THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-700

Zachary's return to Liverpool on Monday, 10th September 2018, was filled with renewed energy and purpose.

Fresh off a triumphant performance in Rwanda, where he had played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast's commanding 4-0 win to kickstart their African Cup of Nations qualification campaign, he felt unstoppable.

The flight back had given him time to reflect, but also to refocus. His mind was already locked on Liverpool's relentless schedule, where the next few weeks would be a crucial period for both the club and his personal ambitions.

The moment his feet touched English soil, the Premier League's fast pace beckoned him. The luxury of downtime was nonexistent—Liverpool FC was a machine under Jürgen Klopp, a finely tuned outfit chasing greatness.

Zachary knew that there was no time to bask in the glow of past victories. The demands of the Premier League and Champions League were brutal, but for a player of his caliber, it was the perfect platform to shine.

As the days passed, Zachary quickly settled into the familiar rhythm at Melwood, Liverpool's historic training ground. His body, still fresh from international duty, was ready for the grind of Premier League football.

Klopp and his staff were already hard at work, preparing for their next battle—an away trip to face Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, a tricky fixture against a side known for their dynamism and attacking prowess.

The preparations were intense, as they always were. Klopp's tactical meetings were a combination of animated energy and deep analysis. The German manager had an infectious enthusiasm, which trickled down to every player in the squad.

Zachary, still relatively new to the club, continued feeling the hunger and boundless team spirit of his teammates. The high-intensity pressing game that Liverpool had mastered was both physically demanding and exhilarating. Each training session was designed to build the team's cohesion, sharpening the intricate counter-attacking plays and defensive structures that had become Liverpool's hallmark.

By Friday night, the team was ready. Zachary felt the growing tension but also a quiet confidence in the dressing room. They had prepared well, and everyone knew their role. Tottenham at Wembley would be tough, but Liverpool, riding a wave of early-season form, felt invincible.

Saturday, 15th September, arrived with a crisp London breeze as Liverpool traveled to Wembley for their showdown against Spurs. The stadium, an iconic fortress of English football, was filled to the brim with passionate fans, the atmosphere crackling with energy.

The sense of occasion was unmistakable; both teams were battling for position near the top of the Premier League table. Spurs, under Mauricio Pochettino, had become a formidable side in recent years, their attack spearheaded by the relentless Harry Kane and the dazzling feet of Christian Eriksen.

Zachary felt the familiar rush as he walked out onto the pitch. Wembley's grandeur was overwhelming, but he was laser-focused. This was why he had joined Liverpool: to play in the biggest games, to face the toughest opponents, and to chase trophies.

The match started at a blistering pace, with both teams looking to seize control.

The first half was an intense, physical battle in midfield, where Zachary found himself constantly breaking up Tottenham's play while trying to link up with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané in attack. Liverpool's pressing game suffocated Spurs early on, forcing them into mistakes.

In the 39th minute, Liverpool struck first. A corner from James Milner was met by Georginio Wijnaldum, whose header was tipped onto the bar by Spurs goalkeeper Michel Vorm. However, in the scramble that followed, the ball crossed the line—Liverpool were 1-0 up. The traveling Liverpool fans erupted in celebration, their red flares lighting up the Wembley stands.

The second half saw Liverpool tighten their grip on the game.

Zachary, playing with his usual composure and vision, started pulling the strings in midfield. His ability to break between the lines opened up space for Salah and Firmino to exploit. Then, in the 54th minute, Zachary delivered a pinpoint pass to Sadio Mané, who darted down the left flank and delivered a low cross. Firmino was there to tap it in, doubling Liverpool's lead to 2-0.

Spurs did manage to pull one back through Erik Lamela late in the game, but it was Zachary who put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute. A well-worked move saw Mané pick him out at the edge of the box. With a quick shift onto his right foot, Zachary curled the ball into the top corner, leaving Vorm stranded.

The 3-1 scoreline was a fitting reflection of Liverpool's dominance.

After the final whistle, the Liverpool players embraced each other. The victory was significant—Wembley had always been a tricky ground, but they had emerged victorious once again.

Zachary felt the adrenaline still coursing through him as they walked back down the tunnel. Klopp's animated voice echoed down the corridor, already talking about what they had done well and what could be improved.

