From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Observation Level 1

”Does this kid have a knack for it?”

Evans, the center forward of the Yellow Team, who just completed an assist, was the first to come over and high-five Ma’el with a smile, ”Well played. Didn’t expect we’d have a long-shot player joining the team this summer.”

”Yeah, our attacking strategies just got more diverse.”

Midfielder Janu also arrived, engaging in the usual high-five and celebratory hug, laughing cheerfully, ”We’ll rely on you for future tough matches!”

Most people don’t harbor inherent malice toward strangers; in many cases, they’ll actively show their friendly side.

Especially when they feel you have talent.

”Thanks.”

Ma’el thanked them with a smile, not being overly modest, and deliberately feigned calm, as if not surprised by the goal.

Entering a new environment and starting fresh in competition and social interactions necessitates boldly displaying your strengths, making others perceive you as strong.

Only this way can you earn equal treatment and respect in the future.

After dealing with those who came to celebrate, Ma’el turned and walked toward his half of the field, grinning broadly when locking eyes with Gilbert.

There was the thrill of scoring at Championship level, and the delight of getting and capitalizing on a good opportunity right at the start!

And it filled him with more confidence about his future.

”Next, try to showcase all of my strengths as much as possible.”

Ma’el had an idea in mind: since he had a good start at a promising new club, he should strive to go even further.

First impressions are very important; he wants to firmly imprint all his advantages in the minds of the coaching staff.

Whether it’s the current head coach Kevin or Garrispeed, as mentioned by Jorson, who will soon take charge.

Of course, he wasn’t overly confident.

Besides long shots, his other skills are currently only at Level 2, which doesn’t count as an advantage in front of Championship players.

For example, Power and Bicycle Kick, two skills often used in one-on-one situations; if he uses them carelessly, they might backfire and deviate from his goals.

But...Crossing can definitely be utilized.

This ability can indeed be linked with teammates’ performances.

As long as he finds plenty of opportunities to pass into the penalty area, even if it’s not too precise, teammates might accidentally head it in.

If he could also get an assist, achieving a 1 goal and 1 assist record.

Then today’s training match would definitely be perfect for him!

......

”Ma’el, Arsenal Youth Training U17 product.”

On the sidelines, Sheffield United’s head coach Kevin was reviewing Ma’el’s profile, ”No data in the youth league; he was brought back by chief scout Jorson after observing a friendly match.”

He looked up at Ma’el, who had just scored, with rising interest in his eyes, ”Quite an interesting lad.”

Garrispeed, standing beside him, nodded slightly, smiling with relief, ”When Jorson told me about him, I was also a bit hesitant, but eventually, I trusted his insight.

”Now it seems the report about him being a gunner with remarkable talent is true and quite prominent.”

Kevin pressed his lips in agreement, feeling a sense of admiration, ”Hasn’t turned 17 yet, so even if he doesn’t do well this year, his future still looks bright; sadly, we only have a one-year loan.”

As if knowing what Kevin was about to say, Garrispeed lowered his head, not wanting to make eye contact.

Sure enough, Kevin slightly lamented, shaking his head and sighing, ”And it’s also unfortunate that I’m soon leaving this team.”

This statement plunged all members of the coaching staff into silence, a cold atmosphere lingering for over ten seconds until someone spoke.

”The board might still consider your results this new season.”

An assistant coach spoke up with a complex expression, ”If you can hold on, they may not necessarily terminate your contract.”

”Stop kidding.”

Kevin kept shaking his head, clinging to no hope, ”Fans might not see it, but as coaches, it’s clear that this group can’t play in the Championship.

”Apart from Robert, Luton, Evans, and Janu, who else has Championship-level ability?

”Professional leagues are intense and ruthless competitions, and often, you can’t rely on reputation; let alone borrowing youth players from Everton and Arsenal’s academy, what difference does it make even if it’s Real Madrid’s?

He wanted to say more, but someone entered through the training ground door.

It was Jorson, who had been assigned to sort out files today, and rushed over as soon as he finished.

”How’s it going?”

Jorson glanced at the quickly moving players, observing Ma’el and Gilbert’s state, a bit anxious.

”Yellow team one to zero.”

Garrispeed picked up the conversation, giving him a satisfying answer, ”Ma’el scored with a long shot.”

”Really?”

Joy quickly arose in Jorson’s eyes, and he applauded heavily, ”Fantastic!”

......

”Bang!”

On the field, Ma’el found an opportunity on the left, adjusted the ball towards his right foot, and delivered a cross.

The quality was barely sufficient; the ball flew to the center of the box, only to be cleared by the red team’s defender who rose and headed it out, not forming too much threat.

This was enough; it was crucial to show he could create opportunities through crossing.

Ma’el ran back calmly, moving quickly down the left, constantly interspersing through the opponent’s midfielders’ blind spots.

Even though most times, his teammates don’t pass him the ball, he still sprints ahead whenever there’s a chance, exerting himself fully.

The skill level panel provided more than just those skills, but also the habit of focusing and giving it your all!

Temporarily unable to break through the opponent’s midfield with dribbles and drives, he could only rely on continuous interspersing and harassment to create crossing opportunities.

This was an English Championship League team, one of the top few in All England.

Ma’el must take it seriously, must give it his all.

So, this way, he focused intently on the opponent’s midfielders’ movements and the flow of the ball, constantly adjusting his position to create space for receiving the ball.

[Skill: Observation Level 1]

[Skill Level: (21/300)]

[Utility: You start trying to use your brain to read the game, observe the on-field situation, but due to lack of match experience and extensive video analysis, you’re still at the beginner stage.]

Running, Ma’el paused slightly but quickly went back to normal, having awakened a new skill... and it’s particularly a cognitive skill.

”Initial skill level 300, same as physical skills.”

A touch of excitement flashed through his eyes, Observation, or rather, reading the game ability, can significantly enhance one’s game performance.

Historical legendary players are not only art masters at their craft but also experts who understood football thoroughly.

Moreover, unlike technical and physical skills, this ability perhaps does not require deliberate practice.

As long as he’s in a fast-paced match, he can hone it all the time.

It means automatically gaining skill level.

”According to the utility description, perhaps analyzing tapes could also improve it.”

Ma’el was quite attentive to this ability, planning immediately that when tired from training other skills, he would watch game replays at home in the evening to learn other football masters’ insights about the game.

Retracting his thoughts, he refocused on the field.

At that moment, the opponent’s forward line played a brilliant twosome play on the flank, penetrating his half through smooth passing, completing a cross.

”Bang!!”

A figure rushed in from outside the penalty box, jumping high and heading the ball fiercely.

”Snap!” The team’s main goalkeeper, Robert, instinctively punched it back into the small penalty area.

But the red team’s forward didn’t miss the opportunity to follow up, poking the ball with the tip of his foot and sending it into the net, scoring the equalizer.

One to one!

The teams returned to the same starting line.

Ma’el smiled, not because he lacked a sense of collective honor.

It’s just that the first crucial header was done by Gilbert.

It’s imaginable that this header might also leave a good impression on the coaching staff.

Could it be that training with him every day, Gilbert did improve his poaching skills?