13 Chapter 13:- "The Call to Represent Bangladesh"
As the season drew to a close, Kabir's astonishing goal-scoring prowess continued to mesmerize spectators. With an impressive tally of 39 goals and 31 assists, Kabir emerged as the leading scorer and the top assist provider in the U18 Premier League. Notably, he had the distinction of recording the highest number of hat tricks throughout the season, a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination.
Kabir's remarkable performances had a profound impact on Nottingham's position in the league. From a lowly 15th position, Kabir single-handedly propelled his team to an impressive 6th position by the end of the season. The influence he exerted on the field was undeniable, carrying the weight of his team's aspirations and inspiring his teammates to reach new heights.
Despite Nottingham's resounding victory over them, it was Manchester City who ultimately clinched the U18 Premier League title. Nonetheless, Kabir's indomitable spirit and extraordinary contributions did not go unnoticed, firmly establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the footballing world.
As the season concluded, Kabir found himself in possession of a remarkable 690 points, a testament to his outstanding performances in the final seven matches. With these points, Kabir devised a plan to enhance his skills and attributes, preparing himself for the challenges that awaited him in the first team. He understood that in order to succeed at the highest level, he needed to continually evolve and master new techniques.
To commemorate their achievements, Coach Gareth treated the team to a grand celebration at a prestigious restaurant. It was a joyous occasion, as Nottingham U18 basked in the glory of their remarkable ascent to 6th position, a feat they hadn't achieved in years. The camaraderie within the team was palpable, with everyone reveling in the triumphs and memories forged throughout the season.
Following the jubilant celebration, Kabir revealed to his teammates the news of his expiring contract, marking his transition into the realm of a free agent. Although the club approached his agent with hopes of extending his stay, Kabir respectfully declined the offer. His heart was set on playing for Liverpool, a decision he had already firmly made. The announcement did not come as a surprise to his teammates, who had witnessed firsthand the undeniable talent and potential he possessed. Among them, Arvin seemed to carry a heavy heart, as he had grown exceptionally close to Kabir in the past two months. The bond they shared was akin to that of brothers.
On that poignant night, tears welled up in Arvin's eyes as he grappled with the prospect of parting ways with his dear friend. Sensing Arvin's emotions, Kabir remained by his side, engaging in a heartfelt conversation. In that poignant moment, a promise was forged between them—a promise that, in one year's time, Arvin would also embark on his journey toward playing for the first team. It was a pact that symbolized their unbreakable bond and shared aspirations, encapsulating the power of friendship and the pursuit of their dreams.
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As the holiday season commenced, individuals across the country embarked on journeys to reunite with their loved ones. Kabir, too, embarked on a trip back to Bangladesh, eager to see his parents after a prolonged absence. As his plane touched down in the bustling capital city of Dhaka, he blended into the crowd, unrecognized by passersby. After a short while, he arrived at his family home, where his parents anxiously awaited his return.
Knock! Knock!
"I'm coming!" His mother exclaimed, flinging open the door and enveloping Kabir in a warm embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes as she held her son, overwhelmed with joy at his long-awaited homecoming. It had been over a year since she had last seen him, and the reunion was a poignant moment for both of them.
Amidst the heartfelt reunion, Kabir's attention turned to his father, a man with whom he had shared no words for an extended period. Their eyes met, and Kabir could sense the immense pride emanating from his father. With a nod of acknowledgment, they silently conveyed their deep emotions, understanding the significance of this reunion despite the absence of elaborate words.
In the days that followed, Kabir's mother delighted in preparing a myriad of delectable dishes, eager to indulge her son's taste buds with the flavors he had missed. News of Kabir's return spread like wildfire through the grapevine, attracting the attention of relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers who flocked to visit him, eager to share in the joy of his homecoming.
On the fourth day of his return, Kabir mustered the courage to have a serious conversation with his parents, persuading them to break off his engagement. Kabir had never even met his intended fiancée, and the notion of marrying at such a tender age appeared preposterous to him. After heartfelt discussions, his parents eventually relented, understanding Kabir's desires and aspirations.
As the weeks swiftly flew by, Kabir dedicated himself to maintaining his physical fitness, devoting two to three hours each day to training. Deep within his heart, he held a fervent hope that he would receive a call-up to represent the national team in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to commence on the 16th of June and span an entire month.
On the 6th of June, Kabir's aspirations became a reality as he received the coveted call to join the AFC Asian Cup. Simultaneously, the news broke that Kabir would be donning the Bangladeshi national team jersey, eliciting a wave of excitement and pride among the Bangladeshi populace. The announcement of Kabir's inclusion reverberated throughout the nation, igniting hopes of a triumphant campaign in the AFC Asian Cup. The coach, having witnessed Kabir's exceptional performances in the U18 league, harbored high expectations for the tournament, believing that Kabir's skills and abilities could be instrumental in leading the team to victory—potentially securing Bangladesh's first major footballing accolade.
Kabir's prowess on the field left the coach astounded, as his playing style encompassed a remarkable blend of speed, agility, strength, stamina, vision, passing, and shooting. Prior to his arrival, Kabir had wisely allocated his earned points to enhance his attributes, focusing on improving his agility and physique to match the intensity of the competition he would face in the AFC Asian Cup. Understanding that this was no longer a U18 competition, Kabir recognized the need to elevate his statistics to compete against the finest players in Asia, solidifying his determination to make a lasting impact on the tournament.
