Chapter 41: Building the Core
Rahmat sat in the tactical meeting room, a large whiteboard before him filled with diagrams, names, and scribbled notes. After another successful negotiation, Kenta Yamato had officially joined Luton Town. The Japanese defensive midfielder was expected to anchor the midfield and add much-needed stability.
But now came the difficult part: deciding on a definitive starting eleven. With the team's recent additions and player development, Rahmat wanted a balance of strength, skill, and adaptability.
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Rahmat's Starting Eleven
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Rahmat chose the 4-2-3-1 formation to provide defensive stability while maximizing attacking versatility. Here's the finalized lineup:
Goalkeeper
1. Genzo Wakabayashi
Strengths: Exceptional reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and vocal leadership.
Role: The undisputed guardian of the goal, Wakabayashi's return from injury has solidified Luton's defense.
Defenders
2. Callum Mitchell (Right-Back)
Strengths: Reliable defensive work and overlapping runs.
Role: Provides width in attack while maintaining discipline at the back.
3. Darnell Rowe (Center-Back)
Strengths: Physical dominance and aerial prowess.
Role: The backbone of the defense, ensuring strength against set pieces.
4. Hubner (Center-Back)
Strengths: Tactical awareness and versatility.
Role: Complements Rowe by covering spaces and initiating build-up play.
5. Arhan (Left-Back)
Strengths: Pace, long throw-ins, and defensive stamina.
Role: A dynamic full-back who contributes equally to attack and defense.
Midfielders
6. Kenta Yamato (Defensive Midfielder)
Strengths: Ball-winning ability and composure under pressure.
Role: Anchors the midfield, shielding the defense and distributing passes efficiently.
7. Aoyama (Deep-Lying Playmaker)
Strengths: Spatial awareness and precise passing.
Role: Orchestrates attacks from deep, maintaining control in high-pressure situations.
Attacking Midfielders
8. Eli Carter (Right Winger)
Strengths: Blistering pace and flair.
Role: Stretches the opposition's defense, creating opportunities with his dribbling and crossing.
9. Barou Shoei (Central Attacking Midfielder)
Strengths: Physicality and goal-scoring instincts.
Role: Operates as a roaming attacker, capitalizing on chances and using the Panther Shot.
10. Aaliyah Mendes (Left Winger)
Strengths: Agility and creativity.
Role: Cuts inside to link play while providing width when needed.
Striker
11. Kakeru Aizawa (Striker)
Strengths: Stamina, speed, and clinical finishing.
Role: Leads the line with relentless pressing and decisive goal-scoring ability.
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The Training Session
Later that afternoon, Rahmat gathered the starting eleven for a focused training session. The players stood before him, eager to hear his plans.
"This isn't just about individual talent," Rahmat began. "We're building a system—a machine that works together. Every piece has its role, and when every piece works, no one can stop us."
Key Drills
1. Defensive Coordination
Led by Steve Rutter, this drill emphasized synchronization between Rowe, Hubner, and Yamato. The players practiced handling high crosses and quick transitions.
2. Midfield Possession
Aoyama and Yamato ran positional play drills, focusing on holding the ball under pressure and switching the point of attack.
3. Attacking Combination
Eli, Barou, and Aaliyah worked on fluid interchanges, creating space and exploiting defensive gaps. Kakeru joined them to sharpen link-up play.
4. Finishing and Set Pieces
Barou practiced the Panther Shot, while Kakeru worked on positioning during corners and free kicks. Arhan's long throw-ins were also incorporated into attacking scenarios.
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Post-Training Review
As the session wrapped up, Rahmat pulled the team together. "Today showed me two things," he said. "First, we've got the talent. Second, we're hungry. Keep this intensity, and we'll be ready for anyone."
The players clapped and headed to the locker room, their camaraderie stronger than ever. Rahmat lingered on the pitch, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The season's challenges loomed large, but for the first time, he felt like he had a team capable of facing anything.
