From Arsenal to the Ball God

Ferguson turned and walked into the players’ tunnel without any expression.

Wenger turned and walked to the coaching bench, picked up the data analyst’s computer, and searched for Ma’el’s running distance in this game.

Very soon, he saw an extremely shocking number - Total running: 16203, high-intensity running: 2104!

Wenger quickly walked towards Ma’el. Ferguson was right; it was because of Ma’el that they could end such a tough January in an inspiring way.

Although they only managed two draws against relegation-threatened teams, and it was tough to achieve those two draws, they hadn’t felt the joy of winning in the Premier League for a long time.

But fortunately, in the one game they needed to win the most, they won!

...

”Yeah.....! Yeah.....!!”

On the field, Ma’el lay on the ground, eyes closed, fists clenched, and roared loudly at the sky.

They won!

They beat Manchester United!

His legs had lost sensation, and today’s running distance and intensity had definitely exceeded his limits by a lot.

But he gritted his teeth and completed the match with willpower, contributing as much as he could for the team!

This is a habit honed throughout daily training; he always surpasses his limits and unleashes more potential from his body!

It’s like he always tries to do a little more than the last time, holding on a bit longer during the most exhausting moments!

He had never been so grateful to his training-ground self as he was now; never had he felt such a surge of accomplishment in his heart.

You could say that this match wasn’t pretty; he didn’t dominate Manchester United’s defensive system offensively or score a couple of goals effortlessly.

But he absolutely did the most and was definitely the biggest hero of this match!

With 3-4 interceptions, 2 blocks, and 2 tackles to disrupt plays, he topped everyone in the team’s running distance; this was his contribution, not to mention that goal.

One skill after another that he had tirelessly practiced days and nights finally stood out when they were needed most, helping him secure the most crucial victory!

Physical Ability!

Outside of the foot!

Decision!

These three Level 4 skills, which seemed insignificant on ordinary days, showcased their roles in today’s tug of war!

This very likely is a match that lays the foundation for Arsenal’s championship; when looking back at the end of the season, he will surely thank himself for this victory over Manchester United!

The road ahead is wide and clear. Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City pose no significant pressure anymore.

And the remaining 11 mid-table teams and relegation-threatened teams, even less so.

He will carry the momentum built from this match, powering through like a bamboo breaking through, achieving his goal, and winning his first top league championship trophy in his career!

Exhilarating!

Endlessly exhilarating!

Ma’el squeezed out the last bit of strength, shouting to the gloomy sky one last time, ”Yeah....!”

Even if the somber sky won’t open up bright for him, his heart is already filled with brightness.

”I’ll treat you to a feast!”

Van Persie excitedly rushed to his side, squatted down, lifted his head with both hands, and shouted while pressing foreheads, ”Free recordings for you five times, how about that?!”

Sagna and others quickly gathered around, forming a circle beside him.

”Hurry up and shine the hero’s shoes!”

”The match is over; shoe-shining indeed! Knead the legs!”

”Exactly!”

”That last tackle was so cool, we won!”

They started serving Ma’el on the spot; everyone knew what kind of match Ma’el helped the team accomplish.

Wenger also approached quickly, pushing aside the crowd with his hand. Coming to Ma’el’s side, he didn’t say anything, just looking at Ma’el drenched in sweat from his temples and neck.

These drops of sweat will eventually turn into bright orange-red molten iron, helping them cast the championship trophy!

...

At the post-match press conference, Ferguson sat with Giggs, whose hair was already wet, looking calm.

”BBC reporter, it’s a shame the team lost this match. Is Ma’el’s tactical significance greater than imagined? He seems very well-rounded, with a modest attitude towards the game.”

Hearing the name that gave him a headache, Ferguson frowned slightly, then suddenly smiled, ”We didn’t see Ma’el; on the left flank, there was only a constantly flickering ghost. How can humans defeat deities and ghosts?”

Thus, the great battle came to an end. With nothing dramatic, the 1-0 score didn’t provide any surprises or shocks.

But everyone who watched the match knew that this player, Ma’el, seemed more exceptional than they imagined.

”1-0! Ma’el’s decisive goal helps Arsenal beat Manchester United! Post-match player rating: 10, the second player this season to achieve a score of 10!” - BBC Column

”Arsenal rising again? A great goal, a great victory! The 18-year-old Leon Ma’erel carries the team forward!” - Football Record

”Record-breaking! Ma’el sets a new record with 16,203 meters in total running distance, surpassing Beckham’s single-match running distance! His 2,104 meters of high-intensity running also broke Drogba’s record from the 06-07 season!” - Football Data Network

”On top of yet another dual leaderboard for data! Ma’el’s 45 million Euro market value is likely to increase by over 15 million in the next update, reaching 60 million Euro! He will become the highest-valued player in football history under 20!” - L’Equipe

”Arsenal concludes January perfectly! In February, with the addition of Kyle Walker, will they show even stronger competition for the championship?” - The Times

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ps: It’s late today, but daily updates of 26.4, the rhythm will speed up.