Izan stepped onto the pitch, the floodlights gleaming above as he adjusted the wrist tape on his left hand.
The ball was deep in Arsenal's half when he jogged into position, taking his first few strides.
He didn't rush forward or demand possession. Instead, he moved with the team's rhythm, reading the flow, and scanning for the perfect moment.
The first touch came from a routine switch of play. Jorginho saw him drop deep and rolled the ball his way.
Izan met it with a soft, controlled touch, letting it settle before playing it back with the inside of his foot.
It was safe. Simple.
A few more passes later—Zinchenko to him on the left, a quick flick back to Gabriel—Arsenal's tempo remained steady.
Yet from the stands, murmurs rose.
"He's just passing it around."
"Come on, do something. Play like it's your job."
LeBron James, seated in the VIP section, shook his head slightly.
