March-May 2006 :
Marco's body began changing rapidly.
At sixteen, he hit a growth spurt. Over three months, he grew two centimeters. His shoulders broadened. His legs strengthened. The teenage body was finally catching up to professional demands.
But growth came with awkwardness. Coordination faltered slightly. Touch was off by millimeters. Movements felt unfamiliar.
But with ever present over looking of the system, he managed to adapt to this change with a relatively fast rate.
Marco's performances dipped slightly in March. Still good—7.5-8.0 ratings—but not dominant.
The system provided specialized training:
Morning sessions focused on coordination drills. Juggling, close control, first-touch exercises. Relearning how to control the ball with a slightly different body.
Afternoon sessions emphasized strength integration. His body was stronger now—core strength 6.4→6.9, leg strength also improving.
Learning to use that strength without losing finesse was a completely different game.
The routine evening yoga sessions maintained flexibility during growth.
By May, the adjustment was complete. Marco felt different—bigger, stronger, more powerful. His cut-inside move had more explosion. His shots had more power. Physical duels became easier.
[UPDATED PHYSICAL STATS:
Speed: 8.6 → 8.8
Strength: 6.4 → 6.9
Balance: 8.3 → 8.5
Stamina: 8.5 → 8.7
Overall Rating: 77.1 → 78.4 (+1.3)]
The growth spurt was complete. Marco was no longer a small sixteen-year-old. He was becoming a man.
* * * * *
April 20, 2006:
Coach Werner called Marco into his office after training.
"Marco, the reserve team coach wants to talk to you. Dortmund II—they're in 3. Liga, adult football. He's been watching your U19 performances."
Marco's eyebrows involuntarily raised. This was not what he had been expecting. He expected that his performance in the past months was enough to warrant a breakthrough into the first team.
He has somewhat become impatient for an early breakthrough. All though player at his age debuting in top 5 leagues was somewhat rare in this era, it's not that rare either.
'Patience. Dortmund II was the stepping stone to the first team. Semi-professional football against grown men. I have yet to prove myself at that level. When that time comes, no one can block his entry into the first time.'
Marco calmed down his impatience and asked:
"When?"
"Tomorrow. He'll watch your next U19 match, then meet you after."
The next day, Marco played with extra intensity. U19 match against Hoffenheim. He scored twice, assisted once. Rating: 8.9/10.
After showering, he met the reserve team coach—a former Bundesliga defender, forty-five years old, with a weathered face.
"Marco Reus," the coach said, shaking hands. "I've watched you for months. Our top prospect, U19 top scorer, technical quality obvious."
"Thank you, Coach."
"But U19 is children's football compared to 3. Liga. It's men's football. Bigger, stronger, smarter opponents. Players with families to feed, careers on the line. They won't go easy on a sixteen-year-old."
Marco nodded. "I understand."
"Do you?" The coach's eyes were sharp. "In U19, you're the star. In Dortmund II, you'll be the kid. You'll get kicked, elbowed, verbally abused. Referees won't protect you. It's a different world."
"I want to try."
The coach studied him for a long moment. "Summer preseason. July. Train with us for two weeks. If you can handle it, you'll get chances next season. If not, you have to go back to U19 for another year. Fair?"
"Fair."
They shook hands. Marco left the meeting energized. He was ready for whatever challenge they put in his way.
* * * *
The U19 Bundesliga season entered its climax. Dortmund led the table, but Schalke was close behind. At this point, every match mattered.
May 14 - vs. Bochum: Marco scored a hat-trick. 4-1 win. Three points.
May 21 - vs. Duisburg: Tough, physical match. Marco assisted twice. 2-1 win. Six points clear.
May 28 - vs. Essen: Marco rested. Dortmund won 3-0 without him. Nine points clear with two matches left.
June 4 - Final Match vs. Köln:
If Dortmund won, they were champions. If they drew or lost, Schalke could catch them.
The pressure was immense. Marco felt it in the tunnel, saw it in teammates' faces. This was the biggest U19 match of the season.
The stadium was packed—unusual for youth football. Parents, scouts, fans. Everyone wanted to see if Dortmund could seal it.
First half: Tense. Köln defending desperately. 0-0 at halftime.
Marco sat in the locker room, listening to the coach's tactical adjustments, but his mind was elsewhere. We need one goal. Just one. Then we're champions.
56th minute:
Marco received the ball wide left, thirty yards from goal. Two defenders converged. He could pass—the safe option—or try something special.
Championship moments require championship plays.
He cut inside. The first defender lunged—Marco dragged the ball back. The second defender approached—Marco accelerated past him with pure speed. Into the box, goalkeeper rushing out.
Marco shot. A curved shot into the far post. The ball arced over the goalkeeper, dipping under the crossbar.
1-0.
The sidelines erupted. Marco was mobbed by teammates. On the sideline, Coach Werner was on his feet, pumping his fist.
Dortmund held on. 1-0 final score.
U19 BUNDESLIGA CHAMPIONS.
The trophy presentation was filled with jubilation. Marco, as captain, lifted the shield high. Confetti fell. Teammates celebrated. Parents smiled. Cameras flashed.
#Season statistics:
-28 U19 matches
-22 goals (top scorer)
-16 assists (most in league)
-Average rating: 8.6/10
At sixteen years old, Marco Reus was U19 Bundesliga champion and top scorer.
[SYSTEM UPDATE:
-Achievement Unlocked: U19 Champion
-Overall Rating: 78.4 → 79.2 (+0.8)
-Leadership: 6.8 → 7.3 (captaining to the title)
-Big Match Composure: 8.7 → 8.9]