From Arsenal to the Ball God

He could see that above the number 7, there was a bold ’Ma’el’ signature.

”Saka, when did you get it? Get one for me too!”

”Let me see!”

”Is it Van Persie or Ma’el?”

Little Saka put the jersey away and put it back on himself, without any intention of letting his teammates see it.

He proudly raised his head, his small face full of arrogance, ”It’s Ma’el’s. I want to become that kind of forward player too!”

Looking at his demeanor, some players of Arsenal’s U18 were envious, both of Saka having Ma’el’s signature and of Ma’el already becoming an idol for the young players in the training camp.

...

”Beep!”

After the match restarted, Liverpool players launched a wild counterattack, pressing forward with seven players in a surge of attacking force, launching an assault on Arsenal’s goal.

Resilience is an indispensable quality for top teams.

They often aren’t shaken in mentality just because they concede a goal, and can quickly adjust their status to launch a counterattack on the opponent’s goal!

To defeat them is very difficult, as they are always energetic and can fight with you until the very last moment.

”Boom boom boom.....!”

In the 9th minute of the match, they broke through Arsenal’s midfield defense with three consecutive one-touch passes, and developed the ball to the flanks.

Charlie Adam inserted himself into the baseline position and sent a crossing towards the Arsenal penalty area.

The ball arched over the heads of the players defending the near post, falling dangerously in the area, prompting Koscielny and Andy Carroll to jump together.

Andy Carroll fought for the ball and headed it towards the far corner, completing an attempt at goal.

”Bang!” Luckily, Vermaelen anticipated his shooting direction, and arrived at the shooting line in advance, clearing the ball towards the sideline.

Charlie Adam captured the second ball, this time he didn’t continue to cross but passed the ball to the central position, creating a long shot opportunity for his teammates at the edge of the penalty area.

It was a sharp pass, catching Arsenal’s defense off guard.

”Boom..... Pop!”

Tang Ning controlled the ball and dribbled it to the right, preparing to strike, but in the last moment of shooting, he cut the ball with one foot and flicked it towards the left flank.

There, Liverpool forward Kuyt sprinted in at high speed, using the arch of his left foot to send the ball towards the center, posing another threat!

”Boom!” Andy Carroll pushed the ball with his left foot, but unfortunately, in a hurry, his ankle wasn’t tight, directly sending the ball into the stands.

He covered his face, extremely annoyed, as being out of play for too long had indeed made shooting feel rusty.

”Hiss..... Clack clack clack.....!” Liverpool fans bemoaned with regretful expressions, but soon started clapping to encourage their team’s players.

”Just a little bit!”

At the live commentary booth, Sky Sports commentators alongside Reinke saw this play up close and felt the atmosphere at the scene, both showing regretful expressions, seemingly feeling that this ball should have gone in.

Reinke shook his head slightly, sighing: ”Liverpool’s front line should find their shooting boots sooner. Their attack is very smooth but cannot score goals.

”Be aware, Van Persie and Ma’el, these two players, have been performing very well today, and could make Liverpool pay for ’wasting chances’ at any time!”

”Speaking of Ma’el.”

Sky Sports commentator turned and asked: ”I remember Mr. Reinke mentioned him in a column before, has this player’s performance today surprised you?”

”Certainly.”

Reinke showed interest, his eyes lighting up: ”In fact, during the previous match against Newcastle United, he greatly exceeded my expectations.

”I also watched the Udinese match, and was similarly impressed, as he quickly adapted to top-level leagues.

”I believe achieving double digits in goals and assists in the new Premier League season is not extravagant for him.”

Sky Sports commentator nodded, smiling as he said: ”A very high evaluation, hoping he can perform even better today!”

......