With the win against Spurs behind them, attention immediately shifted to Europe. Paris Saint-Germain, one of Europe's elite, would be coming to Anfield for the first game of Liverpool's Champions League campaign.

Zachary had always dreamed of these nights—Anfield under the lights, the deafening roar of the Kop, and the buzz of anticipation that filled the stadium long before kickoff.

On the evening of Tuesday, 18th September, Zachary could feel the weight of history as he walked onto the hallowed Anfield turf. The Kop was in full voice, singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" as the players lined up for the Champions League anthem.

PSG, boasting the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Edinson Cavani, were no strangers to big European nights. This was going to be a test of Liverpool's mettle.

The game exploded into life right from the start. Daniel Sturridge, starting in place of Firmino, put Liverpool ahead in the 30th minute, heading in from an Andrew Robertson cross. A James Milner penalty just before halftime gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead, but PSG struck back through a clinical finish from Thomas Meunier.

Zachary was then in the thick of the action throughout the second half, controlling the tempo in midfield and playing with a sense of urgency that reflected Liverpool's attacking intent. In the 58th minute, he received the ball near the halfway line and quickly surged forward, gliding past two PSG defenders before threading a pass through to Firmino, who calmly slotted it past Alphonse Areola.

Then, as PSG began to push forward in search of an equalizer, the game opened up, allowing Liverpool to exploit the space.

In the 77th minute, Zachary's moment came. A quick counterattack saw Salah break down the right wing. His cross was met by Zachary, who finished with a composed strike, putting the game beyond PSG's reach. The final score of 5-2 was a resounding statement to Europe: Liverpool were back and hungry for Champions League glory.

With the Champions League victory behind them, Liverpool's attention returned to domestic matters. The fixture list was relentless, with Southampton coming to Anfield just four days later. Zachary, now in the form of his life, was eager to continue his scoring streak.

On Saturday, 22nd September, Liverpool's relentless pressing once again proved too much for their opponents. Southampton struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity of Klopp's side.

Goals from Firmino, Salah, and Zachary ensured a comfortable 3-0 victory. Zachary's goal, a powerful shot from outside the box, further cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League's most dangerous midfielders.

The atmosphere around Liverpool was electric. Every win was pushing them closer to their ultimate goal: Premier League glory. And yet, the challenges kept coming.

In midweek, Chelsea arrived at Anfield for an EFL Cup clash. It was a game filled with drama and excitement. Despite Chelsea's resistance, Liverpool edged out a 3-2 win, with Zachary scoring a crucial goal to keep their domestic cup hopes alive.

Just days later, on Saturday, 29th September, Liverpool traveled to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea once again, this time in the Premier League. Stamford Bridge had always been a difficult ground for Liverpool, but this time, Zachary and his teammates were determined to leave with all three points.

The game was a tight affair, with both sides exchanging blows throughout. Chelsea's Eden Hazard caused problems with his dribbling, but Liverpool's defense held firm.

In the 68th minute, Zachary found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a curling shot that sailed into the top corner, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead. It was a lead they would not relinquish, as they left London with another important victory.

As September came to an end, Liverpool's schedule showed no signs of letting up. A crucial Champions League tie against Napoli awaited them at the intimidating Stadio San Paolo. The atmosphere in Naples was as hostile as ever, with the passionate Italian fans creating a cauldron of noise.

The game itself was a tense, tactical battle. Napoli, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, were well-organized and difficult to break down. Liverpool struggled to find space in the first half, with Napoli's defense standing strong. However, Zachary, undeterred by the pressure, continued to push forward, driving his team with his tireless energy.

As the clock ticked towards full time and the score remained locked at 1-1, it seemed as though a draw was inevitable. But in the 93rd minute, Liverpool won a free kick just outside the box.

Zachary, known for his precision in dead-ball situations, stepped up.

The stadium fell silent as he lined up his shot, the pressure of the moment hanging in the air. With one swift strike, he curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner. The roar from the traveling Liverpool fans echoed around the stadium as Zachary's teammates mobbed him in celebration.

The 2-1 victory in Naples was a hard-fought win, but it was one that sent a clear message: Liverpool were ready to take on Europe's best once again.

After the intense match against Napoli, Liverpool returned home with a sense of accomplishment. But there was no time to rest.

The Premier League's biggest challenge was right around the corner: Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side had been Liverpool's main rival for the title, and every encounter between the two had the air of a final.