Thursday dawned. Matchday. AFAS Stadion hummed with early arrivals, flags waving under floodlights.
Benjamin walked the pitch hours before kickoff, boots dangling from his fingers. The grass felt familiar, alive. He closed his eyes, picturing Udinese's defense, his runs, his touches.
A groundskeeper nodded at him, smiling. Benjamin nodded back, then headed to the locker room.
In the tunnel, 6:00 PM neared. Benjamin bounced on his toes, kit crisp, shin guards tight. Altidore slapped his shoulder. "Let's do this," he said. Benjamin grinned, feeling the fire from Liverpool reignite.
Udinese's players lined up across, Di Natale's eyes sharp, scanning. The referee signaled. Time to walk out.
The crowd roared, a sea of noise. Benjamin's heart pounded, but his mind was clear.
***
The AFAS Stadion pulsed with energy, red and white scarves swaying like a tide under the floodlights.
