Once again, Javier was on the opposite side of the pitch. His calm and confident deanor was almost intimidating. People knew him for his tactical intelligence and ability to remain calm under pressure; these attributes made him a natural candidate for captain.
Lucas knew that, for many, Javier was the obvious choice. But that didn't an he would give up easily.
During the start of the match, Lucas commanded the ball and guided his teammates. He noticed that Javier, playing further back, was organizing the defense and shouting precise instructions to his teammates to make it easier for them to read the ga. It was as if the two were playing ntal chess.
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In the 15th minute, Lucas received a pass from Miguel and saw an opportunity. He dribbled past a marker and, with a millitre pass, put Raphael face-to-face with the goalkeeper.
Raphael shot, but the ball was saved.
anwhile, Javier took advantage of a lapse in marking to launch a quick counter-attack. He distributed the ball with precision to Miguel, who crossed for Arthur. The center-forward headed the ball firmly, but Anton, with impressive reflexes, made the save.
Javier raised his arm and shouted: "Yes, Anton! That's what we need! Focus!"
'Is he trying to motivate even my goalkeeper? What a prick...' thought Lucas.
The next few minutes were an actual test of ntal endurance for Lucas and Javier. Lucas knew he had to do more than create plays; he had to be vocal, guide, correct mistakes and inspire confidence.
When Felix lost the ball in midfield, Lucas ran to cover the space, tackling his opponent before he could get forward.
"Felix, let's adjust and keep going!" he shouted, looking the midfielder in the eye.
Felix seed a little annoyed by the situation, but nodded, visibly motivated.
However, Javier wasn't letting up either. He expected several moves, cutting out dangerous passes and distributing the ball calmly. At a crucial mont, he commanded a perfect offside line, nullifying an attack that could have resulted in a goal.
Both sides were looking to win, with the score tied at 0-0.
Lucas realized he had to take a chance. He received the ball in midfield, turned quickly and advanced. Two markers ca towards him, but he dodged them with a . Seeing Hillebrand unmarked, Lucas made a precise run.
Hillebrand didn't waste it. He fired a powerful shot into the net.
But Javier was undeterred. He gathered his teammates and encouraged them not to lose their heads. "It's all right. It was a normal goal. Let's stay calm and play our ga," he said.
A few minutes later, it was Javier himself who started a move that culminated in a goal from Miguel, leveling the match again.
As Miguel and Javier had once played in the sa team, Javier knew how to use him better than Felix or .
In the last few minutes, the ga beca a fierce battle. Lucas and Javier were everywhere, each trying to outdo the other, not just with skill but with leadership.
Lucas noticed his teammates were responding to his words and actions. When Aidan almost lost the ball near the sideline, Lucas ran to help him, regaining possession.
Aidan smiled with relief and thanked him with a nod.
On the other hand, Javier demonstrated his leadership differently. He was less emotional, but extrely effective. After a mistake by Parker in defense, Javier put his hand on his shoulder and said sothing that only Parker heard.
The young defender nodded, and in the next play, made a crucial tackle. Javier knew exactly how to communicate with each player, adapting to their personalities.
When the final whistle blew, the score was level.
The players collapsed on the pitch, exhausted but satisfied with their collective effort.
Coach Eddie called everyone to the center of the pitch. "It was a brilliant match, guys. You showed grit, intelligence and, above all, team spirit," he said, looking at each player. Eddie then turned to Lucas and Javier. "Today, we saw two different leadership on the pitch. Lucas, his energy and ability to inspire his teammates were incredible. Javier, his calmness and tactical intelligence, kept the team balanced. Both showed qualities of a true captain."
There was a tense silence as Eddie looked at them both. "But there can only be one captain. I'll announce my decision before the next ga. It's been a great rest week. You guys needed it."
Lucas and Javier exchanged a look. There was no hostility, just mutual respect. As the players dispersed, Javier approached Lucas.
"You played very well today," he said, holding out his hand.
"You too." replied Lucas, shaking it. "May the best man win."
"Actually..." Javier put a hand to the back of his head. "I don't intend to accept the role of captain if the coach offers it to ."
Lucas arched his eyebrows in surprise. "What do you an? What do you an? You're an obvious choice. Everyone trusts you. You know how to organize the team, how to talk to each player. Why would you give up?"
Javier sighed, crossing his arms and looking at the empty field in front of him. The late afternoon light created long shadows, and the gentle wind swayed the flags in the corners of the pitch. He seed to choose his words carefully.
"Lucas, I'm older than you. I'm almost twenty. I know that my chances of making it in professional soccer are getting slimr by the day. You still have ti. You can grow, improve, stand out. But for , every ga is a chance I can't waste."
Lucas frowned, confused: "But what does that have to do with being captain? If you're the best candidate, then you should take it. Isn't it one more chance?"
Javier shook his head slowly, a sad smile on his lips. "Being captain is more than wearing an armband or giving instructions on the pitch. It's about caring about the entire team, always being aware of what each player is doing, helping to correct mistakes, motivating when things get tough. That's sothing I enjoy doing, but... it also takes my focus off my ga."
Lucas was silent. He had never thought of the role of captain in this way. He had always seen leadership as an honor, a noble responsibility. But now, listening to Javier, he realized it could also be a burden.
"Professional teams look for talented players, Lucas," Javier continued, turning to face him. "Not good leaders. Leadership is sothing that can be learned, but talent... talent is unique. If I focus too much on leading, I end up sacrificing my performance. And without exceptional performance, no team will want to hire ."
Lucas stepped forward, looking directly into Javier's eyes. "But you're an excellent player. And an excellent leader. You don't have to choose one or the other. You can be both."
Javier laughed softly, but there was a touch of lancholy in his laugh. "I appreciate you saying that, but it doesn't work like that for . I know where my limitations are. And that doesn't an I don't want to help the team. But leading... leading is a weight I can't carry right now. Not if I want to have any chance of realizing my dream. Now, more than ever, I need to focus on my ga, on my individual evolution. I wouldn't like to say this, but Denis' injury has opened up a window of opportunity for in the first team and I want to play, I want to win a title at Brighton and go to so mid-table team in Germany or Italy where I can really stand out."
Lucas felt a lump form in his throat. He had never considered how much Javier was sacrificing to make a na for himself in soccer. "What if you accept being captain and it ends up helping your career? Being recognized as a leader on the pitch is also a plus."
Javier shrugged. "Maybe it is. But not for . Not now. I've made my decision, Lucas. And, to be honest, I think you'd be an excellent captain. You have the energy, passion and respect of the other players. They trust you, even if you don't realize it yet."
Lucas opened his mouth to reply, but the words stuck. He wanted to argue, to convince Javier that he was wrong, but sothing in his teammate's tone of voice stopped him. There was a certainty there, an unshakeable conviction.
Javier put his hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Listen, Lucas. The captain's armband isn't about who speaks the loudest or who gives the most orders. It's about who inspires others, who makes them believe they can win, even when all seems lost. And you already do that. You're already a leader, even if you don't realize it."
Lucas felt a mixture of emotions. Part of him felt honored by Javier's words, but another part was full of doubts.
"But... what if I fail? What if I'm not good enough to lead the team?"
Javier smiled, a warm, genuine smile. "Every captain fails sotis. The important thing is how you deal with it. You learn, you grow and you carry on leading. Nobody expects you to be perfect, Lucas. They just expect you to do your best."
"If the coach chooses ... I'll take it. I'll do my best," said Lucas.
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