Chapter 69 68 - Two-versus-two

"Now that we've completed the physical tests, it's time to see what you can really do with the ball. If you want to play for Brighton, you not only need to have a lung, but also know how to attack, defend, and, of course, understand the game."The monitor paused as the players looked at each other.

"You'll be divided into smaller groups for two-on-two matches. Each match will be played on a reduced pitch with smaller goals. You need to demonstrate individual skills, positioning, and, above all, teamwork. This test will tell you a lot about your ability to adapt to different situations in the real game. So do your best."

A black-haired boy with glasses, who seemed to be still catching his breath from the endurance run, raised his hand hesitantly. His glasses slipped slightly down his nose due to sweat, and he adjusted them before asking:

"Excuse me, sir, but weren't the matches against each other only supposed to be at the end?" He looked genuinely confused, perhaps even a little worried by the sudden change of plans.

The monitor stared at him for a brief moment, without changing his impassive expression, and replied with cool calm: Sёarᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"No. That's correct. With this two-versus-two test, we want to see how your skills perform under pressure from now on. Do you have a problem with that?"

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The boy hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching for some silent support among the other players, but found nothing but serious, focused faces. He shook his head quickly and muttered:

"No, sir."

The monitor, satisfied with the absence of further questioning, took a step back and began organizing the pairs. He walked down the line of players, watching each one carefully, before starting to divide up the pairs.

"Daniel and Mark." he said, pointing to the two burly players who had stood out in the fitness tests.

Mark was a left-winger, and Daniel was a defender. It was a good combination for a two-on-two test because they had attacking and defensive potential.

"Lucas and Raphael." continued the monitor, and Lucas's stomach clenched slightly.

He wasn't upset about being paired with Raphael, the boy who had won the endurance race. The left-winger had an impressive physique, but Raphael had yet to show much personality beyond his irritable posture.

Raphael only gave a brief nod in Luca's direction. Of course, he respected Lucas for coming out on top in all the physical tests.

The other pairs were organized, but the first five-minute match would be between the first two chosen pairs. Whoever scored the most goals would win. However, they knew that it would guarantee their places in the final phase.

The monitor approached Lucas and Raphael, handing them a ball for each court. Lucas took the ball with a feeling of electricity running through his body. This was the moment he had been waiting for — the chance to show that he could do more than run. He looked at Raphael, who was already positioning himself, and realized that the boy was focused on the ball, his eyes alert and predatory.

"Do you play more up front or in the middle?" Raphael asked suddenly, taking Lucas by surprise.

"I can play any position in attack, but you're a left-winger, right? I want to get the most out of you, so I'll be further back this time," Lucas replied with a cold tone as he looked at his opponents.

Raphael frowned. "Get the most out of me?"

"Yes. You have a strong physique, so their striker won't be able to get past you to attack without help, so he'll move out of the way of the goal. That's where I come in."

"Tsk! Whatever. Just pass the ball to me."

As soon as the monitor blew the whistle, Lucas passed the ball to Raphael, who promptly headed it down the sideline. The grass under his feet was soft, but there was still morning moisture on the leaves, which made the ball slide faster than expected. Raphael, with his impressive speed, kept control.

Mark, sensing the left-winger's intention, went to meet him, forcing Raphael to move away from the sideline and bring the ball into the center.

Lucas noticed that Daniel was already backing off, forming a line of defense right in front of the small goal. He knew that if Raphael tried a simple dribble, Mark's physical strength could end the move in seconds. So Lucas positioned himself in the center of the small field, offering a passing option.

Raphael glanced up, his eyes briefly undecided. In a matter of seconds, he had to decide: go it alone or rely on the pass. Mark was approaching fast, almost colliding with Raphael, and it was now or never.

Raphael rolled the ball with the side of his left foot, a dry, precise pass that found Lucas in the middle of the pitch. Lucas already had his body positioned for control, received the ball with a light touch, and turned quickly towards the goal. Daniel, attentive, took two steps forward to close the angle.

Lucas knew he couldn't waste any time; if he waited any longer, Mark would already be back to help with the marking.

Lucas made a quick decision. He made a feint using <Mirage Feint>, as if he was going to move forward, but instead gave a heel pass to Raphael, who had run diagonally, getting rid of Mark.

"Go!" Lucas shouted.

Raphael had expected the move. With a subtle touch, he controlled the ball and prepared to shoot. The distance was short, but Daniel was already in front, ready to block the shot. Raphael, in a quick move, lifted the ball slightly with his left foot, trying to hook it over the defender, but the touch was a little stronger than he expected.

The ball went higher than necessary, and Daniel stretched out his foot to intercept it.

Lucas saw the opportunity. He was in constant motion, always waiting for a gap. As soon as the ball bounced off Daniel's foot, rising a few centimeters in the air, Lucas accelerated into the area. His body reacted by instinct, and he leapt, using <Stellar Impulse, and headed it back to Raphael.

This time, Raphael didn't even have to look at the goal and just shot, hitting the ball for the first time with the inside of his right foot. It was a precise, low shot that went under Daniel's legs.

The shout for a goal didn't come, however, because everyone was stunned by the height of Lucas' leap. For a second, he seemed to have flown.

Lucas landed back on the ground with a lightness that contrasted with the explosive movement of his jump. The muffled sound of his boots hitting the wet grass was overshadowed by the surrounding murmurs.

The other players, scattered around the reduced pitch, watched the scene with wide eyes. It wasn't just the goal that had impressed them, but the unexpected, almost impossible leap that Lucas had made seconds before.

The monitor, who until then had kept his expression rigid and unwavering, raised an eyebrow slightly, showing a rare spark of surprise. He took two steps forward and, with a firm tone, announced:

"1-0 to Lucas and Raphael. The ball is now Mark and Daniel's."

"Did you see what he did? I swear he almost floated away for a moment."

"Yeah... it must have been the light or the angle we saw." "

"Was the pass good?" Lucas asked Raphael, with a discreet smile on his face. He didn't want to seem arrogant, but he knew that the moment called for confidence.

Raphael looked at him for a moment, then shook his head. "You did all the work. Thank you."

The monitor didn't allow much time for celebration. The whistle blew again, this time indicating that the ball was now with Daniel and Mark. The two opponents, still recovering from the goal they had conceded, exchanged a brief glance. Daniel, the burly defender, ran a hand through his short, sweat-soaked hair, clearly frustrated.

Mark, on the other hand, seemed to remain calm, although his eyes showed a growing intensity.

"The game's not over yet," muttered Mark to his teammate. "Let's turn it around."

Daniel agreed with a nod, and they both got into position.

The monitor played the ball into the middle of the reduced field, and Mark, with an agile touch, controlled the ball with the inside of his foot. His reputation as a hard-to-stop striker had preceded him, and now he intends to prove it.

Lucas, who had already returned to his position further back, watched his opponents carefully. He knew that Mark and Daniel would attack with everything now. Raphael, on the other hand, looked impatient, his eyes following Mark's every move.

"They'll try to come quickly." Lucas commented, without taking his eyes off his opponents.

"So what? We just need to hold out for a few more minutes."

"Don't underestimate them. They're all here because they want to hold on to this tiny chance of getting through and becoming professionals. They're sure to come out all guns blazing now that the ball is theirs."