God Of football

Chapter 181: Market Valuation

In the post-match interview, Hugo Duro was quick to credit the youngster for his assist.

”He’s unbelievable,” Duro said. ”The way he reads the game at such a young age is incredible.

I’m just hoping he can stay here for a bit longer and help me add to my goal tally. His passes are that easy to score.”

”Then why do you keep missing them” Pietro who was near said from being the reporter causing the latter to break into laughter while Hugo Duro stood still with a wry smile on his face.

.....

In Baraja’s modest office at the training ground, the walls were adorned with framed photos of the club’s glory days, tactical diagrams, and a small shelf of trophies.

A faint hum of activity filtered through the closed door as the rest of the team wrapped up their post-training routines.

Izan who had just entered the room, sat across from Baraja, his athletic frame relaxed but his expression thoughtful, the glow of youth tempered by the weight of growing expectations.

Baraja who seemed to be engrossed in something rushed and finally got it out of the way before turning to Izan.

”So, Izan, how are you holding up after Las Palmas? You’ve been carrying a lot of weight on those young shoulders,” the manager asked, Izan staring at the fish tank in the room turning to look at his manager.

”I’m good, Coach. It’s all part of the game. Plus the guys are helping out, trying to give advice whenever they can and it’s helpful sometimes” Izan said seemingly in thought.

”You’ve got a good head on your shoulders for someone your age but as your coach, I’ve long since stopped judging you by normal standards.

Speaking of which, we need to talk about your future at the club.”

Izan, after hearing this suddenly looked up, curiosity flickering across his face.

”The past few weeks have been really turbulent. You know with the thing with AC Milan and the transfer inquiries. It’s caused quite a headache but it’s also brought pride to our Academy and club that a homegrown talent has attracted such attention.

I know at this pace, you won’t stay for long, but I need to know—where do you see yourself in two years? Do you see yourself still here, still wearing our crest?

Right now, you are the core of the club and most of my tactics are fitted to suit you because when you play well, the whole team does and you play well almost every day which has made Valencia seemingly strong so I need to prepare so Valencia doesn’t crumble in case you have a change of mind”

The question hung in the air for a moment, the silence of the room only interrupted by the hands of the clock.

Izan seemingly done with his thought leaned forward, hands clasped together.

”Coach, you know how much this club means to me. I’ll do anything to help us win, whether it’s the league, the Copa, or something bigger.

But…” Izan paused deliberating on his next words before letting it flow, ”I don’t think I’ll be here beyond next season.

It’s not that I don’t love the club—I do—but I feel like I might be ready for that new challenge and that step up by then.

Right now, every person, fan or football lover sees me as just a promising talent. Even the output I’m giving does nothing to deter them from those words. So next season is certain but past that, it’ll be very difficult Coach.”

Baraja didn’t flinch after Izan’s words but instead, he steepled his fingers, studying Izan intently.

”Fair enough. But let me propose something. Let’s make a bet.”

Raising an eyebrow, Izan asked intently”A bet?”

”Yes. Before you even think about leaving, give us something unforgettable. Win us a European trophy—the Europa League, maybe even the Champions League if we’re bold.

Do that, and then we’ll revisit this conversation. Deal?” Baraja said leaning back in his chair.

Izan who had his eyes wide open chuckled, shaking his head before looking at Baraja again.

”You’re setting the bar pretty high, míster. But all right, deal. I’ll give it my all for that kind of glory.

If we’re able to do that, I might fetch a pretty sum for the club while leaving”

”That’s all I ask for, and when the time comes for you to move on, just let me know. I’ll make sure the door is open—not slammed.” Baraja said extending a hand.

The two shook hands, sealing the bet. Izan smirked, a playful glint in his eye.

”I guess Valencia will have to clear out some space for the incoming Europa League trophy,” Izan said in a depressing tone before looking at Baraja with a grin.

