From Arsenal to the Ball God

”This still needs practice.”

Ma’el didn’t plan on letting go of his training in stopping the ball. Although adhesive stopping is a very advanced technique, he needed to be even stronger.

In the fast-paced, high-level leagues, the speed at which defenders close in is fast. Simply sticking the ball to your foot only buys you more time to deal with the ball.

What if you could bypass the defender directly at the moment of stopping, or create an opening to shoot directly?

Just like that world-class spin move by Ice Prince Bergkamp, chipping the ball over the defender back to his foot, directly shooting to the far corner to score!

It’s not that he seeks to consistently perform such moves, but the ability to turn upon a touch and evade while receiving high balls should be possessed in common scenarios.

Ma’el actually occasionally manages to do it now, but it’s not stable. He wants more stability!

”Oh....!” During training the next day, Jose exclaimed explosively after witnessing Ma’el’s marked improvement in stopping the ball skill: ”Ma’el! You grasped it so fast, your body’s definitely not fully formed yet; you improve rapidly in practice.”

Ma’el smiled faintly, saying nothing. There would be more such times in the future; this was just the beginning.

On June 27, the ’ball sense’ that was already on the brink of breakthrough finally advanced.

[Skills: Ball Control Level 3]

[Skill Level: (1/2000)]

[Utility: With both feet becoming proficient in soccer, you gradually grasped the technique of controlling the ball, becoming extremely agile at keeping the ball stable at your feet!]

The ball control skills also came!

Ma’el dribbled the ball and charged towards the mannequin. This time his offensive speed was very fast, continuously making directional changes.

He used both the bicycle kick and step-and-shoulder drop techniques, occasionally shifting and pulling back the ball.

”Pa!” After performing two bicycle oversteps, he suddenly changed direction to the right, then immediately executed a curved dipping shot at the goal, slamming it into the corner of the net.

Feeling his feet and reviewing the technical action just now... indeed, Ma’el found that his control over the ball had significantly improved.

Moreover, he was absolutely certain, this skill could combine with dribbling techniques to unleash greater power!

”Meaning, this ball control with auxiliary skills kind of feeds into an all-around enhancement.”

A lot became clearer in Ma’el’s mind; ball control was supposed to be an overall enhancement of dribbling abilities, additional skills meant a linked increase in added characteristics.

As for the bicycle kick and step-and-shoulder drop, they seemed more like breakthrough techniques that could better utilize this ability, similar to the Marseille turn and roulettes.

Keep practicing; sooner or later, an all-around monster will emerge!

......

As time slowly moved into July, the transfer frenzy in European football began to gather momentum, with all kinds of transfer news swirling around, stirring up wave after wave of enthusiasm among fans.

Of course, while some rejoice, others worry. The transfer window this season is undoubtedly very painful for Arsenal fans.

After a conflict between Fabregas and two young generals within the team, he flew to Barcelona that night. His transfer deal officially went into process at that moment.

”July 2, breaking news: Fabregas completes a transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona within 48 hours, current Transfermarkt valuation at 50 million Euros, Arsenal asking for 40 million Euros!” —The Guardian

”July 3 news: reportedly, Barcelona is only willing to pay 34 million Euros in the Fabregas transfer, the Spanish midfielder might consider personally covering 5 million Euros, transferring through the 34+5 million route!” —Sun

”Has Arsenal lost another general? Formerly young general Nasri is now the hot star with superstar potential, Manchester City offered him a hefty contract with a weekly salary of 185,000 pounds.” —French Football

”Chelsea and Manchester United gearing up for a final push to acquire Ma’el? Ah Bu’s offer seemingly exceeds Manchester City’s offer for Nasri, is such a high price for a youngster under 17 a risky gamble?” —London Evening Paper

Various transfer news emerged in large numbers, with undercurrents surging between major clubs as a transfer storm gradually arrived.

On the evening of July 4, Wenger completed the final confirmation and various formalities for Fabregas’s transfer to Barcelona at Korney Training Base.

Thus, Fabregas confirmed his departure; this player, who cost him and Arsenal 8 years of effort, ultimately brought a transfer fee of 39 million Euros to the club.

In the subsequent press conference, Wenger left a famous remark: ”I nurtured a player for 8 years, not to sell him off.”

It wasn’t that he lacked the ambition to pursue championships, nor was it solely for the club’s debt; selling players for cash was just to fill the gap.

That was not his intention; often he was forced to make such choices.

Upon returning from the press conference site, he was again busy with contact from Manchester City; the negotiations for Nasri had reached the final stage.

”No acceptance of offers below 28 million.”

He expressed his intention to Philip, letting him contact the Manchester City side.

Not long after, Philip returned, his face showing hesitation and complexity. ”They made a final offer of 27.5 million Euros, and the player also called the club, threatening to stop training if not transferred.”

Wenger struck a match to light a cigarette, hesitated for a long time, and eventually chose to swallow the bitterness, nodding in agreement: ”Accept their terms.”

Philip went out again to contact Manchester City, and upon his second return, he held numerous faxes in his hands.

There was no choice; during the transfer critical period, the club had to be extremely busy, which was inevitable.

”There are two offers regarding Ma’el.”

Philip placed those faxes in front of Wenger, clenching his fists anxiously, ”There are also seven or eight inquiry faxes, hoping the club can engage in communication and discussion about Ma’el’s transfer.”