THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

"Zachary," said Mr. Stein. "You should come and visit me a few times. It's been long since we last talked."

Zachary sighed. "My training schedule keeps me from doing anything else. I fear that if I break out of routine, I'll lose focus and disrupt my progress. That's why I didn't even go home last summer."

The two of them were standing just outside Coach Johansen's office. They had just finished attending the short meeting.

"I truly understand. The coaches only have good things to say about you. But, remember not to overtax your body." The scout warned. "By the way, have you thought about getting an agent?" He asked in an offhanded manner.

"Not yet." Zachary shook his head. "There is no need for me to get an agent when I haven't begun my pro career. I'll think about this next year."

"That's okay." Mr. Stein smiled. "But remember to consult with me when you do decide to get one. Do not get scammed by fake agencies when you go outside the country to play in tournaments. The situation in other European countries isn't the same as here in Norway."

"I'll keep that in mind." Zachary nodded.

"I'll be off now. I don't want to keep you from your training. Stay focused. The sky is your limit." Mr. Stein said before walking away.

Zachary sighed. He couldn't help but notice that Mr. Stein looked much older than before. His wrinkles had become more pronounced. He was even using a cane to support himself.

[I hope he is all right.] Zachary inwardly prayed. He turned around and headed back into Coach Johansen's office.

"Back already?" Coach Johansen said, looking up from his notebook.

"Yes, Coach," Zachary replied, settling himself in one of the sofas. The others had all left. Coach Johansen was the only one still present in the room.

"You wanted to see me?" Zachary inquired.

"Yes," the coach replied, half smiling. "I've watched your playing style evolving over the few matches you have played under me. I'm convinced that we can turn you into a highly agile player capable of beating any defender in the professional leagues. I thought up a good training plan that can further increase your speed."

Zachary was instantly at full attention. He had been searching for more effective ways to increase his speed.

"Do you wish to add a speed training routine to your schedule?" Coach Johansen inquired.

"Of course." Zachary nodded.

"Then take this," the coach said, tearing out a few pages from his notebook. "Go through the speed workout three times a week. You should start seeing results within two to three months." He handed the papers to Zachary.

"DING"

No sooner had Zachary received the pages—than the system notification sounded in his mind. The translucent interface materialized before him, indicating he had a new system mission awaiting completion. It seemed coaches could initiate system missions as long as they issued tasks to him. His mood lifted as soon as he realized he had another way to earn Juju-points.

"If there is nothing else, you can return to training."

"Coach," Zachary said as he willed the system interface to close with his mind. He couldn't begin perusing through it in front of his coach. "I do have a few questions that have been on my mind."

"One question. It's almost time for tactical training."

"Do you know anything about the X-factor in football?"

"Oh." The Coach half-smiled. "The X-factor. Why in hell would you be researching that?" He looked at Zachary with a frown.

"I just want to know."

"Well, there is no harm in telling you," Coach Johansen said. "The answer is simple. The X-factor is just the ability to win matches for the team. On my side, I consider things like creativity, consistency, and even sometimes the luck of a player as the X-factor the team needs."

Zachary frowned. "Does that mean the most skilled player will always have the highest X-factor?" He asked to clear his confusion. He was very consistent in all his matches. However, the system was still indicating no available data for the X-factor stat.

"That's is usually the case," Coach Johansen replied. "But not always. Some players are not that skilled on the ball but often win matches for their team. They always find themselves in strategic positions, either by design or by accident, and end up scoring match winners. They get those simple moments of individual brilliance—and—pa—they have won you the game." He clapped his hands to emphasize his point.

"Let me give you an example," the coach continued. "Do you remember the Manchester United squad with both Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy?"

Zachary nodded.

"Giggs was very skilled with the ball and a good finisher. His playing style excited many. However, he didn't score often enough to impact some of the seasons. However, Nistelrooy would get few passes inside the box and put the ball into the net. He was the tops-scorer for several seasons at Old Trafford. I believe he had a higher X-factor on the team compared to Giggs, who was a more skilled ball handler."

The coach smiled softly at Zachary. "To have a high X-factor, you need to perform, score, and win games. Not just once. You have to remain consistent over many matches." He spoke in a conclusive tone.

Zachary's confusion was growing. He'd also figured out that much about the X-factor from the literature online. He had had a significant impact on the outcome of all his games since traveling back in time. He was still perplexed that the system rated his X-factor stat at Grade F. He wondered whether that was due to a lack of enough data from the right number of games.

"You should return to your training now," Coach Johansen said, his tone returning to his default somberness.

"Coach, wait," Zachary intoned with a sense of pleading. "How can I increase the power behind my freekicks? You said something about helping me improve in the morning."

Coach Johansen lifted his reddish-brown eyebrows."The key to improving the power lies in the back-swing speed of your shooting-leg."

"Remember, the kick speed comes from the rotation of the hips and not from the legs. I would advise you to start by making sure your hip rotation muscles are strong and flexible." He explained.

"I've included some exercises in your speed workout that will help increase the back-swing speed of your kick. Just remember, your leg acts as a bow whenever you take a shot. You'll be able to unleash a powerful and swift arrow only if you have a very strong but elastic bowstring—that can snap back instantly. On the other hand, if you have a rigid bowstring, your shots will be nothing much. Are we clear?"

"Yes, coach." Zachary nodded, finally getting a grasp on how to improve his shooting. He would create more spin and increase the ball's velocity by increasing his kicking speed.

Zachary didn't need to make any significant modifications to the Bend-it like Beckham Juju at all. All he needed was more flexibility and strength in his hips.

"Okay, back to your training."

"Thanks a lot for your guidance, coach," Zachary replied politely. Coach Johansen's pointer had come at the right time. He would have spent months figuring out which aspects of the technique he needed to improve.

He was eager to try out the new technique within the system simulator. Then, he would be ready to attempt it in the real world.