From Arsenal to the Ball God

February 5th, Championship Round 29.

Sheffield United visits Ipswich’s home ground, the match kicks off at 4 PM.

Due to Janu’s slight groin strain, he needs to miss three league matches, and Bolodanovich is also resting because of muscle fatigue.

Garrispeed can only send Mark Yates and a new recruit onto the field, hoping they can secure these two positions for the team.

”Jimmy Brad advances with the ball! As a new recruit, he didn’t perform as expected at Hull City, but he’s gradually coming into his own at Ipswich!

”Can you notice David’s movement? No! He has a better option! Dranei! A quick shot!!

”The ball is in! Ipswich takes the lead!! Dranei strikes just before Steven comes up and sends the ball into the far corner of the net!”

”.....”

”Without the tall forward Bolodanovich, Sheffield United lacks an essential pivot up front.”

”Evans finds it hard to hold the ball with his back turned, Ma’el is good in duels, but he lacks the means to turn; they have to retreat to receive the ball, which reduces their threat.

”Garrispeed seems a bit at a loss, hoping that Janu and Bolodanovich aren’t injured and just rotated for a round.”

”.....”

”Quick passing coordination, Ipswich attempts to break through... a beautiful one-touch! Ipswich has crossed Sheffield’s midfield line, with a cross from Dranei!

”David!! Two nil!!

”Ipswich takes a two-nil lead before halftime!”

”.....”

”Ma’el once again holds the ball from the flank, his breakthrough success rate hasn’t been high today, Ipswich’s full-backs are very tough.

”He’s going for the baseline, looking for the end! No cross, heading inside! Can he get through? He squeezes through, beautiful! Steps to the outer line, the angle is still a bit tight... but he’s preparing to shoot!

”Season’s 22nd goal! Oh oh....! The goalkeeper touched the ball but couldn’t stop it from finding the net, it was a powerful dipping shot!

”One to two! He pulls one back! Yet another extreme display of individual talent!

”Scoring in consecutive matches! That’s Ma’el, even when the team is in trouble, he often finds a way to threaten the opponent’s goal!”

”.....”

”The match is over, Ipswich secures a rare victory; they perform poorly against mid-to-lower table teams but always excel against the top four of the standings!

”The players are excited today, they deserve this win, these three points!”

On the pitch, Garrispeed, slightly disappointed, shakes hands with the opposing coach, then stands by the sideline, waiting for his players to leave the field.

After shaking hands with everyone, he encourages the players a few words, then they head to the stands occupied by traveling fans, lining up to thank them.

”Clap clap....!” Enthusiastic applause breaks out, accompanied by their shouts, Sheffield United’s traveling fans do not criticize them but greet them as if they had returned victorious.

”Come on! We still have to charge for the Premier League! Win it back next round!”

”Kids, keep your heads up!”

”29 rounds, 61 points, you’re already doing great, just a little setback!”

”We will always guard you here, charge for the season’s ultimate goal!”

Ma’el stands in the middle of the team, looking at these fans in a daze, clapping along with them, and the feeling of losing an away game doesn’t differ much from home.

Especially when greeted by the traveling fans in such a manner after the match, there is still a deep sense of guilt.

He remembers these feelings, hoping they can inspire him to ignite more fighting spirit, allowing himself to gradually develop more outstanding and more complete abilities!

One day, he will appear on the pitch in an unstoppable state.

......

February 11th, Ma’el completes the week’s final recovery training with Harry in the gym.

Tomorrow is the 30th round of the Championship, to ensure good form, training can’t be neglected.

This month’s schedule for Sheffield United is quite packed, besides the two matches already finished, they still have five rounds of the Championship league to play.

Luckily, there’s only this one front; if they were ’fortunate’ enough to still be playing in the FA Cup now, there would be an extra round of cup fixtures.

Then, injuries due to fatigue would involve more than just Janu; Bolodanovich would also be at risk.

”Private doctor?”

After practice ends, Ma’el sits on the sofa replenishing water, chatting with Harry about the topic: ”Find one like you guys, full-time?”

”No, not at all.”

Harry tidies up the equipment nearby, explaining: ”There’s no need to find a full-time private doctor, just confirm a long-term partnership.

”Generally, they will regularly check your body condition, always keeping track of your health, preventing injuries.

”And once you get injured, they will also make more reasonable rehab plans compared to the club’s medical team.

”The reports they make on your body will also serve as a reference for me and Safina, helping us to complete our work better.”

Ma’el nods slightly, still not fully understanding: ”Then in that case..... it seems there’s not much difference from going directly to a private hospital?”

There are many private hospitals across Europe, and it’s easy to find highly skilled doctors specializing in sports recovery with a bit of inquiry.

”No.”

Harry, clearly understanding this market better, enlightens Ma’el: ”If your goal is the best, you must find the very best private doctor.

”Not just first-rate, the best! They not only possess outstanding professional levels but also have decades of accumulated experience and some unique insights.