[ Name - Kabir Ali
Pace - 70 → 90
Dribbling - 58 → 91
Pass - 92
Defense - 28
Physique - 75 → 91
Vision - 80
Penalty - 21
Free kick - 19
Long shot - 41
Possession - 37
Header - 40
Preferred foot - Left foot
Skills - [B] Stepover], [A] Zone]
Eager to optimize his performance, Kabir meticulously allocated his remaining attribute points, increasing his pace and physique to an impressive 91. He then focused on refining his dribbling, investing his remaining points to elevate it to a commendable 90. With his enhanced attributes in vision, physique, passing, dribbling, and pace, Kabir exuded confidence, firmly believing in his ability to hold his ground against the formidable players of Asia. He envisioned not only clinching the AFC Asian Cup but also propelling his nation closer to securing a spot in the highly anticipated 2022 World Cup.
The AFC Asian Cup comprised 24 teams, divided into six groups. Bangladesh found themselves placed in Group C alongside formidable opponents such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon. The other groups included:
- Group A: UAE, Thailand, India, Bahrain
- Group B: Australia, Syria, Palestine, Jordan
- Group D: South Korea, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Philippines
- Group E: Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, Yemen
- Group F: Japan, Oman, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
Bangladesh's journey in the tournament commenced with a faceoff against Saudi Arabia, followed by matches against Qatar and Lebanon. The expanded format of this year's AFC Asian Cup, accommodating 24 nations instead of the previous 16, heightened the competition's intensity and difficulty, attracting the attention of millions of football enthusiasts worldwide.
The tournament took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and on the 15th of June, Kabir and his teammates arrived in the host nation, brimming with anticipation. Two days later, they would take the field against Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of their quest for glory. Unlike previous editions, this year's AFC Asian Cup witnessed a significant influx of spectators, with thousands of fans flocking to the stadiums. The Bangladeshi football faithful harbored high hopes for their national team, primarily due to the presence of Kabir, who showcased his skills in European football leagues.
A day before the match, Kabir managed to secure tickets for his parents, ensuring that they would be present to witness his momentous performance. Alongside his parents, he distributed a few additional tickets to his relatives residing in the UAE, given the significant Bangladeshi population residing there. Each player received a designated number of tickets, enabling them to invite their loved ones to watch the matches, fostering an atmosphere of support and camaraderie.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to witness an exciting match between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia tonight. All eyes are on the young talent Kabir, who has been making waves in the U18 premier league. This could be the night he creates history with his national team. However, there are several controversies surrounding this game."
"The first and most obvious controversy revolves around Kabir himself. Many fans have criticized the Bangladesh Football Association for selecting him for the squad. Just a few weeks ago, Kabir was playing in the U18 league, and some doubt whether he can perform at the same level against adult players in the national team."
"There is a division among the fans regarding Kabir's worthiness. While he undeniably possesses great talent, there is concern because he is only 17 years old. Tonight's match will reveal just how good Kabir really is. I'm Azazel, and joining me is Zakir."
Azazel's words resonate with the fans, as they are torn between being happy about Kabir's inclusion and questioning the decision. One of the senior and experienced players had to make way for Kabir, leading to further debates among the supporters. Some argue that the senior player should have been given the chance instead of Kabir.
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In the locker room, Jaime, the coach of the Bangladeshi national squad, gathers all the players. Initially, the board was hesitant about including Kabir, but Jaime managed to convince them. Having closely observed Kabir's exceptional performances, Jaime believes that Kabir has the potential to play for the first team next season. He personally accompanied Kabir during physical tests to assess his abilities, and he was convinced that Kabir would be a valuable asset in winning the AFC Asian Cup.
Over the following days, Jaime worked tirelessly to integrate Kabir into the team and make him the centerpiece of their strategy. This transformation has had a profound impact on the team's formation and overall abilities. Kabir's presence has not only elevated his own performance but also motivated other players to enhance their skills. The entire team seems to have improved, thanks to Kabir's influence.
"Listen, my teammates, today's game holds immense importance for our journey. A victory in this match will provide us with the much-needed momentum to pursue our dreams of winning the prestigious AFC Asian Cup. I want each one of you to have an unwavering belief in your abilities. Although the game will be challenging, it does not guarantee our defeat. Let us execute our plan diligently and precisely."
Jaime's voice resonated with determination and conviction as he addressed the team. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a calm mindset, regardless of the circumstances they may encounter on the field. The players nodded in agreement, acknowledging the coach's words. Jaime stole a quick glance at Kabir, relieved to see the young player composed and unruffled. Many athletes would feel nervous before such a crucial match, but Kabir's composure put Jaime's concerns to rest. He understood that nerves could lead to mistakes, and that was something he hoped to avoid.
The lineup for the Bangladeshi team was set. Rana took his position as the goalkeeper, while Khan, Hosain, Rahmat, and Hasan formed the defensive line. Ahamad and Ibrahim assumed their roles as the right and left midfielders respectively. Kabir, the focal point of the team, was stationed in his familiar position. Matin and Arifur positioned themselves as the team's wingers, with Matin on the right and Arifur on the left. Finally, Nabib, the skilled forward, would be leading the attack as the center forward, also known as the striker.
With the team assembled and the positions assigned, they stood united, ready to face the upcoming challenge and showcase their collective talent on the field.
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