From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Dramatic Rise in Influence!

After this round of matches, Sheffield United finished all of their August fixtures.

Overall, in the five matches throughout August, they won two and lost three, including one English League Cup match.

In the Championship League, they now have 6 points and are ranked 11th.

”If you look at the changes we experienced at the beginning of the season, you’d understand how hard-earned this result is.” — Garrispeed said in the post-match interview.

His meaning was clear; with 2 wins and 6 points in the Championship, they’ve initially stabilized the team, at least they haven’t dropped into the relegation zone.

”Since Speed took over, the changes have been very obvious, and the team now has some young talents. We must believe in his future.” — The team’s newly appointed sports director publicly supported on social media.

Following them, many media outlets also stood up to report on the matter.

The attention and heat generated by this have surpassed all other matches Sheffield United has had this season.

It even rivals the excitement of their Championship playoffs last season.

Not just local media, but some foreign media have also published a few reports in their secondary sections.

”Garrispeed achieves a successful debut! Sheffield United shows a whole new facet!” — Manchester Paper

”Four-to-one! Blades Sheffield triumph over Preston! Mael with 2 goals and 1 assist, named best player of the match!” — Dongqiu Emperor’s official

”Another success for French football? Arsenal youth training talent Mael has scored over 5 goals this season at Sheffield!” — Lance Evening Paper

”Rookie season double-digit ’small goal’, is it arrogance or genuine confidence?” — Sun editor

The impact of the Championship is not restricted just to the United Kingdom; it’s a world-renowned event for broadcast rights, supported by The English FA.

Plus, with the debut of ’England’s football fossil’ Garrispeed bringing such heat, it’s no surprise to receive this level of attention.

Logically, some of this attention shifted to the performance of the brilliant star Mael in this match.

In various forums, many fans from other teams also talked about him.

”Watched the highlights, very impressive!”

”It’s hard to say what height he’ll reach in the future, but likely not enough to catch Ronaldo or Messi; he still seems to play dead-ball sometimes, in the way of a stats-driven player.”

”He’s still young, the future is unpredictable. Remember, when Ronaldo first came to the UK, his performance wasn’t as good as his.”

”Can you compare? Ronaldo appears to have that innate flair, and he does too but in a different category; the former has unseen potential talent, while the latter’s talent exceeds his peers’ ’skill’, but lacks height.”

”This is hindsight now, do you remember how you criticized Ronaldo back then?”

”Ronaldo started off playing in the Premier League; you can’t really compare them. Let him play in the Premier League first.”

As the conversation continued, the comments section started to heat up.

This is quite normal, as everyone has different standards for player assessment, and different opinions, clashes are inevitable.

In any case, Mael gained more attention; his Facebook fans shot past ten thousand that night and are growing at a rapid pace.

This is an excellent positive cycle, his original accumulation in the football world.

......

Korni Training Base, first-team coach’s office.

It was already late at night, Wenger was organizing the documents in his hands, his expression unreadable.

Arsenal also ended their August fixtures, three rounds of the Premier League, with two wins and a draw, remaining unbeaten, with 7 points ranking 5th on the scoreboard.

This is a fairly standard start, as Manchester United and Chelsea with three consecutive wins are leading them by two points.

Thinking of Manchester United... Wenger’s eyes showed a hint of melancholy, the team that a few years ago was in fierce competition with Arsenal each season, the team led by Old Lord Ferguson.

Those now have all disappeared.

For several seasons now, they’ve either been trailing Chelsea or following Manchester United.

The duo dominates, laughing in London?

Those times are in the past; now, they can only strive for a top-four finish on the scoreboard.

”Mr. Wenger!”

A shout and quick footsteps came from outside the door; at this hour, someone seemed to have urgent matters to discuss with him.

Wenger’s brow furrowed as a sense of familiarity rose within, as if this scene had happened before, something he had personally experienced somewhere.

In a dream.... or sometime before.

Until he saw someone come in, Wenger’s face suddenly grew clear, ”Hans, are those two kids playing at Sheffield United again?”

”Yes, both started.”

Hans, panting heavily, seemed to have run all the way, ”I should have called you earlier, you really should watch this exciting game.”

”Did they perform well?” Wenger smiled gently, every time he thought of those two expected lads, his mood brightened.

”Mael scored the opening goal!”

Hans, full of excitement, hadn’t escaped the thrill just yet, ”And he scored twice, having a hand in three goals!”

”Another assist?”

Wenger displayed surprise, his mind hadn’t wrapped around the shock of the brace yet, ”You mean, 2 goals and 1 assist?”

”Yes.”

Hans nodded, smiled: ”Considering previous performances, he’s already hit 2 goals and 3 assists.”

Wenger’s mind flashed through Fabregas, Walcott, and others’ Premier League stats, seemingly not as good as Mael.... in a moment, he was engulfed in joy and shock, pacing on the spot.

If the previous 2 assists were possibly single-match luck, then these 2 goals, 1 assist, represented his genuine capability!

This is a completely different concept, like night and day.

Wenger was puzzled, why did a player that he had never paid attention to before who only piqued his curiosity and attention prior to leaving now show such strength?

”Call Philip!”

He just shouted this, then immediately smiled and shook his head, ”Forget it, he’ll come by himself.”

Sure enough, two minutes later, footsteps sounded again outside the door, the person coming with joyful steps.

”Wenger.....”

Philip walked in holding a report sheet, just about to speak, then saw Hans with the shiny head beside him.

The two stared at each other, Philip somewhat questioning his life, tired of running into Hans at times like these.

”You both know?” He felt slightly embarrassed, passed the report sheet to Wenger.

Wenger took it, examined it closely as he walked, continually expressing his amazement: ”Good, all good, Gilbert’s good too!”

A while later, he set down the report, suddenly looked up: ”Contact Sheffield United, I want to activate the salary increase clause ahead of time, the extra part to be covered by Arsenal!”

Hans and Philip exchanged glances, knowing Mr. Wenger had decided to take these two kids under his wing.

Initiating a salary increase.... this signals nurturing as kin!

”Thanks Mr. Wenger on their behalf.”

Hans was grinning widely; he felt the most honored and proud.