"Now that we've completed the physical tests, it's ti to see what you can really do with the ball. If you want to play for Brighton, you not only need to have a lung, but also know how to attack, defend, and, of course, understand the ga."
The monitor paused as the players looked at each other.
"You'll be divided into smaller groups for two-on-two matches. Each match will be played on a reduced pitch with smaller goals. You need to demonstrate individual skills, positioning, and, above all, teamwork. This test will tell you a lot about your ability to adapt to different situations in the real ga. So do your best."
A black-haired boy with glasses, who seed to be still catching his breath from the endurance run, raised his hand hesitantly. His glasses slipped slightly down his nose due to sweat, and he adjusted them before asking:
"Excuse , sir, but weren't the matches against each other only supposed to be at the end?" He looked genuinely confused, perhaps even a little worried by the sudden change of plans.
The monitor stared at him for a brief mont, without changing his impassive expression, and replied with cool calm:
"No. That's correct. With this two-versus-two test, we want to see how your skills perform under pressure from now on. Do you have a problem with that?"
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The boy hesitated for a mont, his eyes searching for so silent support among the other players, but found nothing but serious, focused faces. He shook his head quickly and muttered:
"No, sir."
The monitor, satisfied with the absence of further questioning, took a step back and began organizing the pairs. He walked down the line of players, watching each one carefully, before starting to divide up the pairs.
"Daniel and Mark." he said, pointing to the two burly players who had stood out in the fitness tests.
Mark was a left-winger, and Daniel was a defender. It was a good combination for a two-on-two test because they had attacking and defensive potential.
"Lucas and Raphael." continued the monitor, and Lucas's stomach clenched slightly.
He wasn't upset about being paired with Raphael, the boy who had won the endurance race. The left-winger had an impressive physique, but Raphael had yet to show much personality beyond his irritable posture.
Raphael only gave a brief nod in Luca's direction. Of course, he respected Lucas for coming out on top in all the physical tests.
The other pairs were organized, but the first five-minute match would be between the first two chosen pairs. Whoever scored the most goals would win. However, they knew that it would guarantee their places in the final phase.
The monitor approached Lucas and Raphael, handing them a ball for each court. Lucas took the ball with a feeling of electricity running through his body. This was the mont he had been waiting for — the chance to show that he could do more than run. He looked at Raphael, who was already positioning himself, and realized that the boy was focused on the ball, his eyes alert and predatory.
"Do you play more up front or in the middle?" Raphael asked suddenly, taking Lucas by surprise.
"I can play any position in attack, but you're a left-winger, right? I want to get the most out of you, so I'll be further back this ti," Lucas replied with a cold tone as he looked at his opponents.
Raphael frowned. "Get the most out of ?"
"Yes. You have a strong physique, so their striker won't be able to get past you to attack without help, so he'll move out of the way of the goal. That's where I co in."
"Tsk! Whatever. Just pass the ball to ."
As soon as the monitor blew the whistle, Lucas passed the ball to Raphael, who promptly headed it down the sideline. The grass under his feet was soft, but there was still morning moisture on the leaves, which made the ball slide faster than expected. Raphael, with his impressive speed, kept control.
Mark, sensing the left-winger's intention, went to et him, forcing Raphael to move away from the sideline and bring the ball into the center.
Lucas noticed that Daniel was already backing off, forming a line of defense right in front of the small goal. He knew that if Raphael tried a simple dribble, Mark's physical strength could end the move in seconds. So Lucas positioned himself in the center of the small field, offering a passing option.
Raphael glanced up, his eyes briefly undecided. In a matter of seconds, he had to decide: go it alone or rely on the pass. Mark was approaching fast, almost colliding with Raphael, and it was now or never.
Raphael rolled the ball with the side of his left foot, a dry, precise pass that found Lucas in the middle of the pitch. Lucas already had his body positioned for control, received the ball with a light touch, and turned quickly towards the goal. Daniel, attentive, took two steps forward to close the angle.
Lucas knew he couldn't waste any ti; if he waited any longer, Mark would already be back to help with the marking.
Lucas made a quick decision. He made a feint using , as if he was going to move forward, but instead gave a heel pass to Raphael, who had run diagonally, getting rid of Mark.
"Go!" Lucas shouted.
Raphael had expected the move. With a subtle touch, he controlled the ball and prepared to shoot. The distance was short, but Daniel was already in front, ready to block the shot. Raphael, in a quick move, lifted the ball slightly with his left foot, trying to hook it over the defender, but the touch was a little stronger than he expected.
The ball went higher than necessary, and Daniel stretched out his foot to intercept it.
Lucas saw the opportunity. He was in constant motion, always waiting for a gap. As soon as the ball bounced off Daniel's foot, rising a few centiters in the air, Lucas accelerated into the area. His body reacted by instinct, and he leapt, using
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