From Arsenal to the Ball God

[Skill Level: (832/2000)]

[Skill: Rhythm Level 3]

[Skill Level: (503/1500)]

[Skill: Sticky Level 3]

[Skill Level: 481/800]

Looking at the skill levels of other skills, there has been some progress, especially in the enhancement of Judging the Situation.

In two big six battles, his experience and football intelligence have improved tremendously.

Because there hasn’t been much practice with Stopping the Ball recently, it hasn’t reached Level 4 yet, but it should be close by the end of next month.

”Train well, aim to master Ball Control early, and also improve Stopping the Ball and the other two Shooting skills!”

Ma’el motivated himself, submitting a new training plan to Jose and Davis, asking them to help craft a more detailed plan.

The main focus was actually on Jose, who is the technical coach... Davis, at this point, serves as an assistant, helping him design some muscle relaxation training after special exercises, and telling Harry and Safina how to massage and provide physical therapy.

This is very important because, for example, practicing the outside foot strike will definitely use the hip muscles and ankle muscles a lot.

If you’re not careful, injuries can occur due to wear and tear.

When they got the training plan, although curious why Ma’el frequently added new training projects, unlike other players, they still complied.

Because they... had long realized that every choice Ma’el made was the right one.

He could quickly improve these points without encountering any bottlenecks or deficiencies that would hinder improvement.

”Being young is great.”

Davis sighed, laughing as he held the new plan: ”Whatever you train, you can bring it out, if this continues, I really think you could lead me to win all the honors.”

Jose shook his head after hearing him, unable to agree: ”This has nothing to do with being young, I’ve coached young players before, and there are always differences in strengths and weaknesses, even at eighteen, or even eight.

”Ma’el doesn’t have that issue. Every training plan he writes is not a trial shot, but a precise target shot.

”Once he decides, he fires at these points with a ’bang’ and always hits accurately.”

”I’m just different.” Ma’el smiled, brushing it off.

After showing an outstanding performance in the Championship last season, he was labeled a genius... when people subconsciously consider him a genius, whatever he does becomes more reasonable.

Time passed day by day, and Ma’el took advantage of the 11-day national team break to diligently improve his skills.

......

September 4th, Paris, France.

Stade de France, administrative area.

The then head coach of the French National Team, Blanco, was sitting at his desk, chatting with an assistant coach. They had just completed a European Cup qualifier match the previous day.

They barely managed to win against Albania, and their performance was just average.

”I’ve already informed the U19 and other junior teams not to touch the players, as the first team needs them.”

After reporting this to Blanco, the assistant coach asked: ”But shouldn’t we contact the player early to see his attitude and time plan for this season?

”If we’re to make contact, I will promptly communicate with Arsenal and Mendes to strive for a call with the player today.”

”He’s never been in the national youth or junior teams?” Blanco asked, puzzled, with a frown: ”Why haven’t the federation contacted him before, and now we have to ask the club and agent for a call?”

The assistant coach was also puzzled, shaking his head: ”No, he’s registered with a local amateur club in Aix.

”Later, he went to Arsenal where he was formally registered by the French Football Federation, but there was no time to leave contact details... he suddenly emerged from the Championship last year, as if out of nowhere.”

”Why wasn’t contact made then?” Blanco stared at him in disbelief, still not understanding.

”I don’t know.”

The assistant coach shook his head, speculating: ”Maybe he suddenly made a stunning impact, and no one expected that he used to be an empty slate, so it dragged on until now.

”The U17 thought the U19 was dealing with it, the U19 thought the first team was handling it, no one paid attention... until we discovered him.”

Blanco nodded slightly, thought for a moment, then said: ”Make contact first, then observe, no rush to make changes, who knows how long I’ll stay in this position.

”This fickle French Football Federation... saw how well I did in Bordeaux, and boldly appointed me.

”Now, seeing Deschamps’ great job in Marseille, they want to replace me with him. I’ll see when they act, to see where that Marseille maniac will take this team.”

The assistant coach tapped the desk a few times and nodded: ”Anyway, we have Benzema and Ribery now, not lacking forwards.

”And I heard Nasri mention him before, with a general impression, saying he’s erratic and could be a troublemaker.”

Blanco shrugged, not too concerned. Right now, he’s living for the moment in this position.

......

On the evening of September 8th, Ma’el finished a day of training on the field and opened the skill level panel to check the progress of two new skills.

[Skill: Aerial Shot Level 2]

[Skill Level: (102/300)]

[Skill: Outside Foot Strike Level 2]

[Skill Level: (109/300)]

”Still, low level improvements are fast, and breaking through the limits of technical skills feels satisfying.”

He sighed to himself; after training physical and cognitive skills for so long, he felt somewhat numb.

Starting with 300 skill levels, easily breaking a thousand, often leaves one feeling a bit helpless.

”Rest now, continue tomorrow.”