章 17: Rise to Stardom
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....
"The game is over!"
"Leicester City has triumphed once again, defeating yet another Premier League team to advance to the next round of the FA Cup!"
"The standout player in this match is undoubtedly the young Leicester City sensation, Tristan Hale, who delivered an outstanding performance."
"With one goal and one assist, he has sent a clear message to all the scouts watching: he's not just fit for the Championship; he can hold his own against Premier League teams!"
"With less than a week remaining in the winter transfer window, the question now is whether any Premier League club will make a move to secure this rising star."
As the final whistle blew, a notification echoed in Tristan's mind:
[Ding Dong!]
[Achievement "Career Debut" achieved]
[Achievement evaluation: A]
[Achievement Reward: Player Skill Box]
A Player Skills Treasure Box? Could this treasure box contain the secrets to mastering skills like the pros?
Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a familiar voice broke through the excitement, drawing his attention.
"Hey, kid!"
Turning around, Tristan found himself face-to-face with Frank Lampard, the Chelsea captain, striding toward him with a warm smile.
"You played exceptionally well," Lampard remarked, his praise filling Tristan with pride.
Facing Lampard's smiling face and his outstretched right hand, Tristan was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, he shook the legendary midfielder's hand, feeling a rush of excitement.
"Thank you so much," he managed to say, his voice barely masking the thrill of the moment.
After a friendly hug, Lampard pointed to his jersey. "Want to exchange jerseys?"
Tristan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was Lampard, a seasoned figure in the football world, actually asking a rookie from the Championship for a jersey exchange? This was akin to a big boss coming to your table at a party and inviting you to join him for a drink. It felt like an extraordinary honor.
Lampard's gesture made it clear he thought highly of Tristan, and he couldn't help but respond. "It's my pleasure!"
As they exchanged jerseys, Lampard offered some parting words of encouragement. "I think we'll see each other again in the Premier League soon."
Watching the Blues legend walk away, a wave of melancholy washed over Tristan. At 35, Lampard was at the twilight of his illustrious career. Would he ever have the chance to compete against a midfielder who had scored more goals in the Premier League than anyone else?
Tristan felt a twinge of sadness at the thought. Lampard had been one of the first football stars he admired in his previous life. His connection to the Chelsea star was intertwined with his memories of Beckham, who had retired just six months prior. Beckham had been his first love in football, and now, with both legends stepping away from the game, it felt like a chapter was closing.
"What a pity," he thought wistfully. "Even if I traveled through time, I might not get the chance to compete with my idol again."
While Tristan immersed himself in his reflections, Mendes sat in the stands, eyes fixed on the young player. A realization struck him, one that would ripple through the world of football:
"I must sign this kid!"
Tristan's performance reminded Mendes of Ronaldo at just 18, bursting onto the scene with mesmerizing footwork, breathtaking speed, and undeniable confidence. Mendes had believed in the young Portuguese star, and history had proven him right.
Now, as he watched Tristan, he recognized similar qualities—the spark of a future superstar. Unlike Ronaldinho, whose game was built on dazzling dribbles, Tristan's style was already mature and effective, showcasing impressive passing, sharp vision, and intelligent movement off the ball.
In Mendes's eyes, even at just 18, Tristan had the potential to thrive at the highest level. The only reason he remained at a club like Leicester City was that he hadn't yet crossed paths with someone who could elevate his career.
After the game, with a total of three key passes and two assists, Tristan was unanimously named the Man of the Match—a testament to his outstanding contributions on the pitch. This marked the second time he had earned the FA Cup's prestigious award, solidifying his place as a rising star in the world of football.
Facing the cameras once more, Tristan took a deep breath, ready to engage with the swarm of reporters eager to hear from the star of the match. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he recalled his performance.
"Tristan, congratulations on the win! You played brilliantly today," one reporter began, thrusting the microphone toward him. "You scored one goal and provided an assist, along with three shots on target and four key passes. How does it feel to contribute so significantly in such a high-stakes match?"
