When the soccer ball soared from the wing and flew toward the center of the penalty area, something suddenly became crystal clear in Ethan Brooks's mind—such as the ball’s flight path, its landing spot, the best timing to attack the ball... and so on.

Although heading had always been his most effective scoring weapon when he played for domestic clubs, he had never had such a clear concept of “contesting for a header”—before, he always relied on a very, very vague idea, then just jumped up on instinct. If he could reach the ball, he did; if not, he didn’t. Why could he reach it? Why couldn’t he? He had no idea.

But now, he knew that if he did it this way, he would be able to head the ball...

He was startled by this sudden feeling and didn’t know what was happening. After twelve years of playing soccer, this was the first time he’d experienced something like this...

Even though his mind was now crystal clear on how to head the ball, Ethan Brooks's body didn’t move at all. He was so stunned by what had just happened that he forgot what he was supposed to do.

The ball was headed away by the opposing center-back who had jumped up, while Ethan Brooks just stood below, looking up, without any reaction.

※※※

“Hey, Ruslan...” Popovich pointed at the field.

Panchenko remained expressionless and said nothing.

The other coaches also stayed silent. It was just one opportunity; it didn’t mean anything yet. They needed to see more examples before drawing any conclusions.

Feeling awkward, Popovich muttered, “Alright, alright, let’s keep watching...”

※※※

Owen Brooks was also puzzled to see his son not contesting for the header, just standing there in a daze.

What’s going on with my son today?

Now is not the time to be distracted on the field! This is truly the last chance—if we can’t seize it, with no money left, we’ll have to buy two plane tickets and fly back to China overnight...

Ethan Brooks snapped back to his senses. He patted his forehead, annoyed at his own inaction just now. No matter what that feeling was, as long as it helped him, it was a good thing. He didn’t have time to dwell on why or how it happened; all he needed to do now was try his best to head the ball into the goal. He still had to prove his ability to those coaches on the sidelines.

Next time, I absolutely won’t let the opportunity slip by!

So, pass me the ball, guys!

When the ball came to the wing again, Ethan Brooks raised his arm high.

His temporary teammates faithfully followed Popovich’s instructions and, after shaking off their markers, sent in a cross!

That feeling surfaced in his mind again!

Ethan Brooks was now sure this wasn’t a coincidence, and he didn’t bother to figure out why it was happening. He just followed the feeling’s guidance and charged toward the best spot.

This time, just as Zenit’s youth team center-back Alexander Krotkov (Alexandr_Korotkov) was about to jump for a defensive header, he suddenly found a giant figure looming beside him!

Ethan Brooks was soaring above!

He practically flew into the air!

“Wow—” one of the coaches on the sideline couldn’t help but exclaim.

The previously expressionless Panchenko smiled.

Ethan Brooks thought he would encounter resistance. As he jumped, he was already prepared to crash through any obstacles in front of him—he didn’t care if it was a foul; anyone who dared block his way was going down!

But there was nothing in front of him—only the ball. The opposing center-back had just started to jump and was nowhere near threatening him.

He instinctively whipped his head...

He felt the jarring impact of the ball against his forehead, and the sensation vanished in an instant.

The next second, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the ball already in the net...

Zenit youth team’s goalkeeper Mikhail Korzhakov (Mikhail_Kerzhakov) made a save attempt—he waved his arms as if greeting the ball flying into his goal: “Hey there, little ball!”

※※※

Popovich wasn’t impressed by Ethan Brooks’s header; instead, he was dissatisfied with his own player’s performance. He roared at the field, “Alexander! What are you doing? Defend! Defend him!”

Alexander Krotkov wanted to defend himself—it wasn’t that he didn’t want to defend, he just didn’t have time—while he was still searching for the ball’s landing spot, the opponent had already jumped, as if he’d predicted the spot in advance and charged straight for the ball...

He just couldn’t keep up!

But Popovich clearly didn’t want to hear his explanation. He waved his hand and shouted, “Don’t let him jump so easily next time!”

But things didn’t improve as Popovich had hoped.

When the ball was lofted into the box again, although Krotkov jumped this time, he was boxed out by Ethan Brooks—in terms of judging the landing spot, it was obvious that Ethan Brooks was superior.

With a giant standing 1.92 meters tall and weighing 93 kilograms blocking him from behind, it was clearly impossible to reach the ball—unless... he committed a foul.