The dawn brought with it a soft mist that hung over Brighton's training ground. Lucas arrived earlier than usual, but found several of his teammates already there, which surprised him.
Anton, the goalkeeper, was stretching near the post, while Aidan and Loki, the full-backs, were exchanging quick passes to warm up. Arthur, the center forward, was adjusting his boots with concentration, and Javier, the midfielder, was chatting animatedly with Felix, the midfielder. Everyone's forr presence showed the seriousness with which they viewed the change of coach. Experience new tales on empire
Jinez appeared on the pitch accompanied by Alex, the assistant coach, and Eddie. Jinez gave the group an appraising look before speaking:
"Good morning, guys. I can see that your determination is equal to the challenge ahead of us. Today, I've prepared sothing special. I've asked you to co early because I want you to et so first-team players. I think they can offer valuable advice for your journey."
At Jinez's signal, three figures familiar to Brighton fans approached. Lewis Dunk, the solid defender and then captain; Glenn Murray, the tireless goalscorer; and Bruno Saltor, the right-back and respected leader.
Jinez made the formal introductions, highlighting their contributions to the club. He then gave the floor to the veterans.
Lewis Dunk began. "It's good to see young people like you. I rember when I was in your position, full of dreams and uncertainties. The key to success was consistency and daily dedication. Never underestimate the power of hard work."
Glenn Murray, with a warm smile. "It's true. For , passion for the ga has always been the fuel. There have been difficult tis, injuries and defeats, but maintaining a love of soccer has allowed to overco everything. Find what motivates you and stick to it."
"Team spirit is fundantal. On the pitch, we're a family," said Bruno Saltor, with his characteristic Spanish accent.
"Guys, you can ask them questions," said Jinez, smiling out of the corner of his mouth.
"How do you deal with the pressure of big gas?" Miguel asked.
Lewis Dunk raised his hand, pointing out that he would be the one to answer. "Pressure is inevitable, but seeing it as a privilege makes the difference. It ans you're in a prominent position. ntal preparation and focusing on the present help keep you calm."
Raphael got up from his chair, looked at Glenn Murray and asked about recovery from injury.
"Patience is vital. Respecting the recovery ti and keeping a positive mindset speeds up the return. Also, trusting the dical team and following their advice to the letter is fundantal. Knowing that injuries are part of being a top athlete is comforting, but I think too many injuries an your lifestyle doesn't suit soccer."
Felix raised his hand and asked: "How do you prepare for important matches?"
"Preparation starts long before the ga. Study the opponent, understand their weaknesses and strengths. On the pitch, stay focused and take advantage of opportunities with confidence." Bruno replied.
Jinez observed the interaction between the young players and the veterans. After the questions, he stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention.
"You may think that Lewis, Glenn and Bruno are here just to share advice, but we want to show you in practice what it ans to be a top-level professional."
The players looked at each other, curiosity clear on their faces. Raphael, frowning, leaned towards Lucas and whispered:
"What do you think they're going to do? Jinez wouldn't put three professionals against the U-20s, right? We'd win."
Lucas pondered for a mont, observing the confident posture of the veterans. "Maybe not the entire team, but I wouldn't rule out three of us against three of them."
Jinez interrupted the speculation, gesturing for everyone to co closer. "We'll split up the group. We'll have four-on-four matches, where each team will be led by one of our special guests."
Excitent ran through the group. Taking part in a ga alongside experienced professionals was a rare and valuable opportunity. The initial teams were quickly ford:
Lewis Dunk's team: Lucas, Daniel Riber and Anton.
Glenn Murray's team: Arthur, Miguel and Mark.
Bruno Saltor's team: Felix, Raphael and Aidan.
The first match of the day pitted Team Lewis Dunk against the skillful Team Glenn Murray. The two teams anxiously positioned themselves on the small, ticulously prepared pitch, eagerly awaiting the start of the 4-on-4 ga. The smaller goals were strategically placed, adding an elent of precision challenge to proceedings. As the anticipation reached its peak, the shrill sound of Jinez's whistle echoed through the air, signaling the start of the contest.
