Bab 24: 24. Preparing for Debut
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As he drifted off to sleep, his mind was filled with dreams of the match. He could already picture himself on the pitch, surrounded by the roar of the crowd, the floodlights illuminating the stadium. This was the beginning of something incredible, and he was ready for it.
The next day, Francesco arrived at the training grounds feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The excitement from yesterday still lingered, but now, a quiet determination settled over him. As he joined the first team on the field, he could feel the weight of his goal pressing him forward—he wanted to prove he belonged here, that he could rise to the challenge of being part of Arsenal's squad.
He met up with his teammates, exchanging greetings and small talk. Though some of them had years of experience in the Premier League, they treated him warmly, welcoming him as one of their own. His closest teammate, Mikel, the seasoned midfielder, slapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "Ready to show us more of what you've got, Francesco?"
Francesco grinned back. "Always ready. Let's go."
Their coach called them into a circle, laying out the plan for the morning drills. These were routines that every player knew by heart—passing sequences, footwork exercises, and agility drills. The fundamentals were crucial to Arsenal's playstyle, and Wenger insisted that everyone, no matter how experienced, should keep their basics sharp.
The whistle blew, and Francesco jumped right in, eager to focus. Moving through the drills, he gave each one his full attention, focusing on every pass and every turn. He practiced his ball control and worked on his passing accuracy, aware that these were skills Wenger valued highly. As he ran through the agility ladders and weaving drills, he pushed himself to keep pace with the experienced players.
When they shifted to shooting practice, Francesco knew this was his chance to stand out. His mind went back to his hours of solo practice, aiming for targets and perfecting his technique. Stepping up to take his turn, he took a deep breath, focused on his target, and struck the ball cleanly with his laces. The ball flew into the top corner of the net, and he heard a few of his teammates shout in approval.
"Nice shot, Francesco!" called Kieran Gibbs, one of the team's defenders, with an appreciative nod.
Francesco nodded back, grateful for the recognition but keeping his focus on the task. He reminded himself that he needed consistency, not just one impressive shot. Each time he stepped up, he visualized his shot and delivered with precision, working to hit his target every time.
After the drills, they moved into physical training. This part of the day was intense—focused on strength, endurance, and conditioning. Francesco joined the team in a series of strength-building exercises, followed by sprints and stamina drills. He was used to rigorous training, but even so, he found himself pushed to his limits by the team's demanding regimen. Despite the strain, he pushed through, determined to match the energy of his teammates.
The session ended with cool-down stretches, and as Francesco stretched his tired muscles, he caught Wenger's eye on the sidelines. Wenger nodded at him, a small but approving gesture, and Francesco felt a rush of pride. He was making his presence known, earning his place in the first team with every step.
When the time for lunch arrived, the players gathered in the dining hall. There, Wenger and his coaching staff ensured the team followed a strict, nutritious meal plan tailored to their physical demands. Francesco joined the line, grabbing his tray and selecting his food carefully—lean proteins, fresh vegetables, whole grains. The coaches kept a close eye, advising players on what foods would support their recovery and strength.
"Remember, lads," one of the fitness coaches called out as they ate, "your bodies need fuel to recover and perform. This food is as important as any drill out there."
Francesco dug into his meal, aware of how each bite contributed to his fitness. Sitting across from him, Alex grinned. "You're keeping up well, Francesco. Most new players don't handle training with the first team as smoothly as you have."
Francesco laughed, feeling a mix of pride and relief. "Thanks, Mikel. I guess I just don't want to waste this chance."
The older player nodded. "Keep that attitude, and you'll go far. Remember, staying fit is half the battle in this game."
They finished lunch and spent the rest of their break resting and discussing the upcoming match. For Francesco, it felt surreal to sit among these players he'd watched on TV, the same players he had admired from a distance. Now, he was one of them, working alongside them, preparing for a Premier League match.
After lunch, Francesco felt reenergized and ready for the next round of training. The team gathered on the pitch, and Wenger laid out the next set of drills focused on dribbling and ball control. These were skills that every player needed to master, and today's exercises would test their agility and precision.
The first drill involved a series of cones set up in a zigzag pattern. Each player had to dribble the ball through the cones as quickly as possible, keeping close control while maintaining speed. Mikel led the way, showing off his impressive footwork as he maneuvered through the cones effortlessly. Francesco watched closely, trying to replicate his teammate's movements.
"Come on, Francesco! Show us what you've got!" Kieran shouted, encouraging him. Feeling the camaraderie, Francesco stepped up, gripping the ball tightly. He took a deep breath and sprinted towards the cones, weaving in and out with determination. His heart raced as he felt the rush of adrenaline; this was what he lived for.
