The Legendary Playmaker

The sun peeked cautiously through the clouds above Cardiff City Stadium as the ground buzzed with anticipation. It wasn't a league match, but the friendly against Livingston held its own weight. For players like Ethan Voss, this was more than just a warm-up—it was the first true audition.

The changing room was alive with low chatter, boots being tied, and last-minute pep talks. As Ethan pulled on his No. 47 shirt, his heartbeat synced with the hum of pre-match nerves.

In the hallway, lined with fresh banners and a newly waxed floor, the two teams assembled. Cardiff's kit shimmered under the fluorescent lights—royal blue with white accents. Livingston, in their yellow and black.

The announcer's voice soon rang out over the stadium speakers:

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Cardiff City Stadium! Today's pre-season friendly: Cardiff City versus Livingston FC."

Ethan glanced down the line of his teammates as the Starting XI was announced:

Cardiff City Starting XI:

GK: Neil Etheridge

RB: Jazz Richards

CB: Sean Morrison (C)

CB: Sol Bamba

LB: Joe Bennet

CM: Joe Ralls

CM: Aron Gunnarsson

CAM: Lee Tomlin

RW: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

LW: Junior Hoilett

ST: Danny Ward

He wasn't among them. But he would be, soon.

As the whistle blew. Cardiff kicked off, moving quickly into rhythm. Early exchanges were cautious, Livingston keeping their lines compact while Cardiff tried to stretch them wide.

Tomlin drifted into small spaces, dictating tempo and linking up play with quick touches and clever vision. He spotted Ward drifting off his marker and slid a sharp ball through the tightest of seams. Ralls, always composed, orchestrated the rhythm, moving the ball left and right, waiting for the right moment.

In the 22nd minute, their patience paid off. Bennet surged forward from deep, timing his run to perfection before cutting in a low delivery. Hoilett, reading it early, darted toward the near post and guided the ball past the keeper with a precise touch.

1–0 to Cardiff.

The crowd erupted at Cardiff City Stadium though not in overwhelming numbers, were present with genuine passion. The goal just now gave them, glimpse of something deeper brewing on the pitch, a team playing with clarity, control, and a sharp edge that suggested they meant business.

Warnock and Blackwell exchanged approving nods on the sideline.

Livingston tried to respond with a high press, but Gunnarsson had anchored midfield with his calm authority, breaking up play and starting counters-attack whenever he got the chance. It happened again as in the 36th minute, Cardiff struck again. Mendez-Laing danced past a defender, delivering a precise ball to Ward, who took it in one touch and buried it low in the nets.

The score touched 2–0, before even reaching half-time.

Ethan watched it unfold from the bench, eyes locked on every movement. His moment would soon be coming.

Soon the referee signaled for halftime, the players trudging back into the tunnel, the buzz of the crowd still echoing in their ears. The locker room was thick with the smell of sweat, and the raw energy of competition. Warnock stepped in, his expression focused, still not giving in to early celebrations.

"Good first half. But don't let it dip now. Keep your foot on their throat."

He turned to the bench. "Voss, warm up. You're in at sixty."

Ethan jogged along the touchline, limbs loosening and minutes later, and at 60' he replaced Lee Tomlin. As he stepped onto the pitch, the noise rose a notch, in confusion seeing new face. His boots felt heavier than usual—but only for a moment.

The game resumed with Cardiff dictating the tempo. Ethan slotted into the central attacking role just behind Ward, ready to knit the lines together. His first real involvement came when Ralls pinged a diagonal ball toward him. Ethan brought it down with a calm chest touch, pivoting it gracefully, and then slipping it into pass to the front channel for Hoilett to chase.

Late in the second half, Ethan carved out a perfect assist when he spotted Mendez-Laing making a darting run and sliding a well-weighted pass through the tightest of gaps. Mendez-Laing tried struck it in one touch, the ball cannoning off the post, which resulted loud groans from the stands. Warnock gave a brief clap, his approval subtle but clear.

As the final minutes ticked away, Cardiff held their shape and tempo. Livingston pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but they couldn't quite break through.

Any chance for redeeming a goal, was out of box as refree blew the whistle exactly at 90 minutes, with end result being 2–0, in favour of Cardiff City.

Back in the tunnel, players bumped fists, and shared quiet nods of respect. Ethan trudged off with his shirt clinging to his back, every muscle sore—but his spirit felt lighter than ever.

In the dressing room, Warnock let a rare grin slip onto his face.

"Decent shift, Voss. Keep doing that, and you'll find yourself starting soon enough."

Ethan gave a grateful nod, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his wrist. His chest still rose and fell with the rhythm of exertion.

As Ethan collapsed onto the bench, sipping water, the System flickered quietly in his vision.

Post-Match Review

Cruyff Template Integration: 35%

Pressing Efficiency: +12

Match Summary:

Completed Passes: 18/20

Key Passes: 3

Interceptions: 2

He blinked away the interface and let the moment sink in.

It was a good beginning.