Replacement

The day before the match

Akuma didn't show up for training all 3 days before the match. Even though he was reluctant, Joey had no choice but to put him in reserves. He wouldn't be playing in the match vs Chennai Cobras. He was explaining this to the squad when the obvious discrepancy was called out.

"Who's gonna replace Akuma?"

Joey himself didn't know the answer to this question. There was no dedicated left winger on the bench to fill Akuma's spot. The only solution was to change the formation or play someone out of position.

"There is another option," said Gopal.

"Definitely not. That's too risky," countered Arvindh.

"What option are you talking about?" Asked Joey.

"There's a player in reserves who wasn't played for this club in years.  He's a left winger. But he is kinda... I think you could say troublesome."

Arvindh quickly added to this. "He's a player who's unsportsmanlike in every sense of the word. He used to be our star player but due to his violent nature and multiple red cards, was removed from the team. He would start fights with not only opposition but for his own team as well. He's not a good option."

Joey was confused. "But if he didn't play wouldn't that mean he's unfit?"

Gopal sneered. "But that's the thing. He's match-fit. He trains alone, every single day despite not playing a single minute, aiming to get better and better every single day. He's got loads of talent and dedication, but he lacks sportsmanship."

"What's his name?"

"His name is..."

Veera Naidu was exhausted when he wrapped up his training session. His dribbling had improved by 5 points in 8 training sessions. Still far from his record, but he'd take it. He trained in a large indoor field near his house. The field was big enough for a whole team to train, but he had it to himself. This day was no different from others. He'd woken up, eaten a whole roasted rabbit and trained for 7 hours. Now was his 30 minutes of rest time.

He took a large jug filled with pig's blood and started to chug it down. That was when he heard his doorbell ring. The last time he heard that sound was 1 and a half years ago.

When he opened the door he saw Joey and Gopal standing together, staring at him. Joey extended a hand and spoke.

"Hi, I'm Joey. You must be Veera. Nice to meet you."

Veera didn't shake Joey's hand. Instead, he responded in a cold, deep tone.

"What do you want?"

"I want to play you in the team."

"I thought the team wanted nothing to do with me."

"But I do. I want to play you for one game. Our upcoming match vs Chennai Cobras."

"What position do you play?"

"I'm the striker."

Veera scoffed at him. "I'll play on one condition. I'll be the striker, in a sole striker formation. You can play as attacking midfielder, I guess. Or you can just not play. It's not my problem."

Joey just glared at Veera without responding. Veera continued.

"Now there are two possibilities of why you want me to play. One: you want me to replace someone with an injury or something. Two: the club just wants me back and the latter option is looking lesser and lesser likely by the second."

Joey took a breath as he considered the demand.

"Okay. You win. But on one condition. You play as a false nine."

"Deal."

Saying this, Veera shook Joey's hand.

Matchday: 13 hours before the game

Joey, Veera were assembled in the dressing room. Joey had a whiteboard set up and was just finishing explaining the tactics to the team.

"Since I'll be playing out of position, I'll need you to remember the tactics I just told you. I hope you understand Veera's role here, too."

The squad just stared in silence after hearing the tactics Joey came up with. They had never seen such plans before. Their notions of what football was were thrown down the drain. Veera started to laugh at the top of his lungs before speaking.

"Those are the craziest, most batshit tactics I've ever heard. I like you, Captain."

Arvindh was irritated. "What the fuck is wrong with you, Joey? Do you want the team to suffer even more? What are these tactics?"

Jack sighed. "I don't even care anymore. As long as we get through the season, I'm fine with whatever. I'll give these tactics a try, why not."

The squad nodded as Joey resumed speech.

"Trust me, just play like I told you. Don't change anything. We should have a chance tonight. And Veera..."

Veera looked at Joey. "What?"

"Try not to get a red card."