Tristan smiled, his confidence shining through. "Thank you! It feels incredible. We worked hard as a team, and I was just lucky to be in the right places at the right time. Every goal and assist is a team effort."
Another reporter chimed in, "You were named Man of the Match for the second time in the FA Cup! With a performance rating of 9.2 today, what does that recognition mean to you at this stage of your career?"
"It means a lot, honestly," Tristan replied, his voice steady. "I've always looked up to players who excel on big stages, and to be recognized like this pushes me to keep improving. It's motivating to know that hard work can lead to these moments."
As questions continued to flow, one reporter shifted the tone slightly. "Tristan, with your growing recognition and the way you've captured the fans' hearts, have you ever considered pursuing a modeling career? You certainly have the looks for it!"
Tristan chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, I'm flattered! But I think I'll stick to football for now. I wouldn't want to overshadow the models out there, right?" He winked, prompting laughter from the gathered reporters.
"Back to the match, how did it feel to exchange jerseys with Frank Lampard? You mentioned earlier that you've watched him play since you were a kid," a reporter asked, clearly intrigued.
Tristan's expression softened at the memory. "That was surreal. Lampard is a legend, and to share a moment like that with him is something I'll cherish forever. My admiration for him has always been like a surging river—endless and unstoppable."
He paused, looking earnestly into the camera. "It's a reminder of how far I've come and how much more I want to achieve."
Another reporter pressed on, "After such a standout performance today, do you think you'll catch the eye of any Premier League clubs during the transfer window? What's next for you?"
"That's up to the clubs to decide," Tristan replied thoughtfully. "Right now, I don't have an agent, so I'm focused on helping Leicester City succeed. If opportunities arise, we'll see what happens. But for now, I'm happy here and committed to doing my best."
Feeling a bold surge of inspiration, he pointed at the camera. "By the way, will this interview be broadcast on Sky Sports?"
"Absolutely! It will be featured in the FA Cup segment of the Matchday programme," the reporter confirmed, his excitement palpable.
"Can I say a few words to Mr. Lineker, then?" Tristan asked, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
The reporter's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly held the microphone closer. "Sure!"
"Mr. Lineker, thank you very much for your comments! I'll buy you a champagne when I get the chance!" Tristan exclaimed, raising the high-end champagne awarded to the best player of the game, his eyebrows raised playfully at the camera.
As the interview wrapped up, the commentary team took over, highlighting Tristan's impressive stats from the match:
"And there you have it, folks! What a performance from young Tristan Hale today. He not only scored one goal but also provided one assist, with a total of three shots—two of which were on target. He made four key passes and completed 55 passes with an impressive accuracy of 85%. His dribbling skills shone through with three successful dribbles, and he contributed defensively with two tackles and one interception. In total, he was fouled twice and played a full 90 minutes, earning a stellar match rating of 9.2. It's safe to say this young talent has a bright future ahead!"
With that, Tristan stepped away from the cameras, feeling exhilarated and proud, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
After returning to the locker room, Tristan felt a rush of exhilaration course through him. He immediately high-fived each of his teammates one by one, their faces lit with joy and pride from the victory. The air was electric with laughter and banter as they relished the moment together, each player sharing in the triumph.
Not long after, head coach Pearson, who had just finished attending the post-match press conference, walked into the locker room with a beaming face, his enthusiasm infectious. "Great job, guys!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Today was so special. You won the game despite being the underdogs. I'm so proud of your performance!"
The room erupted in cheers, with players exchanging exuberant shouts of celebration. They were not just celebrating a victory; they were making history by defeating Chelsea for the first time.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, the team photographer suggested a group photo. The first-team players, coaching staff, equipment managers, team doctors, and various support staff gathered together, forming two rows in front of the camera. As they posed, everyone flashed their biggest smiles, arms draped over shoulders, embodying the camaraderie that had brought them to this victory.
The group photo was quickly uploaded to Leicester City's official website and Twitter, capturing the joy of the moment for all fans to see.
Afterward, the celebratory atmosphere continued. Someone, eager to boost their social media following, spotted Jamie Vardy, who was shirtless and holding a glass of champagne. Without hesitation, they approached him with a bright smile. "Vardy! Can I get a selfie?"
