Debut Match

After a few more days of grueling training, it was finally time for Adrian Klaesson's official first professional football match. 

There were only about 2 more hours of preparation against Forest Green FC, the players were warming up as they were currently 11th in the table, 13 points of the current leaders MK Dons. While Forest Green was at dead last, currently 22nd in the table with only 20 points. 

After minutes of stretching and warming up, it was time for the matchday squad. Adrian wasn't on the starting 11 but he was included in the bench, the manager's formation was simple. A 4-2-3-1 formation. 2 defenders and two full backs, 2 defensive midfielders, an attacking midfielder, two wingers and a striker. The game plan was simple, when in possession attack in all 3 sides, the wings and the center, play direct passes and shoot when in sight. When in defence the attacking midfielder will play deeper turning into a central midfielder. As soon as you lose the ball press immediately, while the two central defenders sit back. 

It may look complicated but Adrian had been in different formations and positions during his time in the Leicester academy, he has normally played as an attacking midfielder and a central midfielder but has occasionally played as a center forward. 

After what seemed like an eternity it was time to play.

EFL League 2 

Matchday 34 of 43

Accrington Stanley FC vs Forest Green FC 

 The match started with the ball starting with Forest Green, they had a 4-3-3 formation, a common formation used in football. The ball was passed around in a slow pace which looked easy to dismantle but was difficult to actually intercept the ball since you are baited to press and they would just pass the ball to the keeper. In the first 37 minutes nothing interesting happened, until the Forest Green keeper played a long ball to the right wing, which made full back Joe Gubbins commit too early as he made an error. Leaving Forest Green's right winger open, which lead to a clear cut chance. The right winger and the striker were left alone with the keeper as the right winger attempted a shot but was blocked by the keeper but the striker unfortunately scored on the rebound. 

This made the manager furious as he called Joe and reprimanded him. Eventually half time came and the score was 1-0 for Forest Green. 

As the players entered the tunnel a fan commented "Come on! Fucking do something! I bet money on this team! How're we losing to god damn Forest Green!!!".

This shocked Adrian as he has never seen or experienced a fan this aggressive and agitated. 

Now as the manager gave a small talk, making an example of Joe, he made one substitution. 

Adrian Klaesson for Tommy Leigh

This shocked Adrian as Tommy didn't have a bad match, in fact he was one of the best performing players from the team. But it was evident that the previous tackle from one of Forest Green's players hurt him pretty badly, as there was a visible bruise.

Eventually the second half started and the announcer called out his name.

"Substitution in progress! Coming out is number 18, Tommy Leigh! Coming in for him is number 29! Adrian Klaesson!"

The announcer called out as Adrian made the sign of the cross and ran into the pitch. He was both nervous and excited. 

As the second half started, Adrian Received a couple of touches, he even attempted a dribble but it was cut short as 3 players pressed him and was forced to pass. There were no positives or negatives in this game for him until the 57th minute in which a corner was called in his team's favor. The corner was taken but it was cleared by the opposing team's keeper, the ball then fell on Adrian's feet as he attempted a shot from 21 yards out. Unluckily it hit the post but if it didn't then it would've been a goal since the keeper couldn't react fast enough. 

He was disappointed that his effort was wasted but his teammates complimented him saying that it was unlucky, that the wind stopped it and etc. 

But the opportunity came at last, Accrington Stanley's striker over pressed and fell downfield which left Adrian alone. His teammate Sean, saw him and played a lofted pass to him, in which he excellently controlled with a good first touch. He scanned the area and decided to dribble through the remaining 3 defenders. He wasn't fast but he knew his dribbling would be a major asset in this run. The first defender pressed him, he attempted a few stepovers but the defender didn't budge, he did however move past him with a body feint, finally the final two defenders. He ran past the first defender and came face to face with the last and final defender, he could attempt a shot from about 27 yards out, or do a skill move and then attempt a shot. 

He chose the latter, with a body feint and a chop he lost the defender as he was left alone with the keeper. In a composed finish he curled the ball into the bottom left corner and scored his first ever professional goal in his debut game.

EFL League 2

Accrington Stanley FC vs Forest Green FC

Score 1-1