Chapter 26: Can Ken Become a Starter at Barcelona?
Ken's opening goal had completely ignited the atmosphere in the live-stream rooms across the internet. Comment sections flooded with excitement as fans struggled to keep up with the pace of the match.
"Did you see that reaction speed?" one viewer wrote.
"That rebound hadn't even landed yet and he was already there!"
Another added:
"A seventeen-year-old dominating matches like this… this is what a real prodigy looks like."
On the pitch, however, the excitement was quickly replaced by pressure.
Conceding at home was something Santos refused to accept. Their head coach, Oliveira, stood at the touchline constantly waving his arms, urging his players to push forward and increase the tempo. The home crowd responded immediately, raising the noise level in the stadium to an almost overwhelming roar.
Santos Fight Back
In the 23rd minute, Santos launched a dangerous attack down the left flank. Montillo dribbled past two defenders before sliding a precise pass into the center. Willian José arrived just ahead of Lúcio and struck the ball first time.
The shot skimmed past the near post.
Several São Paulo defenders exhaled in relief.
Moments later, Santos continued their pressure. A series of quick passes in midfield forced São Paulo's formation deeper, limiting Ken's touches as he was forced to drop back repeatedly to help stabilize the defensive structure.
The defensive workload was heavy, especially for the aging veterans at the back. Lúcio, though still commanding, was clearly feeling the pace of the younger attackers pressing him relentlessly.
A Critical Save
In the 31st minute, Santos earned a corner kick after a blocked cross. Cicero delivered the ball toward the far post, where center-back Durval rose above everyone else and powered a header toward goal.
It seemed destined for the net.
Rogério Ceni reacted instantly. Launching himself across the goal, the veteran goalkeeper extended one hand at full stretch and tipped the ball just over the crossbar.
The visiting supporters erupted in applause.
Even Ken, jogging back toward midfield, glanced at his captain with admiration. The experience and composure of players like Ceni were invaluable—especially in matches where momentum could shift at any moment.
The Counterattack
Santos' sustained pressure eventually left spaces behind their advancing midfield. In the 38th minute, São Paulo finally seized an opportunity.
Ganso intercepted a pass near midfield and immediately released the ball forward. Ken accelerated to receive it, pushing the ball ahead with his first touch before driving through open space. Two defenders tried to close him down, but a quick change of pace allowed him to slip between them.
Approaching the attacking third, Ken noticed Osvaldo making a run on the left and delivered a perfectly weighted pass. As Osvaldo cut inside, he was brought down by a sliding tackle.
Free kick.
The position was excellent—slightly to the left of the penalty arc.
Ken stepped forward to take it.
The defensive wall formed quickly, while the goalkeeper carefully adjusted his positioning. The stadium noise briefly lowered, replaced by tense anticipation.
Ken took several steps back, inhaled slowly, and focused on the top corner.
The whistle blew.
His run-up was smooth, his left foot striking the ball cleanly. The shot curved beautifully over the wall, dipping sharply toward the top corner.
The goalkeeper leapt, fingertips stretching—but the ball had already passed beyond reach.
Goal.
São Paulo doubled their lead.
Ken jogged toward the sideline, raising one arm in acknowledgment of the traveling supporters. It was not an overly dramatic celebration—just a calm gesture that reflected his increasingly mature mentality.
Momentum Swings Again
Despite the setback, Santos refused to collapse. Their players continued attacking with determination, encouraged by the relentless chants of the home fans.
Just before halftime, Montillo threaded a brilliant through pass behind São Paulo's defense. Willian José sprinted onto it and finished calmly into the far corner, reducing the deficit to 2–1.
The stadium roared once again.
By the time the referee signaled the end of the first half, the match had already delivered constant excitement—attacks, saves, tactical adjustments, and moments of individual brilliance.
Halftime Discussion
In the VIP stands, Neymar leaned back in his seat, eyes still fixed on the pitch.
"With Ken's ability," he said quietly to Wagner, "do you think he could start for Barcelona right now?"
Wagner paused for a moment before answering.
"Technically, he has the potential. But football isn't only about ability—it's about timing, competition, and the team's current structure. Right now, Barcelona already has established players in his position. Even you had to fight for minutes when you arrived."
Neymar nodded slowly.
"I just want to play alongside him someday."
"You might," Wagner replied. "But the best path for him is steady development and consistent playing time. If he keeps performing like this, the right opportunity will come."
Second Half Begins
After the break, Santos returned with renewed aggression. Oliveira made a tactical adjustment, introducing an additional attacker to increase offensive pressure. The home team pressed high, forcing São Paulo into quick defensive transitions.
Ken adapted accordingly, dropping deeper at times to help link midfield and attack, conserving energy while waiting for counterattacking opportunities.
Each touch he made now drew close attention from defenders. Where earlier he had found open spaces, he now faced constant marking—a clear sign that opponents were beginning to treat him as a primary threat.
Yet rather than forcing risky plays, he chose intelligent positioning, quick passing, and measured movement—demonstrating a growing maturity in his decision-making.
Rising Recognition
Across scouting networks and analyst reports, performances like this were quietly being recorded. Goals mattered, but equally important were composure, tactical awareness, and consistency—traits that defined long-term elite players.
As the match continued into its later stages, Ken's influence remained evident even when he wasn't directly involved in scoring. His movement created space for teammates, his pressing disrupted opposition buildup, and his calm presence helped maintain team structure.
High above the pitch, Neymar watched silently for a moment before smiling.
"Yeah," he said softly, almost to himself.
"He's getting closer."