Vardy, always approachable and charismatic, chuckled and readily agreed. With a grin plastered on his face, he raised the glass of champagne high with one hand and the mobile phone in the other. Tristan seized the opportunity and jumped into the frame beside him.
The camera clicked, freezing the moment in time, and as soon as the photo was taken, Tristan quickly typed a caption, smirking as he wrote, "Thanks to this man, I got champagne again!" He uploaded the picture to his personal social media account, eager to share the joy with his followers.
After sharing the snapshot, Tristan leaned back against the locker behind him, a satisfied smile creeping across his face. The victory over Chelsea not only secured Leicester City's place in the next round of the FA Cup but also granted all the first-team players a well-deserved day off to celebrate their achievement.
After taking a refreshing shower and changing into comfortable clothes, Tristan felt a bubbling excitement within him. He couldn't wait to head to the underground parking lot of the stadium.
His parents were standing next to a white Volkswagen, waving enthusiastically at him!
"Mom! Dad!" Tristan shouted, his face lighting up with joy.
"Son!" Julia exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop him in a big hug. "My dear, you are doing really well!"
With pride swelling in her chest, Julia planted a hearty kiss on Tristan's cheek, making him laugh. Next to her, Ling smiled widely and gave Tristan a thumbs-up.
" Good job! You're our proud!" he praised, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Are you heading back to the base later?" Ling asked.
"Actually, we won today and have a day off tomorrow! So I can go home and have dinner with you guys tonight!" Tristan replied, his excitement evident.
Hearing the good news, Julia hugged him again, her heart full. "That's great! Our family hasn't gone food shopping together for such a long time."
"Son, whatever you want to eat, mom will make it for you!" she declared, her enthusiasm palpable.
Tristan grinned, "As long as you make it, I like to eat it!"
So, the family of three climbed into their old Volkswagen sedan and drove away from the King Power Stadium, their spirits high.
Meanwhile, Mendes was waiting outside the stadium. After about half an hour with no sign of Tristan, he asked his assistant to check with the parking attendant in the underground lot, only to discover that Tristan had already gone home.
"Didn't you say he usually travels by bicycle?" Mendes inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"His parents came to watch the game today, so... should we go directly to his house now?" the assistant suggested.
But Mendes shook his head firmly. "No! We can't disturb our clients' private lives at a time like this. Let's go back to the hotel first."
Back at home, Tristan was blissfully unaware that he had become the "target" of a famous agent. After a successful trip to the supermarket, the family returned to their suburban home, their arms laden with bags.
Julia, who had spent time in China visiting relatives with Ling , had become an ardent fan of Chinese cuisine. However, she knew that as a professional athlete, Tristan had specific dietary needs. This time, instead of cooking up a big feast filled with indulgent dishes, she opted for a healthy yet simple menu.
Once inside, she set to work in the kitchen, preparing grilled salmon with a side of steamed broccoli and quinoa. "I know it's not the grand feast you might expect, but I want you to eat well and stay in shape, especially after such a big win!" she called out, her tone both loving and firm.
After a satisfying dinner filled with laughter and conversation, where Tristan also shared a little of the champagne he had won for his performance, he finally retreated to his room on the second floor.
Sinking onto his soft bed, Tristan fell backward, staring at the ceiling. As a professional athlete, he knew how crucial sleep was, usually needing to turn in by 10 PM. Yet, the thrill of defeating Chelsea kept his heart racing, making it hard to wind down.
He lay there in a relaxed "starfish" position, but sleep eluded him as excitement and pride bubbled within him, the day's events playing over in his mind like highlights from a match.
Here's a revised version of the scene, adding more detail and depth to Tristan's experience with the treasure chest and the skill he unlocks:
Staring at the white ceiling, Tristan suddenly had a realization and sat up abruptly, his heart racing. "By the way, I haven't opened the treasure chest yet!"
