From Arsenal to the Ball God

The Reverse Foot panel appeared slower than he imagined, and he could roughly guess the reason. This skill should be categorized under cognitive skills.

Like the Observation and Physical Skill Level panels, it starts from 300.

Indeed, this could be considered a cognitive-based sport.

The motor ability of the weak-side leg is more controlled by the cerebellum. To practice well, one must train the balance and agility of the cerebellum in this area. It’s not a purely skill-based ability.

...

On January 11th, sweating profusely in the cold weather, Ma’el finally saw his Reverse Foot panel.

[Skill: Reverse Foot Lv1]

[Skill Level: (131/300)]

[Utility: You’re gradually discovering the benefits of practicing with your reverse foot and starting to practice diligently, yet you’re still far from catching up with your dominant foot. You long for the day of upgrading.]

As he had anticipated, the Reverse Foot Skill was indeed classified as a cognitive skill.

He wasn’t disheartened; having a reverse foot is crucial for a player. It nearly doubles their capability.

Few superstars can only use one foot; most are ambidextrous.

Even if the starting Skill Level were 800, Ma’el would still practice without hesitation.

Simply because he’s already accumulated considerable special abilities.

Now, he can spare some time to practice these ’overall enhancement’ type abilities.

[Skill: Curved Ball Dipping Shot Lv3]

[Skill Level: (541/800)]

[Skill: Level 3 Foot Arch Pass]

[Skill Level: (241/800)]

After glancing at the Skill Level for the other two skills, Ma’el intensified his training. If the Dipping Shot could reach Level 4, his combat ability, especially his goal rate, would be elevated once again!

”Also, I need to start training the skill that has a 2000 Skill Level; I haven’t yet experienced what it’s like.”

He had a new thought, considering choosing a Level 3 physical skill or a Level 4 skill type.

If it were before, he would have chosen his long-standing Long Shot ability without hesitation to fill his arsenal with a Level 5 skill.

But now, having felt the importance of speed for a winger, he’s somewhat wavering.

Thinking about Level 4 speed ability, it would initially equip him with the capability to roam unimpeded like Adama Traore on the flanks, and he is quite tempted.

He realized a physical skill at the same level is stronger and more practical than a skill type, a fact he had sensed long ago.

This might also be the reason its initial Skill Level is higher than cognitive skills.

”How about focusing on speed first?”

Ma’el gradually reached a decision; Long Shot is already sufficient in the Championship, and probably still outstanding in the Premier League.

He could wait until his speed ability reaches Level 4 or when he’s no longer practicing other skills to incorporate it and train both together.

He’s not one to hesitate long; he made the decision immediately, and wrote a training plan when he got home that night.

...

Days passed by, regular and fulfilling, with occasional surprises.

On January 14th, physiotherapist Harry finally completed all prior preparations, rented two rooms on Cherry Street where Ma’el lived, and brought his sister along for the trial period.

Ma’el met them at the training base’s gym. To be honest, he instinctively wondered about Harry’s sister’s appearance, which is natural.

”Safina.”

She was a woman around thirty, wearing a black top and a black pencil skirt, draped in a black coat, giving an initial impression of a spy—very capable and neat.

She wore black-framed glasses, not quite fashionable, paired with her exquisitely fair cheeks dotted with small freckles, giving off a kind of university professor vibe.

An ordinary name... but quite a charming woman, Ma’el nodded at her, extended his hand for a shake, and stepped forward for a light hug.

”I’ve heard about you from Harry.”

Safina conversationally engaged, speaking cheerfully without overt humor, yet emanating warmth, ”Just roughly, but I know how to arrange the diet for a training fanatic like you.”

”If possible, I might need to visit your house later, check the kitchen’s inventory, and see if I need to purchase some equipment.”

”No problem.”

Ma’el nodded, remembering Gilbert later told her, ”I live with an Arsenal teammate.”

Seeming to anticipate his words, Safina smiled this time, answering, ”If he’s agreeable to the same diet as yours, I wouldn’t mind making two portions; it wouldn’t be a hassle.”

”No.”

Ma’el shook his head, explaining, ”I will additionally pay you 500 pounds per week for procurement, please don’t refuse.”

He now had money and didn’t want to start the cooperation with petty advantages. Over time, it could undoubtedly cause dissatisfaction.

”Ah.....”

Safina’s eyes lit up, exchanged glances with Harry, delightedly embraced Ma’el, ”Thank you for your generosity.”

Ma’el caught a whiff of fragrance, then felt a gentle sensation on his abdomen. After a brief embrace, he turned his gaze to Harry, ”Long time no see, Happy New Year.”

”Same to you.”

Harry waited for his sister and Ma’el to finish greetings before stepping forward for a hug, ”I’ve brought the training plan, today we might conduct the first fatigue-relief session, and I’m all set.”

Ma’el agreed, focusing without other thoughts, and started following Harry’s instructions.

Mostly comprised of recovery jogs, incorporating resistance bands and static stretching exercises, occasionally using resistance balls and other training equipment.

Different from when he practiced coordination, under a professional’s guidance, he accumulated many effective relaxation techniques and understood ways to protect certain muscles and vulnerable areas in the body.

This class exceeded his expectations tremendously.

Apparently, there’s indeed a valid reason expensive physiotherapists are costly; they can offer substantial help to players.

”The results are good.”

After finishing, he carefully assessed his body, unhesitant with his praise: ”I feel much more relaxed; truly, these tasks are for professionals like you.”

He was somewhat excited about what Harry’s massage and Safina’s nutrition plan would be like.

If the overall feedback on this process is excellent, it will considerably elevate his training efficiency, accelerating the accumulation of Skill Levels!

All three headed toward Cherry Street by car, chatting along the way. Harry mentioned he couldn’t drive, Safina could, but neither liked driving, hence no car.

Ma’el felt slightly regretful, abandoned the brief thought of getting a lift, and placed all hope on his driver’s license.

...

PS: There might be one less update today, stayed up one day and night, tomorrow I’ll reverse the routine to write, or I’ll write if I feel up to it later.

Today’s update is 19k.