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Rahmat sat in his office late at night, the glowing screen of the Dream Manager System casting an ethereal light on his face. The room was silent except for the faint hum of the laptop. He had been staring at the skill shop for hours, weighing his options. The Eagle Shot skill tempted him—a long-range, high-velocity strike that could turn a game on its head.
Initially, Rahmat's mind went to Barou. The striker's natural power and arrogance seemed a perfect fit for such a skill. But something held Rahmat back. Barou already had the Panther Shot, and his personality often pushed him to overuse it. Adding another devastating weapon might make him too reliant on raw power, losing the finesse and decision-making Rahmat was trying to cultivate.
Rahmat leaned back, his thoughts drifting to Kakeru Aizawa. The young striker had impressed everyone with his relentless energy and composure, but he lacked the ability to truly stand out in high-pressure moments. The Eagle Shot could change that.
"Let's give him the tools to soar," Rahmat murmured, selecting the skill and assigning it to Kakeru.
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Training the Eagle
The next morning, Rahmat gathered the coaching staff to introduce the updated training schedule. Steve Rutter raised an eyebrow when Rahmat explained the skill.
"The Eagle Shot?" Rutter asked, a note of skepticism in his voice. "Sounds dramatic."
Rahmat grinned. "It is. But it's also tactical. Kakeru's long-range shooting hasn't been his strongest suit. With this, he can force defenses to stretch, opening space for Barou and the wingers."
Rutter nodded slowly. "If we can integrate it properly, it could be a game-changer. Let's start with the basics and build up."
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Kakeru's First Attempt
On the training pitch, Rahmat called Kakeru aside after warm-ups.
"Kakeru, I've added something new to your arsenal," Rahmat began.
Kakeru's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What is it, Coach?"
Rahmat explained the Eagle Shot, detailing its mechanics and potential impact. "It's a long-range strike with incredible speed and trajectory. But it's not just about power—it requires precision, timing, and the ability to read the game."
Kakeru nodded, his enthusiasm tempered by determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to master it."
They set up a series of targets at increasing distances. Kakeru placed the ball on the edge of the penalty arc and took his first shot. The ball sailed high over the crossbar, landing somewhere in the stands.
Barou, watching from the sidelines, laughed. "You sure you gave the right guy that skill, Coach?"
Kakeru flushed but set his jaw. "I'll get it."
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The Struggle
The first few days were rough. Kakeru's shots lacked consistency—some flew wide, while others barely lifted off the ground. Rahmat and Rutter worked tirelessly with him, breaking down his technique and encouraging him to focus on control over power.
"It's like a bow and arrow," Rahmat explained during a break. "You're pulling the string back, building tension, and then releasing it in one smooth motion. Don't rush it."
Meanwhile, Barou continued to tease. "Maybe I should've been the one to get the skill," he said after one particularly poor attempt.
Rahmat intervened, his tone firm but calm. "Barou, you already have the Panther Shot. Focus on mastering that. Let Kakeru find his own rhythm."
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A Breakthrough
On the fourth day of training, something clicked. Kakeru stood at the edge of the box, his posture more confident. He took a deep breath, visualized the shot, and struck the ball. This time, it flew like an arrow, curving slightly before slamming into the top corner of the net.
The pitch fell silent for a moment before erupting in cheers. Wakabayashi, who had been in goal, clapped his gloves together. "That's what I'm talking about, Kakeru!"
Rahmat smiled, a mix of pride and relief. "You're getting there. Now let's see you do it again."
Over the next few sessions, Kakeru's confidence grew. He hit the target more consistently, and his teammates began to respect the new dimension he brought to the attack.
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The Test
The timing of Kakeru's breakthrough couldn't have been better. Luton's next match was against Newcastle United, a team known for their compact defense and dangerous counterattacks. Rahmat decided to start Kakeru up front, with Barou playing just behind him.
Before the match, Rahmat gathered the team in the locker room. "Newcastle will sit deep and wait for us to make mistakes. That's why we need to be patient and smart. Kakeru, don't be afraid to use the Eagle Shot if you see an opening. Force them to step out."
Kakeru nodded, his determination evident. "I won't let you down."