With each turn, he focused on maintaining control, adjusting his pace to ensure he didn't lose the ball. He could hear his teammates cheering him on, the sound of their voices melding into a motivating chorus. By the time he finished the drill, he felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.
"Nice job, Francesco!" Mikel called out, slapping him on the back as he joined the group. "You're really getting the hang of it!"
"Thanks! That was fun!" Francesco replied, beaming with pride. He was starting to feel more comfortable among them, the earlier nerves replaced by a growing confidence.
Next, Wenger gathered the players into a tight circle. The drill was designed to enhance their quick passing and decision-making under pressure. Five players formed a circle while one stood in the center with the task of trying to intercept the ball. The players on the outside would pass the ball around, using only one touch.
"Alright, who's brave enough to go first in the middle?" Wenger asked, a playful glint in his eye.
"Not it!" Kieran laughed, stepping back.
"I'll do it!" Francesco volunteered, feeling a surge of adrenaline at the prospect. He stepped into the middle, excitement coursing through him. As the players on the outside began to pass the ball quickly around him, he focused on reading their movements, anticipating where they might pass next.
At first, the outside players moved the ball effortlessly, making quick exchanges while Francesco lunged and darted, trying to reach the ball. His heart raced, and he felt the competitive spirit kick in. With each pass, he gauged the distances and angles, honing in on where he needed to be.
"Come on, Francesco, get that ball!" Mikel called out, clearly enjoying the challenge.
Francesco pushed himself, determined to make a mark. As he tracked the ball, he noticed an opportunity when one of the players, a young winger named Reiss, prepared to pass. Just as Reiss struck the ball, Francesco lunged forward, his foot connecting with the ball in a split second, sending it out of reach.
"Yes! Got it!" Francesco exclaimed, triumphantly holding the ball as the others laughed and clapped, impressed by his reflexes.
"Not bad for a rookie!" Kieran teased, and the group erupted in laughter.
They switched places, and soon it was Kieran's turn in the center. Francesco watched intently, appreciating the challenge and speed of the game. As the drill continued, the energy on the field intensified. Players were shouting encouragement, and there was a lighthearted competitive spirit that kept everyone engaged.
Once everyone had taken a turn in the center, Wenger called for a quick huddle. "Alright, you all did well with that drill. Now, let's finish up with a scrimmage match. I want to see how you work as a team."
The players broke into smaller groups, and Francesco found himself on a team with Mikel, Kieran, and the other first team player who were rotation to the first team. They decided to split the teams into a classic 4-4-2 formation, with Francesco playing as a forward. The thrill of being in a match situation ignited his competitive spirit.
As the game kicked off, Francesco could feel the energy shift. The intensity rose as players battled for possession, and the atmosphere turned electric. He quickly fell into the rhythm of the game, moving off the ball and looking for openings. Kieran controlled the midfield, directing play and distributing the ball to the wings.
Francesco positioned himself just outside the penalty area, watching the flow of the game. He felt a strong connection with Mikel, who always seemed to know where Francesco would be. When Mikel received the ball, he looked up and saw Francesco making a run. With a deft touch, Mikel threaded the ball through to him.
Francesco took a quick touch to control it before he faced the defender. In that moment, he felt the pressure, but he thrived on it. He made a swift move to his right, cutting past the defender. The goal loomed in front of him, and with a quick glance at the keeper, he struck the ball with precision. It soared into the bottom corner of the net.
"Goal!" he shouted, a rush of elation flooding through him. His teammates rushed to congratulate him, clapping him on the back and cheering.
"Nice finish, Francesco!" Mikel called, grinning. "I knew you had it in you!"
Feeling emboldened, Francesco settled back into his position, focused on contributing to the team. The scrimmage continued, and the playful banter among the players kept the atmosphere light despite the competitive edge. They exchanged jokes and laughter in between plays, teasing one another about missed passes and poor tackles.
At one point, Kieran playfully tripped over his own feet during a dribble, falling dramatically to the ground. "I swear it was the turf's fault!" he laughed, causing the others to erupt in laughter.
"Right, blame the turf! Classic excuse!" Francesco teased, and Kieran shot him a mock glare, eliciting more laughter from the group.
As the game continued, Francesco felt a growing sense of belonging. Each pass, each goal, each moment of shared laughter pulled him deeper into the fabric of the team. He marveled at the synergy they had developed, despite some being veterans and others new faces like his.
