From Arsenal to the Ball God

February 17th, inside the training base.

Ma’el just finished a match, and one of his abilities received a boost.

[Skill: Weak Side Foot Level 2]

[Skill Level: (1/800)]

[Utility: After a period of training, your left foot has already developed some capability, occasionally performing to a decent standard, yet the preparation time for the technique is also quite long!]

”Naming really isn’t his forte.”

He looked at the Reverse Foot Level 2 panel name and made a jab, but at least this kind of name clearly conveyed his current strength.

In other words, from Reverse Foot...from a traitorous foot that seemed undeveloped, it has improved to a still somewhat weak foot?

Ma’el’s excitement was not for nothing. Due to having no skill in his left foot, he had suffered a lot of hidden losses on the field, which sometimes brought forth strong frustrations about this clumsy foot.

Luckily, now he has it!

”Time to increase the intensity of reverse foot training.”

Ma’el adjusted the training ratio, hoping to practice this skill to Level 3 as soon as possible.

By then, surely he won’t be hitting world-class goals like with his right foot, but at least the landing point for his crosses will be relatively assured.

Recently, he has actually leaned more towards training short passes, aiming to quickly achieve a fourth Level 4 skill.

But now it seems, it’s better to be a bit more balanced and improve concurrently.

[Skill: Level 3 Foot Arch Pass]

[Skill Level: (599/800)]

[Skill: Burst Level 3]

[Skill Level: (348/2000)]

[Skill: Physical Ability Level 2]

[Skill Level: (415/800)]

Ma’el glanced at the proficiency of the other skills. Clearly, Foot Arch Pass is the one most likely to upgrade first.

Next, perhaps it will be Reverse Foot reaching Level 3.

The progress of Burst is slow, maybe a period of focused training will help to strengthen it.

On the way back, he saw over a dozen messages from Mendes on his phone and began to scroll through them.

Mendes informed him that the contract has been finalized, and the total amount of the two contracts reached 650,000 pounds, 150,000 pounds more than expected.

That Sheffield United local merchant is very eager to sign him, and after Mendes used some negotiation skills, they immediately agreed to increase the endorsement fee by 150,000 pounds.

”Not bad.”

Ma’el smiled, realizing that after tax, he could have around 331,000 pounds in revenue.

This is equivalent to the level bonus contract he has for scoring 10 goals at the club, making it quite a tempting external windfall for him currently.

He replied to Mendes, hoping to finalize the formal signing after the intense match schedule this month.

Such an endorsement surely involves more than just signing a name. It will also include shooting covers and recording videos, requiring his personal promotion periodically.

This month, Ma’el surely finds it impossible to free himself, as the intense schedule leaves him unable to split his focus.

”Play well!” he motivated himself, concentrating all his attention on the league schedule, and following the timetable day by day.

......

February 17th, Championship Round 32.

Sheffield United traveled to Crystal Palace’s home ground to face off against this old rival.

Zaha was benched in this match, perhaps due to his poor performance against Ma’el in the last match, losing the manager’s trust.

”Bolodanovich! Finally returns to the field this match, but it’s said Janu needs about a week or so before he can fully recover from his injury.

”Alright, Evans kicks off from the center circle, the first half begins.”

”.....”

”A powerful shot! Blocked by the defender, the second chance is there, a follow-up shot!! The post! Such bad luck, the ball is cleared to the side, Ma’el receives it.

”He’s in an open position, Crystal Palace’s defense might be too late to block! A cross!

”Beautiful! Bolodanovich scores on his return! A powerful header! Finally, we see this duo again! Sheffield United fans must miss this scene!”

”.....”

”The first half ends, Sheffield United’s possession hovered around 50%, not high, but the number of threatening attacks was better than Crystal Palace.

”I believe Crystal Palace’s strength still lies in the wing attacks, trying to pierce the central defense is too difficult.

”However, after bringing in Bertrand and Kyle Walker, Sheffield United’s wing defense has significantly strengthened, and Crystal Palace might not be able to break the defense, which might be why the coach insists on going through the middle!”

”.....”

”A quick pass from the left! Ma’el crosses the ball, and defender Dean heads it away, Quinn is on the outskirts!

”No ball control, directly with an aerial strike!! Wow.....! A world-class goal!! Another world-class goal!!

”Two to zero!! Quinn uses a brilliant aerial strike to help the team extend the lead!

”Previously, because of Ma’el, I always thought that Sheffield United had a long-shot mentality, and discovering Janu’s powerful shot ability reinforced this belief.

”Until today, Quinn scored again with a distant shot, I can finally say it loudly, Sheffield heavy artillery team!”

On the field, Ma’el, who hadn’t really been the star of the match, ran towards a trembling, shouting Quinn, sincerely happy for him.

He might not be in top form every game, so he hopes that when he occasionally isn’t up to the task, a teammate can step up to help the team win!

But.....with the ability to manufacture more than one goal on average per match, and maintaining such efficiency, how can he be considered to be sinking?