Glenn took the first touch, passing the ball to Miguel, who advanced quickly down the right. Lucas, attentive, ca forward to press. Miguel tried a short dribble, but Lucas expected and stole the ball with a precise touch. He raised his head and saw Jinez breaking clear.
Lucas made a long, low pass. Jinez controlled with class and quickly found Lewis Dunk advancing down the left flank.
Dunk, surprisingly agile for a defender, took the ball to the by-line before crossing into the box.
Mark tried to intercept the cross, but the ball got past him and found Lucas, who had infiltrated the defense. Lucas shot first ti, but Mark, with an unexpected save, threw himself in front and deflected the shot wide.
The ball fell to Miguel, who imdiately released Arthur on a quick counter-attack.
Arthur dominated and advanced towards Daniel Riber, the last man in defense. With a dry dribble to the right, he passed Daniel and ca face to face with Jinez, who had returned to the makeshift goal.
Arthur shot hard, but Jinez showed impressive reflexes by deflecting the ball with his fingertips. The sound of the ball hitting the left post echoed around the pitch before it went out over the end line.
Lewis Dunk picked himself up and returned. "We'll keep possession and build calmly. Keep an eye out for clearances." As a 'goal-kick', he made a quick pass to Daniel, who found Lucas in the middle.
Lucas controlled the ball and spotted Glenn Murray coming forward to press him. With a light touch, he dribbled past Glenn and advanced at speed.
As he approached the area, Lucas saw Jinez signaling for a pass. He faked a shot and played it to the side, where Jinez was free. With a placed shot, Jinez hit the bottom right corner, with no chance for Mark.
"Well done guys, that's the way to do it!" exclaid Lewis, clapping his hands. "Let's keep up the pace! No slacking off! Hey, Glenn, my team is attacking yours!"
"Not for long, man!"
For these professionals, the ga was just a joke. It was noticeable because they were walking around the pitch, not even jogging or using their strength to fight for the ball.
'That's disappointing. Part of would like to copy one of their skills,' thought Lucas.
Technically, the Champion System was a system that gave Lucas objectives to fulfill in exchange for rewards. These missions ca when Lucas least expected them and never as a way of encouraging a goal he already had. However, sotis this system gave missions to "force" Lucas to complete objectives he had already given up on.
This ant that when he thought it wouldn't be possible to copy one of these professionals' skills, the system responded almost imdiately.
[The mission "Ambitious & Troubleso" has been granted.]
[Main Mission: Ambitious & Troubleso
Description: It's the first ti you've played against professional footballers, only they're not taking it seriously. YET.
Objective: Get a professional player to play seriously and copy his skills.
Deadline: Until the end of training today.
Rewards: 5 Mystery Cards.]
This mission brought a smile to Lucas' face, and he was excited. However, the gas were short. After two minutes, the ga was over.
As Glenn's team left the field, the mood among the players was relaxed. Laughter echoed around the pitch, accompanied by friendly teasing.
Lewis Dunk approached Lucas.
"Lucas, right?" asked Dunk, stopping next to him.
"Yes, it's ," replied Lucas, a little nervously.
"That assist was spectacular. Dribbling past Glenn and still having the vision to find Jinez in the clear? That's sothing not everyone can do, especially under pressure. You did very well," said Dunk, extending his hand in greeting.
Lucas shook Dunk's hand. "Thanks! I was lucky Jinez was in the right place," he replied modestly, but Dunk shook his head in disagreent.
"It wasn't luck, it was skill. That's vision, my friend. Work on it and you'll go far."
"Your ga is incredible too, but I feel you're holding back." Lucas comnted, enjoying the conversation.
Dunk laughed. "Oh, that's normal. We're just relaxing, having a bit of fun. But you seem to want more than that. You really want to compete, don't you?"
Lucas nodded. "I do. I always need to test my limits."
Dunk smiled sideways, clearly appreciating Lucas' attitude. He patted the young man on the shoulder and said:
"Then show the others what you've got. Force them to play seriously. You've got talent, Lucas. Use it to make them proud."
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