, drawing another round of cheers from the players watching.
Rakim didn't bother with that though as he sent a sharp pass towards the waiting feet of Havertz. Havertz received the ball with an effortless first touch, scanning his options. Rakim, not resting darted into the box, weaving between Volland and Retsos. Havertz noticed the run and lofted a perfectly weighted chip over the defence.
Rakim's instincts took over as he surged forward, meeting the ball with an outstretched leg. Making eye contact with the charging Hradecky as the ball softly nestled onto his right boot. The keeper had been in Germany long enough to have the fundamentals down.
So, it came as no surprise when Rakim didn't spot an obvious path through and should he take the ball down Hradecky would pounce on him. He wasn't worried though as he never planned on taking the ball down choosing instead to send it flying across the goal just in front of the retreating Retsos.
The Greek didn't even get a chance to react as the head of Paulinho speared forward slotting the ball into the empty net. "Yasss," The Brazilian striker exclaimed jumping into the air in joy before rushing towards Rakim.
Paulinho wrapped an arm around Rakim, a wide grin splitting his face. "That was perfect, amigo!" he exclaimed, giving Rakim a light slap on the back. Rakim chuckled, brushing off the praise as they jogged back greeted by the rest of their teammates.
Wendell was the first to reach him, tousling his dreadlocks playfully. "Florida strong, huh? Not bad, garoto. Keep playing , and we might actually win something this year."
A couple moments later Rakim came one-on-one with Hradecky, but the angle was too small. Not having another option, he went for a weighted shot towards the long corner. But the Finish Keeper showed just why he was the team's first choice, reacting like a cat on speed he sprang into action flicking the ball up enough for it to fly wide.
In another chance, Rakim sent a long chipped pass over the heads of his opponents, when he spotted Jonathan Tah charging forward like a bull in a coliseum. His pass was sudden but was timed right allowing Tah to chest it down before unleashing a carpet shot toward the bottom left corner.
Hradecky managed to get a hand to the ball, but Tah had put too much strength into the shot, and it pierced the back of the net. Those were just some of the few chances Rakim and his teams managed to create as he slowly started to get a better read of his new teammates. He had seen some of their tapes when Leverkusen seemed like a genuine destination for him.
However, it was one thing seeing them on his screen and a totally different thing playing with them in person. The style of football was something he liked sharp, efficient and fluid attacking football. He felt like he could thrive in this environment, happy at the choice he had made.
Peter Bosz's sharp whistle interrupted the moment, signalling the end of the session. "Alright, that's enough for today!" the coach called out. "Good work, everyone. Hit the showers and be ready for tomorrow."
Rakim emerged from the locker room, freshly showered and dressed in a crisp white coloured Titan-Fit hoodie and a pair of sleek, black sneakers. His dreads were tied back, still damp, and a faint trace of cologne lingered in the air around him. Slipping his bag over his shoulder, he headed out towards the parking lot with Wendell, Paulinho, and Diaby, who were still animatedly chatting about the training session.
"That flick earlier—what did you call it? Hocus Pocus?" Wendell asked, nudging Rakim with a playful grin.
Rakim smirked, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Yeah, that's the name. Did its job, right?"
"Did its job?" Diaby scoffed, laughing. "You made Lars look like he was ice skating! That was filthy."
The group erupted in laughter, their camaraderie evident as they approached the parking lot. A collection of sleek vehicles gleamed under the midday sun, showcasing just how lucrative the careers of the players are. Wendell tossed his bag into the back of his black Mercedes SUV before turning back to Rakim.
"Yo Florida," Wendell said, leaning casually against his car. "We're having a team get-together at Kai's place tonight at around 6. Just the players and their families. You should come. It'll be a good chance to get to know everyone outside of training."
Rakim hesitated for a moment, since he already had plans for the night, and he didn't want to change them on the dime. "I'll have to check with the misses we're supposed to have a date night. But this better not be a Brazilian party I've heard stories about how you guys like to party."
Wendell laughed heartily, shaking his head. "Nah, nah, don't worry, garoto. Kai's parties are chill—well, as chill as they can get with me and Paulinho there." He winked at Paulinho, who threw up his hands in mock innocence.
Paulinho chimed in, "It'll be worth it, amigo. Bring your girl too if you want. The more, the merrier."
Rakim smirked but didn't commit just yet. "I'll see what I can do. No promises, though."
As they continued toward the edge of the lot, the unmistakable hum of a finely tuned engine drew their attention. A dark mint green 2019 BMW i8 Roadster rolled smoothly into view, its green LED under glow casting a light futuristic hue on the asphalt. The windows were tinted, but the faint twinkle of starlight on the interior roof was just visible when the sun hit at the right angle.
"Damn," Diaby whistled, eyes glued to the car. "Is that your ride, Rakim?" Rakim simply nodded his head grinning as he adjusted his bag. "Yeah, got BMW to ship it to Germany when my signing got confirmed."
The car slowed to a stop beside them, the window rolling down to reveal May with a radiant smile, her hair flowing and sunglasses perched on her nose. "Making friend's I see?" she questioned as she leaned slightly out of the window, her smile widening slightly.
"He's more like my babysitter trying his best not to corrupt me too much," Rakim joked as he stepped to words the car leaning down towards May taking in her scent as a wide smile appeared on his face. Safe to say he was just as happy that she was here than when he got to join this team.
"Aight just think about it, Germans know how to barbecue, and Kai can grill with the best of them," Wendell stated seeing that the two were about to feed him dog food. Before they could even respond he dragged Paulinho away leaving the two to their thoughts.