”Good! Now get out of here before I make you run extra laps tomorrow.” Baraja said as Izan stood up.

Izan who couldn’t help it, adopted a mock serious face, trying to hide his amusement.

The two shared a hearty laugh before Izan exited the office, leaving behind an air of mutual respect and determination.

....

The following day, Valencia’s squad focused on recovery. Izan, under the watchful eye of the club’s medical team, engaged in light exercises to aid his physical regeneration.

Despite his youthful exuberance, the staff ensured he didn’t overexert himself, understanding the need to manage his workload carefully during that day’s training.

A day later, the team resumed training at Paterna. The session was light but emphasized tactical drills and passing sequences.

After this, Ruben Baraja gathered the squad for video analysis, highlighting areas for improvement from the Las Palmas match.

Izan, attentive and eager, took notes with the aid of Assistant Coach Moreno as the main coach dissected his movements and decision-making.

On the field, Izan worked closely with Duro and veteran fullback José Gayà, refining their chemistry while not forgetting his other teammates.

The camaraderie among the players was evident, with Izan’s teammates encouraging him at every turn.

Despite his growing fame, the teenager remained humble, always seeking advice and feedback.

Valencia supporters continued to shower Izan with admiration. At the club’s training facility, fans gathered to watch the team practice.

Among them were children holding signs that read, ”Izan, you inspire us!” The young star took time to interact with his admirers, signing autographs and posing for photos.

As the team prepared for their next challenge, the excitement surrounding Izan showed no signs of waning.

For Valencia fans, at least for now, the future seemed brighter than ever with Izan leading the charge.

.....

The football world stood still as the Global Football Index (GFI), renowned for its precise player evaluations, unveiled its latest rankings.

The update provided a snapshot of the most valuable players in the sport, with Valencia’s young prodigy, Izan, emerging as one of the headline stories.

At just 16 years old, Izan’s dazzling performances had not only solidified his place in Valencia’s first team but also made him one of the most sought-after talents in world football.

From his game-changing goals to his composed and ice-cold delivery on the pitch, Izan had proven he belonged among the game’s elite.

The general ranking featured established superstars at the pinnacle of the sport, with Izan remarkably breaking into the top six.

First on the list was Real- Madrid linked Kylian Mbappé who had a whopping €180M tag.

The PSG forward retained his crown as the most valuable player in the world, combining explosive speed, clinical finishing, and star power.

Following closely behind was Manchester City’s Erling Haaland with a price tag of €175M.

The Norwegian striker’s ability to score goals in every conceivable way had made him a cornerstone for City and a global icon.

Tied for 3rd and fourth on the list were Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, both with a €160M valuation with the twenty-year-old being ahead because of his younger age.

Arsenal’s jewel Bukayo Saka followed on 5th with a valuation of €150M standing out as one of the best wingers in the game.

Follow behind Saka was Barcelona’s Pedri with a €140M valuation. A player known for his vision and composure, Pedri remained a vital cog in Barcelona’s midfield.

Finally, a name that came as no surprise to anyone after Musiala and Wirtz tied with €130M each was none other than Izan, Valencia CF’s talisman who had a valuation of a whooping – €125M.

For a first-timer on the list, Izan’s value truly reflected his importance and how sought-after he was and it was only going to improve further from here on out.

Valencia’s teenage sensation had taken the world by storm, with his ability to control games, and his clinically gifted shots to produce magic moments earning him a spot in the top 10

Barcelona’s Gavi finally ended the list with a €110M valuation.

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With the 8th spot secured on the most Valuable list, Izan topped the list of most valuable teenagers with Barcelona’s gem of a player, Lamine Yamal following behind on second with an €80M valuation after the latter’s dazzling performances in the Laliga and the UCL.

The rest included names like Palmeiras’ Endrick, Paris Saint-Germain’s Zaïre-Emery, Manchester United’s Garnacho and a few others all with €60M to €40M evaluations.