章 26: Derby county vs hull city

David woke up early the morning of the 18th of January, the day of the match between Derby County and Hull City. The quiet of his room contrasted with the energy building up outside as the city prepared for another game day. The past few days had been a blur of intense training sessions and moments of lighthearted fun with the friends he'd made in the park. Football had always been his escape, his refuge, and lately, it had been the only thing that made him feel alive again.

After the disappointing draw against Middlesbrough, David had spent a lot of time thinking. That match, with its missed chances and mistakes, still nagged at him. The draw had been a bitter pill to swallow, especially when it seemed like he could have done more. But, over the course of the last week, he had realized something important: feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to help. If he wanted to silence the doubters and prove that he was more than just a flash-in-the-pan wonderkid, he needed to work harder, play better, and—most importantly—win.

The next few days had been grueling. David pushed himself in training, determined to be sharper, faster, more decisive. He didn't want another match to slip through his fingers. And yet, amid all the intensity, he found balance. He still made time to meet up with the group of teens at the park who had become his football companions. There, it was just about the game. No media, no scouts, just the love of football. The joy he felt playing with them—without any of the expectations weighing him down—reminded him of why he started playing in the first place.

It was a chance to reset, to rediscover the thrill of simply playing the game. That was why he loved football, not for the fame, not for the pressure, but for the pure joy of scoring goals, making plays, and being part of something bigger. And now, as he stood in the locker room, ready to face Hull City, he was determined to bring that joy back into his professional game.

David laced his boots, his mind focused. He could hear the voices of his teammates around him, but it was all background noise as he mentally prepared for the task ahead. Jason Knight walked over, clapping him on the back.

"Hey, how are you feeling? You trained really hard this week," Jason said with a smile, clearly impressed by David's dedication.

David looked up and gave him a nod, his expression serious. "Yeah, I'm good."

Jason paused for a moment, noticing the intensity in David's eyes. "Is it still because of the last match? The draw?"

David shrugged slightly, looking down at his boots as if the answer was obvious. "I get it now. If I don't want to draw, I just have to work harder, play better, and win. Simple, right?"

Jason chuckled, but there was a trace of uncertainty in his voice. "I guess, but... what if you lose this time?"

David's eyes met Jason's, a spark of determination flashing across his face. "Then I'll work even harder. It's all part of the process."

Jason smiled awkwardly, not sure what to say next. It wasn't that he didn't believe in David, but the weight of expectations—both from the fans and from himself—was becoming more obvious with each passing match. What would happen if David didn't deliver? Could he handle the pressure?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. The Derby County fans were buzzing with excitement, ready for another match. In the stands, one fan stood out among the crowd. Trevor, a long-time Derby supporter, had been to every match he could remember. His face was a mixture of pride and anticipation as he sat next to his friend, who had been teasing him ever since the announcement of David's signing.

"You really think the kid's the future?" Trevor's brother asked, skeptically glancing toward the field.

Trevor just smiled, an unshakeable confidence in his voice. "He's already proving himself. Wait until you see him play today."

His brother who hasn't been watching the previous matches thanks to work raised an eyebrow. "But didn't you say you weren't sure about him? Last match, wasn't it a bit of a letdown?"

Trevor's grin widened. "The kid's just getting started. Trust me."

The lineup announcement blared over the stadium speakers, and Trevor's eyes immediately locked on the name he had been waiting for. "There he is. The kid's starting again."

Trevor's friend chuckled. "Isn't this the same kid you were doubting a few weeks ago?"

Trevor just shrugged, his eyes still on the field. "Yeah, i was wrong okay the kid is good."

Back in the locker room, the lineup was revealed to the team. The players gathered around the tactics board as the names were read aloud. The starting lineup was set. For Derby County, Ben Hamer would be in goal again, with Jayden Bogle at right-back, Andre Wilson and Matthew Clarke forming the center-back partnership, and Max Lowe at left-back. In midfield, Duane Holmes and Jason Knight would hold the center, with Wayne Rooney acting as captain due to Curtis Davies' absence. Tom Lawrence took the left-wing spot, and David Jones, the young wonderkid, was given the right-wing role. Up front, Martyn Waghorn would play as the lone striker.

For Hull City, George Long started in goal, with captain Eric Lichaj at right-back, Reece Burke and Ryan Tafazolli as center-backs, and Callum Elder at left-back. Herbie Kane and Leonardo Lopes were the two midfielders, and up front, Jackson Irvine, Jarrod Bowen, and Josh Bowler would provide the attacking support for lone striker Josh Magennis.

The final whistle blew, and the match began.

In the opening minute, the ball was passed around quickly by Derby, but it wasn't long before it made its way to David. As he touched the ball, Herbie Kane, closing him down, tried to take possession. But David, with his newfound confidence, skillfully nutmegged him, sending Kane sprawling to the turf. David's speed surged as he took off toward goal, his eyes scanning the defense ahead.

Callum Elder, recalling his coach's warning to be extra cautious with David, positioned himself carefully. He kept his distance, trying to read David's movements and block any potential passing lanes. But David wasn't about to play it safe. He approached the edge of the 18-yard box, his eyes locked on the goal. Callum, seeing the look on his face, feared the worst. He braced himself for a shot.

But just as Callum moved to block the shot, David's momentum changed suddenly. In one swift movement, he cut left, leaving Callum off balance. Callum lunged in, but David's foot flicked the ball through his legs, putting him on the ground. Before Ryan Tafazolli could react, David blasted a shot with his right foot. The ball flew toward the bottom-right corner of the net. George Long, diving to cover the left side, stretched out, but the ball slipped past his fingers and into the net.

The stadium erupted with cheers. David's teammates swarmed him, clapping him on the back, but David barely noticed. He was lost in the moment. For the first time in days, he felt free. No pressure. No expectations. Just the pure joy of football.

As the fans chanted his name, David stretched out his arms, savoring the feeling of their admiration. This was why he played the game. The fans' cheers washed over him, but in that moment, all he could focus on was the game. The match wasn't over, and there was still work to do. But for now, for that brief moment, he was at peace.