6 February 2056 – Drogba Arena, London
On nights like this, the numbers scarcely matter. Five goals, twenty-five consecutive league wins, a hundred scored in the Premier League this season — Chelsea’s brilliance under Călin Dimario has transcended arithmetic. Yet within that numerical perfection stood one name in radiant isolation: Nacho Valera.
The 20-year-old wonderkid eviscerated Everton’s defence with the merciless rhythm of a veteran, scoring four times in a 5–2 dismantling at the Drogba Arena. His first came with a predator’s instinct — a header at nine minutes. Then came a flurry: a close-range strike from a Civzelis knockdown, another sharp finish after capitalising on an error from Evandro Ferreira, and finally, a thunderous header to complete the quartet five minutes into the second half.
Even the goals conceded — courtesy of Hasitha Mohamed Risvi’s misjudgement and Rogério José’s lapse — could not dull the gleam. Chelsea were majestic, their attacks orchestrated by Bruce Hilgers and Landeira, their structure flawless, their intent relentless.
Valera’s perfect 10.0 rating captured the essence of the evening. Six shots on target, ten headers won, four goals — and the sense that the Premier League’s future belongs entirely to him. Twenty-three goals in twenty-four appearances speak of promise realised.
Dimario’s side march on, imperial and inevitable. The century reached, the records tumbling, the rest left to marvel at the blue empire that will not yield.
By Henry Vinter