From Arsenal to the Ball God

A year later, no need to talk about what championship data there is... He directly donned the Arsenal first team jersey, standing at the Emirates Stadium against Liverpool’s first team!

The same representing Arsenal, the same facing Liverpool, but representing a world of difference.

That was Dalglish’s team, worth hundreds of millions of euros, with many in the lineup famous across European football!

...

”Boom!!”

In the 6th minute of the match, Liverpool’s winger Tang Ning cut in, shook off Vermaelen, and unleashed a highly threatening curved ball dipping shot.

The ball raced towards the far corner of the goal, tricky in angle, yet lacking a bit of height.

Szczeny dove swiftly, with remarkable reflexes... Astonishingly, he not only successfully saved but tightly clutched the ball with both hands.

”A brilliant save!”

In the broadcast studio, Zhan Jun maintained his professional poise as a commentator, offering praise for the home team’s opponent: ”Szczeny helps Arsenal regain possession! He quickly rises, ready to launch a fast attack with a throw!

”There’s a considerable space in Liverpool’s backfield, all their players are pressing in Arsenal’s half! This is a great chance for a counter-attack!

”Szczeny, throws to Jenkinson! The left-back’s first start this season!”

On Arsenal’s left wing, Jenkinson controls the ball, instantly pushes it forward, accelerating towards Liverpool’s backfield.

”Hey!” Liverpool’s defensive midfielder Lucas quickly closes in on him, compresses his passing space toward the center, and looks for a chance to intercept.

”Ma’el!”

Jenkinson, having no choice, resolutely dribbles forward, calling out for Ma’el to come back and receive the pass.

In fact, Ma’el was already running back, just looking for a gap to receive the ball.

”Thud!”

Under growing pressure, Jenkinson can barely target Ma’el’s general position, pushing a ground ball forward.

The pass wasn’t perfect, forming a 50-50 ball between Ma’el and the opponent’s left-back.

”Mine!!” A roar sounded behind Ma’el, Martin Kelly pushing off to start, aiming to get the ball before Ma’el.

He knew his speed was unlikely to match Ma’el’s, so he opted to use his body for leverage from the start.

Ma’el wore a serious expression, aware of Martin Kelly’s strong physical confrontation ability, needing to go all out.

The confrontation unfolded right under Dalglish’s nose, harboring both expectation and tension, though he internally acknowledged Ma’el’s impact.

Those words at the press conference aimed more to motivate his players.

Or perhaps, to some extent, he believed Martin Kelly’s defensive toughness could stop Ma’el... but he wasn’t entirely sure, not fully confident.

”Bang!” The confrontation happened swiftly, their shoulders clashing hard, producing a dull thud.

This time, even Ma’el felt his organs inside shaking, the opponent’s power was incredible, almost as much as his own.

Luckily, his lower body remained stable, not losing balance, proceeding to control and turn with the ball.

However, Martin Kelly wasn’t so lucky, bounced away nearly a meter, losing much of his balance.

Realizing, feeling Ma’el’s burst of power at that moment... Martin Kelly’s eyes filled with shock, regaining his balance, trying to grab Ma’el’s jersey to stop him from accelerating forward.

Seeing this scene, Dalglish was genuinely startled, scanning the vulnerable backline with increasing tension.

”Hey!” Instinctively waving his hands, he pressured the referee, hoping the previous clash went unnoticed and would be called a foul.

This situation is common on the pitch, coaches occasionally employing underhanded tactics for every team.

After all, achieving victory and earning points, bringing joy to the fans, is the most important thing.

However soon, Dalglish saw Martin Kelly reaching out to grab Ma’el’s jersey... he quickly lowered his hands, sealed his mouth shut.

He needed to retract just in time, as being posted online would paint him as complaining about his own player Martin Kelly’s foul, a peculiar behavior.

”Boom!!”

Recognizing Martin Kelly’s intention for a tactical foul, Ma’el stopped advancing, instead striking a curved over-the-head pass along the opponent’s backline, aiming for the forward-running Van Persie.

Level 3 Observation enabled him to discern Van Persie’s movement intention during the confrontation, making him realize they couldn’t forfeit this attacking opportunity!

And Level 4 Curved Trajectory Guidance gave him the confidence to boldly employ his passing technique under pressure, penetrating the opponent’s defense!

This could very well be a threatening pass, creating a scoring opportunity!

Under tens of thousands of expectant gazes, the ball soared rapidly, tracing a curve over Liverpool’s defensive line.

It was a picture-perfect pass, denying any Liverpool defender a header clearance chance, curving straight towards Van Persie.

”Great ball!!”

From Liverpool’s defense, Van Persie bypassed center-back Kagura, swiftly charging towards the ball’s landing spot, exclaiming excitedly, ”Love you, Ma’el!”

”Agger! Agger!” Seeing he couldn’t keep up with Van Persie, Liverpool center-back Kagura called for the other center-back to chase back, while he angled himself to cover.

”Pop!” Van Persie, seamlessly controlling the ball at high speed, continued charging into the opponent’s penalty area without the slightest deceleration.