The match neared its conclusion, and with the score at 3-2 in favor of Francesco's team, he made a conscious effort to ensure they maintained their lead. He tightened his positioning and focused on defending as they shifted to a more cautious playstyle. He blocked an attack from the opposing team and initiated a counterattack with a swift pass to Kieran.
"Let's close this out!" Kieran shouted as he took off down the left wing, dodging defenders.
Francesco supported him, sprinting alongside to offer an option. Kieran crossed the ball into the box, and Francesco lunged forward, meeting it with a powerful header that connected solidly. The ball arched toward the goal, finding the back of the net for his second goal of the day.
"Two for the rookie!" Mikel hollered, throwing his arms in the air in celebration. The team erupted into cheers, embracing Francesco and celebrating their success.
The whistle blew, signaling the end of the match. The players gathered in a huddle, their faces flushed with exertion but glowing with camaraderie.
"Great job, everyone! That was fantastic work out there," Wenger praised, his voice steady and encouraging. "Francesco, excellent play today—keep that momentum up!"
Francesco felt a wave of pride wash over him. The acknowledgment from Wenger meant the world, and he felt more confident than ever in his abilities.
As they all headed toward the locker room, the jokes continued. Kieran joked about setting up a highlight reel of Francesco's goals, claiming he'd be the star of the next match.
"Just don't forget us little guys when you're famous!" Alex laughed, nudging Francesco playfully.
Francesco smiled, feeling grateful for the support and encouragement from his teammates. He realized that this was more than just training; it was about building relationships and learning from one another, pushing each other to grow both as individuals and as a team.
After showering and changing, the players drifted out of the locker room, still buzzing from the day's excitement. As Francesco stepped outside, he felt a surge of optimism. He was one step closer to his dream, ready to take on the challenges ahead. The thrill of the upcoming match against Southampton loomed in his mind, and he knew he was ready to seize his opportunity.
"Let's keep this energy up, lads!" Per Mertesacker called out, rallying the group as they headed out together. "Big match ahead!"
Francesco stepped out of the locker room, the echoes of laughter and camaraderie still ringing in his ears. The adrenaline from training had yet to fade, and he felt lighter on his feet as he made his way across the training grounds. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the pitch, and he took a moment to breathe in the fresh air, savoring the satisfaction of a productive day.
As he approached the bike rack, he spotted his trusty bicycle leaning against the metal frame. It had seen better days, but it was his reliable companion. Francesco grinned at the thought of the countless rides he'd taken through the bustling streets, weaving through traffic and navigating the twists and turns of the city.
He hopped on, adjusting the seat to ensure a comfortable ride, and pedaled away from the training grounds. The rhythmic whir of the tires against the asphalt mixed with the distant sounds of the city—horns honking, voices laughing, and the faint murmur of music playing from nearby cafés. Each push of the pedals felt invigorating, and he relished the feeling of the wind rushing past him.
As he rode, memories flooded back to him—the times he had cycled through the parks, enjoying the lush greenery of London, or raced against friends down quiet streets. This bike was more than just a mode of transport; it was a connection to his past, to the life he had before he was reborn.
Navigating through the streets, Francesco marveled at how vibrant London felt. The city was alive with energy; people were out enjoying the evening, the aroma of street food wafting through the air. He passed by a small group of children playing football in a park, their laughter ringing out as they chased the ball. It brought a smile to his face, reminding him of simpler times when he had been one of those kids, dreaming of becoming a professional footballer.
With each turn, he reflected on how far he had come in such a short time. From a tragic end to a new beginning, he had been granted a chance to fulfill his dreams, and every day he trained with Arsenal brought him closer to that goal. He could almost picture himself stepping onto the pitch in front of thousands of fans, the roar of the crowd echoing in his ears as he made plays for the team.
After a long ride, Francesco arrived at his house, a cozy space nestled in a quiet neighborhood. He parked his bicycle in the small bike shed and walked up the few steps to his front door. Unlocking it, he stepped inside and was greeted by the familiar scent of home—a mix of the lingering aroma of his mother's cooking and the faint notes of fresh laundry.
"Francesco! How was training?" his mother called from the kitchen.
"Really good, Mum! I scored two goals!" he replied, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Two goals? Wow, you're making a name for yourself already!" she chuckled, peeking her head around the corner with a proud smile. "Dinner's almost ready, so wash up and come join us."
Francesco headed to the bathroom, quickly washing his face and hands, the cool water refreshing after a long day. As he looked in the mirror, he caught a glimpse of himself—sweaty, tired, yet undeniably happy. It was a stark contrast to the man he had been before. This new life was filled with possibilities, and he was determined to make the most of it.
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Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 16 (2014)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : None
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