December 2005:
Winter arrived, and with it, Marco's best form yet.
Six U19 matches in December. Seven goals, four assists. With him at the helm, Dortmund won all six, surging to the top of the U19 Bundesliga West division.
His goals varied: tap-ins from through balls, curled shots from outside the box, a header (rare for him), another free kick. This was an undeniable proof of his growing versatility and unpredictableness.
His dipping shot technique was now reliable even against U19 goalkeepers—8.6/10 skill rating, improving monthly.
Opposing teams started doubling up on him. But for Marco, it didn't matter. He was not a one trick pony. He didn't need to force the situation by always dribbling against multiple defenders, when he can just avoid them together with a well timed return pass.
Of course, it's not like he didn't make use of his breakthrough ability at all. He has already learned to pick the right moment. So that when he actually dribbles multiple defenders, he made it look effortless.
His plays now has a natural rhythm and grace. And this was a result of two increased special stats—vision and decision making.
There was no need to elaborate on vision. It is the measure of how much of the field the player can actually scan at any moment. Most importantly players with high vision stats can notice small details of the before others.
The decision making is often less mentioned than other stats. But it is a key stat that separates good players from stars. It is the ability to always make the correct decision on the pitch. A player who has various skills in his arsenal need the ability to correctly pick one for the moment. Each decision can effectively change the flow of the game.
While Marco was owning the U19 Bundesliga, other clubs was not just spectating. Many giants have already extended their olive branches for him.
And mind you, this is not the youth team that is calling. But the senior team. They promised a higher salary, way better than his current one, offered expert mentoring, exposure, fame,...
But Marco's mind was clear. He had already expected this. And his reply to those club was also the same—he is not going anywhere, not anytime soon.
He was self aware. If he can shine in U19 Dortmund team, it doesn't mean he can replicate this performance elsewhere. If he tried to start over in a foreign environment, no one can guarantee that he can grow at the current pace.
For those clubs he is an unproven youth player. They provide him with a big platform. They profit if he shines. Else it's just a small loss.
If he was just an ordinary teenager he would have seriously considered those offers. But he knew the future. He has a guarantee that Dortmund will not be confined to its current status of 'almost bankrupted' club.
And it was precisely this clarity that allowed him to avoid many detours.
* * * * *
December 18, 2005 - Contract Negotiation:
Thomas Krahn sat across from Dortmund's sporting director in a conference room at Signal Iduna Park. Marco's parents flanked Krahn, while Marco sat quietly at the end of the table, listening.
"We want to secure Marco long-term," the sporting director began. "His current contract expires in 2008. We're proposing a four-year extension through 2012."
"Then please state the terms?" Krahn asked.
"€2,000 monthly salary, rising to €3,000 in the final two years. Signing bonus of €10,000. Performance bonuses for first-team appearances."
Krahn didn't react. "That's your opening offer?"
"It's generous for a sixteen-year-old."
"With all dew respect,Marco is not just any sixteen-year-old. He is currently the top scorer in U19. He is also the most promising prospect in the whole German youth echelon. As you may have already been informed, Bayern offered him €3,000 monthly plus a €50,000 signing bonus. He turned them down to stay here." Krahn leaned forward. "€2,000 monthly is insulting."
The director's expression tightened. "Yes. I am aware of that. But you have to consider from the club's perspective —We can't match Bayern's resources—"
"I'm not asking you to match Bayern. I'm asking you to pay Marco what he's worth to Dortmund." Krahn pulled out a folder. "These are his statistics. These are his performance ratings. These are the offers from other clubs. Marco wants to stay—he's made that clear. But you need to meet us halfway."
Marco watched Krahn work, impressed. The man was calm, professional, but unyielding. No wonder he succeeded as an agent despite running a small agency.
After thirty minutes of negotiation, they reached an agreement, which is a very short timespan for a contract negotiation:
•Four years through June 2012
•€2,500 monthly, rising to €3,500 by 2010
•€20,000 signing bonus
•Performance bonuses: €5,000 per first-team •appearance, €10,000 per goal
•Profit-sharing on image rights (unusual for youth contract)
Marco signed. His parents signed. The deal was done.
Afterward, walking through the stadium corridors, Krahn put a hand on Marco's shoulder.
"You gave me leverage by turning down Bayern. That's why we got better terms."
"You earned your commission," Marco replied.
Krahn smiled. "Actually, there's no commission on youth contracts. I don't charge until you're making real money."
Marco stopped walking. "What?"
"You're sixteen. I'm not taking a cut of €2,500 monthly." Krahn shrugged. "When you sign your first senior contract—€20,000, €50,000 monthly—then I take my percentage. Until then, I'm investing in your future."
Marco felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Thomas."
"Don't thank me. Just keep proving me right for believing in you."
* * * *
December 22, 2005:
The invitation came via Coach Werner: "The first team wants you for winter training. One week, starting tomorrow."
The next morning, Marco reported to the senior training facility. Everything was different—better pitches, better equipment, professional atmosphere. And the players...
Marco recognized faces from TV. Bundesliga veterans. Internationals. Players earning €100,000 monthly.
Although it was not his first time here, the novelty is no where close to wearing off.
The head coach introduced him briefly: "Marco Reus, sixteen, from our U19 squad. He currently the U19 topscorer. He'll train with us this week."
The players nodded. A few welcomed him. Most reserved judgment.
The training session was a different universe from U19.
The pace was lightning-fast. Passes were harder, sharper, more precise. The tactical complexity was overwhelming—positioning, pressing triggers, rotations that Marco couldn't quite follow.
In a practice match, Marco got the ball wide left. Before he could think, a defender had closed him down. Marco tried his cut-inside move, but the defender didn't bite—too experienced, too smart. Marco had to pass backward.
Next possession, same thing. The defender read him perfectly.
By the end of training, Marco was exhausted and humbled.
A veteran defender—thirty years old, fifteen years in the Bundesliga—approached him afterward.
"Hey kid, how'd it feel?"
"Like I don't belong here," Marco admitted.
The player laughed. "That's normal. You're sixteen. This is men's football. Of course it's on a different level."
"How long do you think I need to adapt to this?"
The veteran studied him. "You've got talent—I saw it. Good technique, smart movement. But you need strength, experience, tactical maturity." He paused. "Two years. Maybe less if you're special. But don't rush it."
"Two years?" Marco asked.
"Yeah. You'll be eighteen, maybe nineteen. Train hard, play U19 then Dortmund II, and by 2008 you could break through."
2008, Marco thought. That's too slow.
The week continued similarly. Marco trained with the first team, worked hard, but was clearly overmatched. The gap between U19 and professional football was enormous.
On the final day, the head coach pulled him aside.
"You did well this week, Marco. Stayed humble, worked hard, didn't get overwhelmed."
"Thank you, Coach."
"Keep developing. You're not ready yet—don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But you could be. Give it some time, there could be a spot for you here."
Marco nodded, absorbing the feedback.
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS:
#First Team Training Week Complete
Performance Rating: 6.5/10 (below professional standard)
#Gap Identified:
- Physical: Need +15 strength, +10 stamina
- Technical: Need +12 overall precision
- Tactical: Need +18 understanding
- Experience: Need 2-3 years minimum
#Projected First Team Ready Date: 2007-2008
#Current Rating: 77.1/100
#Required Rating: 85/100]
The system's projection almost matched the veteran's advice: but the system was more precise.
Marco could live with that. In fact, it was perfect. The time he would be a professional player is not far.
Patience, he reminded himself. The plan is working.