Chapter 281: Chapter 88: Stopping the Ball Upgraded! The Derby Arrives! Fabregas Interview! "King!

Time slowly moved into October, with the tranquil sunlight gently spreading over the streets of London, bringing a touch less restlessness to the city.

Ma’el put aside other training tasks for the past few days and began to focus on practicing stopping the ball.

This skill was about to break through from Level 3 to Level 4, and he was acutely aware that this would be a significant upgrade.

He really wanted to have stronger combat readiness before the next match against Tottenham, surprising them with this newfound ability!

After a major improvement in any skill, it usually contributes significantly in the short term.

This is very understandable, as streaming platforms and analysis software become more advanced, leaving every player with no secrets.

Good at long shots, cutting inside to shoot, long passes and crossing, ground ball through passes, five-star reverse foot, possessing exceptional body strength and speed.

These are the strong tags Ma’el currently has; if there’s a weakness, it would be a lack of heading ability to score, ordinary dribbling, average agility, weak creativity, and moderate first touches.

All teams would be wary of his strengths, trying to force him to use his weaknesses to handle the ball.

At this point, if he could suddenly enhance one ability, opponents are unlikely to react in time.

And for a player like him who possesses many top-notch abilities, even a moment’s hesitation from the opponent would allow him to seize the opportunity to score!

"Nervous?"

During training, Jose asked while passing the ball to him, "Your first Derby match, and it’s the hot North London Derby."

"Pop!"

As Ma’el stopped the ball, he tried nudging it towards where he wanted, realizing he hadn’t controlled the strength well, he slightly shook his head, adding, "Not particularly nervous, you know, my attitude towards important matches is usually excitement."

He returned to his position, waiting for Jose’s next pass.

"Boom!"

Jose laughed as he kicked the ball over, asking, "I just looked up the history of grudges between the two teams, which trace back to the early 20th century and evolved into deadly rivalry in 1919.

"The conflict intensified after George Graham’s defection; he was once a star for Arsenal, became their coach after retiring and achieved success, only to end up waving the Tottenham banner after leaving Arsenal.

"In 2001, Spurs captain Campbell transferred to Arsenal as a free agent, one of the main recent unpleasant events between the sides.

"Additionally... Arsenal clinched the championship at White Hart Lane in 1971, and also during their unbeaten season in 2004, rekindling unpleasant memories and current anxieties among Tottenham fans."

Ma’el listened to his explanation, understanding he wanted to know his view on the matter.

He stopped the ball, and as he ran back, he said, "The grudges of older generations are sealed in history; I only know that I serve Arsenal and I like this club where many legends were born.

"Naturally, I will consider Tottenham Hotspur as opponents and hope to defeat them with all my might."

A few more ball-stops passed, and Ma’el felt a marvelous sensation shooting through different parts of his body, infusing his muscles with memory, clearing his mind.

"Pop!"

On the next ball stop, at the junction of his chest and shoulder, he steadily controlled the ball towards the marked area he had set, suddenly feeling enlightened.

Stopping the ball, upgraded!

[Skill: Perfect Single Touch Level 4]

[Skill Level: (1/2000)]

[Utility: Day and night training has brought your ball-stopping ability another major leap, gradually allowing you to intuitively direct the ball where you want with your first touch!]

"Brilliant!"

Jose exclaimed from a distance, "That was done well, now try stopping the ball at sprint speed."

"Boom!" No sooner had he spoken, he kicked the ball ahead of Ma’el, giving plenty of time for Ma’el to pick up speed. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Suppressing the excitement within, Ma’el moved his legs, sprinted forward, and at high speed ’boomed’ the ball towards the middle with his right foot, nudging it just over two meters forward.

The next second he turned and followed, just in time to nudge the ball a few more steps ahead as it touched the ground, the football now settled safely on the ground.

Perfect one-touch!

"Boom!!"

"Clang!!"

He then unleashed a powerful shot, striking the ball with a forceful impact on the crossbar, making the entire goal frame tremble.

"Oh...!" Jose clasped his head dramatically, "Seems like you’ve improved again?"

"Not seems," Ma’el smiled and turned, "I’m sure my ball-stopping skill has increased."

Now, when facing Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, he would have a stronger grasp!

...

On the morning of October 2nd, North London was enveloped in a fiery atmosphere, with Arsenal and Tottenham fans well-prepared and visible everywhere along the streets.

They gathered early in the morning, drinking in pubs, visiting fan shops, organizing cheerleading activities, and more.

"Wenger is a fraud! He’s colluded with the board to lose all of Arsenal’s money!"

By noon, the cheering activities were already in full swing, with Spurs fans in white shirts raising their hands and singing songs mocking Arsenal, "You sell your captain year after year! Getting worse every year! We will crush you underfoot!

"Wenger! Fraud! Van Persie! Fool! Ma’el! Little trash who hasn’t even grown much hair yet!"

Tottenham fans’ hatred for Arsenal is arguably the strongest in the world; for them, seeing Arsenal succeed on the pitch is as humiliating as Tottenham being relegated to the Championship.