From Arsenal to the Ball God

On November 16th, the match between France and Belgium is about to kick off in Clayfontaine Town... This is Deschamps’ first match after taking office and a crucial one at that.

Deschamps, who just experienced setbacks with the Marseille Team, is in desperate need of a win to secure his position with the French National Team!

Countless eyes are on him, some with anticipation, others waiting to see him fail.

In every aspect, he should strive to start his new journey with a winning debut!

”Number 11, just like your club.”

That afternoon, Ma’el received his national team jersey from Deschamps, still number 11, and nodded in acceptance.

As a forward, he naturally wanted the numbers symbolizing core status, 7 and 10, but those belonged to Ribery and Benzema.

He’s just joined the team, and although he has Deschamps’ trust, he still has to prove himself on the field... for now, he can’t get them.

Deschamps has already given him a starting position; taking Ribery’s number 7 would likely cause an uproar within the team.

After lunch, he rested for a bit and waited for the assembly notice to head to the game ground for warm-up.

Shortly after, the Belgian team’s bus slowly arrived, with players stepping off one by one, changing shoes, and gathering on the field.

Ma’el looked over at their lineup, spotting many familiar future stars.

Forwards like Hazard and Lukaku, midfielders like Fellaini and De Bruyne, defenders like Courtois and Kompany, and Witsel.

The outside world often called them Belgium’s Golden Generation, but unfortunately, they failed to win significant honors in major international competitions, carrying great expectations but ending hastily.

”Hi.”

Upon seeing his clubmate Vermaelen, Ma’el, along with Koscielny, walked over to greet the always-smiling center-back.

”Be careful.”

Koscielny friendly reminded his partner, ”Ma’el is starting this game; he’s going to charge your defense.”

”Starting?” Vermaelen’s eyes lit up as he exclaimed, ”Wow, getting a starting spot on the France team the first time you’re called up... I better be careful, or I’ll lose face back at the club.”

Ma’el chuckled without saying anything. It felt fascinating; teammates who fought side by side just days ago now stood against each other.

He turned his head, seeing Lori from Lille and Hazard also exchanging greetings; many players from the two teams knew each other.

”For now, relations are still good.”\

He looked at Hazard, couldn’t help but muse in his mind, ”Once one goes to Chelsea and the other to Tottenham, there will be friction.”

He remembered a classic match where Hazard’s dipping shot pierced Lori’s net, helping the Blue Fox secure the Premier League title early. Then he knelt and slid for several meters in excitement.

Looking at the present scene from the future perspective makes it easy to feel sentimental... What’s more, he’s among these people, becoming part of their story.

Treasure the present life!

And fully appreciate it!

Ma’el separated from Vermaelen, proceeding to his half to prepare for the pre-game warm-up as the match was about to begin.

...

On the small stands beside the field, youth training teams arrived one after another, taking seats at various spots.

Among them was 13-year-old Mbappe, already somewhat famous in the football world, with both his idols Henry and Ronaldo having met this talented player.

He sat in his seat, neck held high, seeming very prominent, quickly catching the attention of media reporters.

”This is the genius who scored 100 goals in 3 years at Clairefontaine... Do you expect to join the French National Team in the future?”

Amelia from ”Football Record” seized the opportunity, interviewing him from the side, ”Do you have any favorite players in this team?”

Mbappe was already used to reporters’ interviews; he stood and smiled, ”It’s too early to talk about joining the senior team now; I still have much to improve.

”I really like Bayern Munich’s Ribery; I’ll be asking for his photo after the game, hopefully getting his match-worn jersey.”

His face carried a hint of naivety, but his demeanor was gradually showing maturity, built from countless praises and experiences.

”Ribery?”

Amelia placed the microphone near his mouth, asking, ”Since you like him, what do you think of Ma’el, his competitor?”

When Mbappe heard this, he leaned around Amelia to glance at the field and said, ”I think he’s a player similar to me; I might try to become like him.”

”Really?” Amelia smiled, finally asking, ”Then why don’t you want his photo or match-worn jersey?”

Mbappe hesitated a bit but then directly said, ”I like Ribery more; he’s better.”

Amelia patted his head, feeling slightly pricked, then moved the camera away, heading over to where Harry and Safina sat to watch the match.

Upon hearing about Ma’el’s starting role, Jose and Davis also rushed over from London to witness the player’s national team debut.

”I said it long ago.”

Jose’s face showed no fatigue from the journey, only excitement, ”He can outshine Ribery on the wing; his impact is greater than Ribery’s. It’s just that fans haven’t realized it yet.”