With renewed excitement, he called up the [Character Panel] and navigated to the [Props Bar]. There, amidst the array of items, was a treasure chest glowing faintly, as if it held something special inside.
[Do you want to open the player skill box?]
Without a moment's hesitation, Tristan selected "yes."
[Ding Dong!]
A notification chimed, and the screen displayed:
[Congratulations to the player for obtaining the A-level skill - Pull the Ball Back!]
His eyes widened in anticipation as he read the details:
[Skill Name: Pull Back]
[Skill Level: A]
[Skill Effect: The success rate of pulling the ball away is greatly improved]
[Skill representative player: Busquets]
As the information about the skill filled his mind, a cascade of images began flashing before his eyes. He witnessed various players on the training ground, each demonstrating the technique of pulling the ball back, but the one who stood out the most was none other than "Professor Busquets" himself—Sergio Busquets, the maestro of Barcelona's midfield.
Tristan admired Busquets' uncanny ability to evade defenders with such grace, his signature move now embedded in Tristan's memory. The footage highlighted the precise timing and footwork necessary to execute the skill, and he could almost feel the rhythm of the movement as if his own body was rehearsing it.
"This skill seems quite awesome!" Tristan thought, the corners of his mouth curling into a satisfied grin. He realized that as his performance continued to shine, he would undoubtedly attract tighter defenses from his opponents.
While his dribbling and ball control were only average, the ability to sidestep pressure in tight situations had become crucial. This skill had arrived at the perfect moment to bolster his game.
Reflecting on his gaming experience from his previous life, Tristan mused that the [Talent] and [Skill] awarded by the system were fundamentally different. Player talent represented an innate ability—a permanent buff. He thought of peak De Bruyne's innate perception on the field, allowing him to survey the pitch with an exceptional viewpoint.
On the other hand, skills were techniques mastered through rigorous training and practice. Talents worked automatically, providing a continuous advantage, whereas skills had to be activated or utilized to have any impact.
The effectiveness of the [Pull the Ball Back] skill would have to be tested during training and in matches, but he felt a surge of confidence knowing he had a tool at his disposal to navigate tight defensive situations.
The next day, Leicester City's unexpected victory over Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA Cup made headlines across major sports news outlets. It was a monumental win for the club, having eliminated one of the Premier League giants—Chelsea, managed by the infamous "madman" Mourinho.
Though Leicester City performed admirably at home, the defeat stung doubly for Mourinho, who faced the loss on his own birthday. During the post-match press conference, reporters seized the opportunity to ask Mourinho why he hadn't taken measures to counter Tristan's influential passing. With remarkable composure, Mourinho generously admitted that he had underestimated Leicester City's No. 22.
He went on to commend Tristan for possessing the best passing skills among all the midfielders his age he had encountered, declaring with conviction that the young player was destined to become a top talent in the future.
Who was Mourinho, after all? A coach who had led Porto to a Champions League victory a decade prior, who had broken the Premier League's stranglehold by Manchester United and Arsenal during his tenure at Chelsea, and who had orchestrated a historic treble with Inter Milan. He was a name synonymous with success and one of the most sought-after figures in football media.
Mourinho's praise ignited a firestorm of interest in the English football community. Tristan's name quickly became a focal point in the media landscape.
"Who is Tristan Hale?" became the pressing question, one that the powerful British media was more than capable of answering. Within hours, details of Tristan's family background, career, and even personal quirks and preferences were unearthed.
Initially, Tristan had garnered some recognition within the English Championship and among local Leicester fans. However, his dominant performance in the FA Cup, where he had played a crucial role in knocking out top-tier Premier League teams, coupled with Mourinho's endorsement, catapulted him into superstardom within the English football world.
Not only were Championship teams keen to keep an eye on him, but many Premier League clubs were now taking note of the talented midfielder, particularly Arsenal, renowned for its extensive scouting network and its ongoing quest to uncover young talent for the legendary manager, Arsène Wenger.
As Tristan basked in this newfound attention, he was blissfully unaware of the whirlwind that was beginning to surround him—an ascension from a promising young player to one of the hottest prospects in English football.
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