THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Zachary managed to make it to Coach Johansen's office ten minutes before 11:00 AM — their scheduled meeting time. Just as he was about to knock on the door, he overheard Coach Johansen talking on the phone. So, he decided to wait at the door until the phone call ended.

But even while outside the room, Zachary could still pick up some bits and pieces of the conversation. The coach seemed to be discussing a few potential transfers to Rosenborg with some other party.

'Is the coach finally bringing in new defenders to the squad?' Zachary wondered, leaning closer to the door. But the next moment, the coach ended the conversation before he could hear anything more. He immediately stepped away from the door for a few moments before knocking.

"Come in," he heard Coach Johansen say from inside his office after a short while. Zachary pushed the door open and stepped into the spacious office.

"Have a seat," the coach said, glancing up from the screen of his laptop. He seemed like he hadn't slept for a couple of days. He looked a little ragged and a little shadowy beneath the eyes, while his usually neat red beard was shabby and out of place.

"Thank you, coach," Zachary replied, smiling. He pretended he hadn't noticed the coach's frazzled appearance and settled in one of the empty seats in front of the desk.

"So, the Norsk Toppfotball guys finally got their act together and awarded you the player of the month accolade," Coach Johansen remarked, half-smiling. "Congratulations once again, Zachary. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Coach," Zachary replied, leaning back into his seat to make himself more comfortable.

"So, when are they presenting the Player of the Month Bronze Statuette to you?"

"Before our next Tippeligaen home game," Zachary responded. "That'll be on Sunday, August 4th, before our game against Sogndal IL."

"That's good," Coach Johansen said, nodding. "The fans will be excited by the presentation. That's good for us in terms of publicity. But that aside, I summoned you here to discuss another important issue, Zachary."

"Oh, please go ahead, coach," Zachary said, folding his arms across his chest.

"You know that I don't like beating around the bush," Coach Johansen said after a moment, holding Zachary's gaze. "So, please tell me. Have you received any contract offers from any other teams recently?"

"No," Zachary replied honestly. Aside from the Red Bull people approaching him before the Tippeligaen break, there wasn't any other. However, the Red Bull offer couldn't be termed as a recent one. So, he chose not to mention it.

"Oh," Coach Johansen said, raising a brow. He seemed not to be convinced.

"Why are you asking me this, coach?" Zachary inquired, matching the coach's gaze.

"Well," Coach Johansen said, still observing him. "There have been several teams tabling offers to sign you from Rosenborg of recent. I was wondering if they've tried contacting you. And if they have, what are your plans? Are you still with me, with us, here at Rosenborg? Or do you intend to switch to another team if there is a good offer?"

"I certainly don't have any plans of leaving Rosenborg in the middle of the season," Zachary was quick to reply. "I'll only think of leaving after winning a few trophies."

"That puts me at ease, Zachary," Coach Johansen said, grinning. "Even though the offers from some of the famous clubs can be quite tempting, I hope you remain with us a while longer. As long as you're a Rosenborg player, I'll always respect you and do my best to help you grow as an athlete."

"Don't worry, coach," Zachary said assuredly. "I'm still a Rosenborg player in both body and mind. My entire focus is on training and the preparations for the upcoming Rosenborg fixtures. I haven't given even a single thought to transferring out of Rosenborg."

"I'm glad," Coach Johansen said, suppressing a chuckle. "So, are you ready for the Europa League qualification match against Crusaders on Wednesday?"

"Yes, of course, I'm ready," Zachary said confidently.

"Good," Coach Johansen said, sighing. "If we play our cards right, we'll be able to make it far this season. That'll give you a chance to play against some of Europe's top teams. I'm actually trying my best to sign a few more defenders to bolster our team so we can compete seriously in the tournament."

"Oh," Zachary said, trying his best to act surprised. "Have you managed to get any?" He asked.

"Not yet," Coach Johansen replied. "I have tried searching in several countries across Europe. But all the available defenders are expensive and exceed our budget. But don't worry. I'm sure we'll get a few talented ones before the transfer window closes. Just focus on your training and leave the squad to me."

"Okay," Zachary said, nodding. "But have you tried searching in Africa, South America, or even Asia for defenders? I'm sure that there must be talented ones who're still waiting for a chance to play for a team in Europe."

"I have already engaged some of the scouts that I know all over the world, including a few in those three continents," Coach Johansen said, sighing. "But I'm still waiting for the results."

Zachary nodded as his mind started wandering. He tried to recall some of the yet-to-be famous African defenders that were about to make a breakthrough and receive offers from European Cubs.

He reckoned that Rosenborg would have a chance of signing those as long as they could promise them regular first-team football and a chance to play the Europa League. But he didn't mention anything to the coach right away since he wasn't sure whether the players in question had already joined famous clubs at that moment.

