Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

The following afternoon was the day of the training match against Everton FC. In the changing room at Finch Farm, Everton's training center, the players were getting ready.

Lucas sat on the bench and pulled up his socks. This game would be decisive in determining the starters for the next UEFA Youth League match.

Eddie, the coach, entered the dressing room. His presence immediately captured everyone's attention. He was a tall man with an imposing posture and a penetrating gaze.

"Boys, you have an important game today. Despite losing against Dortmund in our last game, we haven't lost in the league yet. It's a chance for each of you to show why you're here. Everton are strong opponent, but all teams are. What matters is how you play, how you work together and how you deal with pressure. If you're aligned, we have the talent in this group to win every championship."

Eddie walked to the center of the locker room and then something unexpected happened. He turned to Lucas, his eyes fixed on him.

"Lucas." said Eddie, calling him firmly.

All eyes in the changing room turned to him. The silence was absolute.

Lucas felt his heart racing. He stood up slowly, feeling the gaze of his teammates. "Yes, coach?"

Eddie gave a small smile. "I've been watching you over the last few practices. I've seen your dedication, your hard work and your will to improve. But more importantly, I've seen how you inspire your teammates during matches. How you motivate them, even without realizing it. That's something rare."

Your next chapter awaits on empire

"Here's something new for all of you..." Eddie continued. "Before that game against Team-A, Coach Jimenez and I spoke to Lucas in private. Jimenez wanted to take Lucas to the A-Team. However, when Lucas found out what was going to happen with Team-B, such as the championships they would compete for, he denied Jimenez's request and made a curious offer: a game for the top spot in the championships."

"What?" Daniel asked, shocked.

"You won and, thanks to that, I took over as head coach for our top youth team. I have a lot to thank you for, Lucas. I even need to thank you for the many times you've lifted the burdens off my back and Alex's."

Lucas felt his face heat. He didn't know what to say.

"That's why..." continued Eddie, taking the captain's armband out of his pocket. "I want you to be captain today. It won't be permanent, because I have a lot of faith in Felix's tough spirit. However, he needs to focus on developing some aspects too."

The dressing room erupted in murmurs. Some players smiled, others looked surprised, but no one objected.

Lucas swallowed. He looked at Javier, who just smiled and whispered: "Go on. You can do it."

Eddie held out the armband, and Lucas took it with trembling hands. He put it on his arm, feeling as if it was heavier than he had expected. But when he looked at his teammates, he saw something that gave him confidence: they believed in him.

"We're going to win today!" roared Lucas, trying to sound confident.

"YES!" everyone answered at the same time and in one voice.

-:-

As the teams took to the pitch for their third match in the Premier Youth League 2017, the stands at Everton's training center gathered dozens of curious and passionate youth soccer fans.

The biting autumn cold didn't intimidate the spectators. The weak rays of the sun cast a golden glow over the pitch, while the wind stirred up the fallen leaves around the stadium.

In the broadcast booth, Henry, the veteran narrator, adjusted the microphone. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We're living from Finch Farm, where two of England's great youth teams will face off. Brighton and Everton are still unbeaten this season, and it's no wonder that this clash is being closely watched by soccer lovers."

"Exactly, Henry," replied Clara Rodriguez, the commentator. "Both teams have shown incredible soccer. Everton has a very good attack, while Brighton impresses with their organization in midfield and attack."

Henry adjusted his glasses and pointed at the pitch. "Clara, have you noticed anything different today? It looks like Brighton's Lucas is wearing the captain's armband. That's an interesting change."

Clara smiled. "Henry, you must remember the last few games, right? Lucas is a talented youngster who has been outstanding. He scored two important goals and helped to distribute the play against Manchester City. Eddie, the Brighton manager, has a lot of faith in him. It will be interesting to see how he leads the team today."

On the pitch, Lucas felt the cold seep through his skin, but the adrenaline kept him warm. He looked at his teammates and saw confidence in their eyes.

When the starting whistle blew, Lucas was focused, but something momentarily took that focus away from him.

[Main Mission Completed.]

[The mission "The first step of the second chance" has been completed.]

