The information about Teun Koopmeiners' unique skill settled into the back of Leon's mind, a crucial piece of data filed away for the upcoming battle.
Immune to stamina loss in the final 15 minutes.
It was a frightening advantage, a player who would be just as fresh in the 90th minute as he was in the first.
The day before the match, the mood at the Appiano Gentile was sharp and focused, but the easy camaraderie that had been cemented over pasta and steak was more evident than ever.
During a passing drill, the ball zipped between players with blistering speed. When the ball came to Cole Palmer, he didn't just control it; he flicked it nonchalantly with the outside of his boot into the path of the next player, a piece of effortless London flair.
Julián Álvarez, jogging past, whistled in appreciation. "Ooh, very fancy, Mr. England! Is that how you ask for tea and biscuits?"
Palmer, without missing a beat, shot back with a grin. "No, that's how we win the league."