"One more thing before you go, Zachary," Coach Johansen said, breaking him out of his reverie. "Remember to inform your agent to engage with the Rosenborg executives so that they can raise your wages. But remember, this wasn't my suggestion. Do you get my meaning, Zachary?"

"Yes, coach," Zachary said, nodding and grinning. "Thanks for informing me."

"Good," Coach Johansen said, half-smiling. "Okay, off you go. I have to get back to my work now. See you during tomorrow's training session, I guess."

"Yes, coach."

****    ****

When Zachary ended the meeting with Coach Johansen, he returned home — to his apartment. After having a light snack to sate his hunger, he immediately started searching for more information about the soon-to-be-famous defenders in 2013.

He sat on the computer for more than three hours and googled all the famous names he could recall from his previous life. He didn't limit the search to Africa — but also South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Using a systematic method of eliminating any player who already possessed some media presence, he narrowed down the list of defense-minded players to four.

The first was Eric Baily — a yet-to-be famous Ivorian center-back, still struggling to get regular playing time on the Espanyol B team in the Segunda División B. He was a player who would get to play for teams like Manchester United and Villarreal in the future. So, Zachary was sure that if Rosenborg managed to sign him, he would be a fine addition to the team even though he was only nineteen.

The second was Yerry Mina — another center-back who'd already made his debut as a professional player for Deportivo Pasto, a team in Colombia. Although he was still around nineteen years of age, he would bring a lot to the Rosenborg squad if he agreed to join. Zachary had no doubts about Yerry Mina's capabilities since he was supposed to end up playing for both Barcelona and Everton a few years from then.

The third was William Troost-Ekong — a Nigerian center back, still fighting for a chance to get some first-team football action in a Dutch team called Groningen. He was a fine defender who'd impressed Zachary while playing for Nigeria in an African Cup of Nations tournament. He, too, would bring a lot to the Rosenborg squad if Coach Johansen signed him.

The fourth and last player on the list was not a pure defender but a very talented defensive midfielder. He was Thomas Teye Partey, a natural number-6, yet to cement his position on the Atlético Madrid B side competing in the lower Spanish league divisions. Zachary saw him as the most suitable to join the Troll Kids among the four. He was a beast in midfield since he would go—on to play for the Atlético Madrid's senior side and Arsenal in a few years. He was the right man for Rosenborg's defense if Coach Johansen could acquire his signature before other teams could spot him.

****    ****

By the time Zachary finished searching for information about the players, it was already four in the evening. But he still dialed Coach Johansen's number and informed him that he would like to see him right away.

As soon as Coach Johansen accepted, Zachary immediately got into his R8 GT and cruised to Lerkendal to meet him. He believed that it was best not to delay some issues. So, he decided not to sleep before handing over the list of potential signings to the coach.

"What is the matter?" the Coach asked, looking up from his computer screen as soon as Zachary entered his office. "You seemed panicked on the phone. Is anything wrong?"

"Don't worry, coach," Zachary replied, smiling and placing down the list of four potential signings on his office desk.

"What's this, Zachary?" Coach Johansen asked, his gaze alternating between the piece of paper before him and Zachary's face.

"That's a list of four very talented players that I've chanced upon while watching a few football videos," Zachary replied, settling down in a seat before Coach Johansen's desk. He then went ahead and told him some concocted info on the four defensive-minded players. He talked at length and colored their skills to capture the Coach's interest.

"Oh," Coach Johansen said, raising a brow after hearing him out. He then picked up the paper and glanced at the list. "These are the names of the talented players." He stated, seemingly unconvinced.

"Yes," Zachary replied emphatically. He knew the coach would not readily believe him since he was just an eighteen-year-old in his eyes. Zachary had to try his best to have his list taken seriously. Otherwise, Rosenborg would find it hard to even make it through the group stages of the Europa League.

"Okay then," the coach said, surprising Zachary with his prompt decision. "I'll tell some of my associates to check out the players. Thank you for providing the list, Zachary."

"You're welcome, coach," Zachary said, matching his gaze. "But please do take that list seriously. You have to act fast when checking out those players. They're the sort of talents that won't stay in small teams for long. So, as we speak now, some other team may be close to signing them."

"Oh," Coach Johansen said, taking another glance at the piece of paper in his hands. "That's quite some high praise from you. Are they really that good?"

"Yes, coach," Zachary replied solemnly. "I would never joke about something like that. Just check them out quickly, and you'll understand."

"Okay, I'll do that, Zachary," Coach Johansen said, his eyes still on the list. "Don't worry."

"Then that puts my heart at ease, coach," Zachary said, standing. "I have to go now and prepare for tomorrow's training."

"Okay, have a good evening."

****    ****