[You have earned the following rewards:

+25 Star Points

+1 Special Skill: Aura of Leadership (increases the performance of teammates when you're on the field).

+ 1 Epic Loot Box.]

Lucas smiled and shouted: "Come on, Brighton!"

Immediately, Lucas also used the skill <Aura of Leadership>. This skill increased the stamina of all the players on his team by 30%, making them feel a great sense of momentum.

The game began with intensity. Lucas quickly took up his position in midfield and started organizing the moves. He watched his teammates' movements and looked for spaces to exploit. In the fifth minute, he received the ball from Felix, controlled it with his right leg and looked ahead. He saw Miguel running down the right flank and made a long pass, precise as lightning.

Miguel reached the ball near the end line, cut inside, and crossed low. Arthur tried to finish the first time, but the Everton defender intercepted. The ball fell to Denis, who shot hard, but the opposing goalkeeper made a great save, sending it out for a corner.

Lucas ran to take the corner. He took a deep, concentrated breath as the wind blew his black hair back. He hit the ball, sending it into the penalty area.

Daniel Riber rose higher than anyone and headed the ball firmly, but again the Everton goalkeeper stretched to save.

Everton tried to respond with a quick counter-attack, but Lucas was alert. He intercepted the pass in midfield and, wasting no time, laid it off to Raphael on the left. Raphael dominated with class, dribbled past the full-back and crossed into the area. This time, Arthur positioned himself well and headed the ball just wide of the post.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Lucas was thinking quickly: 'We're pressing well, but we need to finish with more precision. Everton is closing down the spaces in the center, so we need to exploit the edges.'

He drew Felix and Javier close during a break. "Listen, Everton is blocking our middle. Let's work more with Miguel and Raphael on the wings. When we have space, cross for Arthur or shoot from outside the box."

Felix nodded. "Understood. Let's keep up the pressure."

The plan bore fruit. In the 15th minute, Miguel received a precise throw-in from Lucas, dribbled past two defenders and shot wide. The ball deflected off the defender and deceived the goalkeeper, hitting the back of the net.

"BRIGHTON GOOAAAAAALLL!" exclaimed Henry, rising from his chair in the box.

As the Brighton players celebrated, Lucas raised his arms and ran towards Miguel, hugging him warmly.

"That's it, Miguel! Great play!" said Lucas as the rest of the team came forward to celebrate the first goal.

With the game restarted, Everton tried to impose more pace. They pushed forward from the wings, but Brighton was ready.

Loki's marking was impeccable, and he could make a clean breakaway, moving quickly into attack. He played the ball to Felix, who immediately sought Lucas.

Lucas received the pass with his back to his marker, turned masterfully, and found Raphael on the left. With his characteristic speed, Raphael passed the opposing full-back and crossed into the area. Arthur tried to head the ball in, but was blocked by an Everton defender. The ball fell to Felix on the edge of the area, who took a shot. Everton's goalkeeper again made an incredible save to keep it out.

"Brighton keep pressing, Clara. They're not letting Everton breathe!" commented Henry enthusiastically.

"Yes, Henry. It's amazing how Lucas is controlling the midfield. He's been the heart of the team, organizing every move with precision."

In the 25th minute, Everton found spaces. A passing error in midfield left Brighton vulnerable, and the opposing striker advanced quickly down the right.

Luiz Fernando tried to clear, but the striker crossed low. The ball found a teammate on the edge of the box, who shot wide. Anton, the Brighton goalkeeper, stretched completely to save the shot and send it out for a corner. Luckily, the corner only resulted in a header.

During the pause for a goal kick, Lucas approached Eddie on the sidelines. "Coach, they're exploiting our back line. We need to adjust the defensive line and protect the middle more."

Eddie nodded. "You're right. Tell Felix to drop back a bit more and support the defenders."

Lucas returned to the pitch and passed on the instructions. "Felix, help Luiz and Daniel cover. We need to close off the central space."

Felix nodded, and Brighton returned to the game in a more compact position. This change quickly frustrated Everton, who could no longer get forward with the same ease.

Lucas was playing his part, but there was one thing on his mind: "Goal... Goal... I want to score goals too."