MTLNOVEL Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Improvement
Finally, it was time to test the big killer—my ball control. When I took the ball from the equipment shed, I didn't feel anything different at first. But with something as intangible as ball control, you have to test it to know.
I started with some basic drills, and how should I put it? I did much better than usual, but it wasn't because of improved ball control—it was because of calculation.
It was like as soon as I tapped the ball, I knew exactly where it would go or stop. After I started juggling, my feeling was confirmed. I just knew where the ball would land but couldn't explain how.
Before I knew it, I had juggled the ball almost 200 times and lost count, continuing absentmindedly.
This might be one of my greatest talents since coming into this world. I was dozing off most of the time, to the point where I could truly do something while thinking about something entirely unrelated.
It wasn't until the people who were here for their morning jog started whispering that I came to my senses.
"How many times do you think he did it?"
"I don't remember, but I'm sure it's more than 1,000. And look, he doesn't even shed a sweat."
"I know, he's worthy of being the greatest talent."
Anyway, they weren't hiding what they were saying, and I could hear them clearly. At first, it took me some time to adapt to this country where most people are direct, but I have to say I like them more now.
Since there were some people watching, I decided to entertain them while further testing my limits. I was no longer juggling with just my feet but using all parts of my body.
I started incorporating my thighs, shoulders, and even my head into the rhythm. To onlookers, the ball moved naturally, as if it were an extension of my body. But in fact, it was just the result of my calculations—always knowing where it would land and not letting it drop.
The murmurs around me grew louder.
"He's not even looking at the ball half the time!"
"Is he doing this for fun? It's rare to see even on TV."
After all, these people weren't baptized by the internet. This routine looked very fresh to them. After doing about 2,000 juggles, I finally stopped.
Not because I couldn't continue, but because it started to feel boring. And well, it's better to stop than to let the ball slip by mistake.
Nonetheless, these people applauded, apparently appreciating the show, and I naturally thanked them. "Hah, thanks. I was just warming up. Now the coach and the team should be coming soon. I want to practice some shooting before they arrive."
After my words, these people dispersed. They also had things to do, after all, and it was understandable that I stopped.
Speaking of shooting, the thing that attracts the most cheers on the field is goals. More than dribbling or passing someone with raw speed, what attracts even more cheers is a well-executed world-class strike.
European football is more about efficiency than artistry for most teams, apart from the likes of Real Madrid, who like to win beautifully. This is also the reason there's not much excitement watching people dribble unless they are at the level of Neymar, Ronaldinho, and the like in the future.
Unfortunately, this kind of playing style would only hurt oneself because defenders would feel humiliated sometimes and retaliate when their temper flares—especially now, when football is more brutal.
Naturally, as an attacking midfielder, I understand that efficiency is everything. All this time, I have been fulfilling my role of organizing the game and leading the team. But now, I need to be showy because of the system. I need to be more eye-catching.
I walked over to the goal, picking up a few balls on the way. In fact, my biggest advantages have always been dribbling and organizing. It was because of my more mature mindset that I never did the unnecessary things like other youth players.
As long as someone was in a good position, I would pass the ball. After dribbling, I wouldn't continue and get caught but would pass the ball to the free player. This was what attracted the attention of most famous coaches to me.
Ferguson even once said that as long as I continued to be steady like this, developed my shooting skills, and became sharper, I would be one of the best midfielders the world has ever seen.
How should I put it? At that time, I was thirteen and felt a little guilty thinking about maybe scamming Manchester United in the future. Well, now I would help solidify the fact that Ferguson has an eye for spotting talent.
When I stood in front of the ball, facing the empty goal, I tried to shoot into the top corner. But well, my shooting abilities didn't seem to have improved that much.
No, in fact, I judged the best route for the ball to take, but unfortunately, I simply couldn't make the ball follow that route no matter how many times I shot.
I sighed, realizing that while my ball control, dribbling, and, most importantly, my judgment of the ball's landing point had improved significantly, my shooting still needed work. It was frustrating, but I knew that mastering every aspect of the game would take time.
Thinking about the people who have been training hard since childhood but can't achieve any results, at least, compared to them, I have a chance. As long as I work hard, I will definitely succeed.
I decided to break down my shooting technique, focusing on the fundamentals. I adjusted my stance, making sure my plant foot was positioned correctly, and practiced my follow-through. I aimed for the corners of the goal, visualizing the trajectory of the ball before each shot. Slowly but surely, I began to see improvement. The ball started to curve more accurately, and my shots became more consistent.
As I continued to practice, I noticed that my calculations were helping me anticipate the ball's movement even after it left my foot. I could predict how the spin and speed would affect its path, allowing me to make subtle adjustments to my technique. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress. With a few months of training, the effects would definitely show.
After about an hour of focused practice, I finally managed to score a few shots into the top corner of the goal. To be honest, I never felt as satisfied as I did today during training.
It was because before, I felt that I couldn't succeed, but now, I'm too sure and confident that as long as I don't make any mistakes, I will definitely succeed.
At this time, the few people who were here earlier for their jogging had already left. So when I heard the sound of footsteps behind me, I turned around and saw Dmitry, the head coach of the youth team.
From his eyes, I could see appreciation. This man has been with me for eight years, from the time I joined Spartak Moscow until now, when I'm about to make it to the first team. He hasn't done anything that made me dislike him, so I have some respect for him.
You know, most people find children annoying, let alone a group of children playing football. You can see how much effort these youth coaches must put in, and among them, Dmitry is very patient. If I judge according to the Russian temper, he is a saint.
"It's so rare for you to come so early. What's the occasion?"
Well, I wasn't known as a hard worker. I could even be called a slacker. Of course, it's not because I miss training, but sometimes, I like slacking off.
END OF THE CHAPTER
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