Chapter 52

Level at 1-1, Isagi marvels that a single sequence let Nagi master the recipe for winning one-on-ones, and Nagi declares himself unbeatable so long as a pass arrives from behind him. When Nagi squares off with Baro, Naruhaya begs for the ball only to be denied, and Isagi swoops in to rob Baro and feed Nagi, who settles it before Naruhaya and scores again. Baro's restart shot is turned away by the Blue Lock Man, and Isagi is startled to sense that Naruhaya has already pulled ahead of him. Near the net Baro barks for the ball, Naruhaya complies, and Baro finishes.

The two ordinary players confront one another, Naruhaya insisting neither of them is gifted. He intercepts Nagi's attempted pass to Isagi, Baro reclaims it and returns it to Naruhaya, who glides straight past Isagi. Holding rather than releasing, Naruhaya shoots, but the keeper saves once more, and as Nagi and Isagi lunge for the rebound Baro powers through and knocks them down to score. The exchange teaches Isagi a hard truth: Naruhaya owns the mobility to break free yet cannot finish, while Isagi can finish but cannot move into open space.

Nagi converts using his newfound scoring formula. Baro scores against the run of play after commanding Naruhaya's pass. Naruhaya's shot is stopped by the Blue Lock Man, and Baro pounces on the loose ball to score again.

The chapter is titled Talent and Mediocrity (Tensai to Bonsai), the 52nd overall and the third of Volume 7 in the Second Selection Arc. Its events run across Episodes 14 and 15 of the anime.