FA Cup Debut 2

The Leicester City coaching staff on the sidelines celebrated their hard-earned victory with a mix of relief and joy. As Nigel Pearson shook hands with Stoke City head coach Mark Hughes, he could sense the frustration behind the other man's words. "Although my team performed better, the result of the game was indeed unexpected. To be honest, your No. 22 is very good."

Pearson felt a rush of pride at the compliment, his demeanor shifting slightly as he replied, "He is indeed quite good, but he still needs to continue to hone his skills." There was an unspoken acknowledgment between the two coaches—both had experienced the highs and lows of the beautiful game, and they respected each other's journeys.

Hughes nodded, a hint of admiration softening his expression. "I hope the next time we meet, it will be in the Premier League." His words hung in the air, a reminder of the aspirations both teams harbored. With that, Hughes turned and walked into the player tunnel. Pearson's gaze followed him briefly before landing on the blond-haired young man who was celebrating with Riyad Mahrez on the pitch.

His eyes softened, gratitude washing over him for the decision to substitute Tristan Hale. Not only had the move turned the tide of the match, but it had also unveiled a rising star in the process. With Tristan Hale's sudden emergence, Leicester City's chances of making it to the Premier League had grown significantly.

"Steve," Pearson called to his assistant coach, Steve Walsh, who stood nearby. "I think we've found a great talent for this club! Let's hope his passing ability is more than just a flash in the pan. Have Tristan report to the first team tomorrow!"

"Very wise decision," Walsh replied, a knowing smile spreading across his face. They both understood the importance of nurturing talent, especially one as promising as Tristan.

As Pearson approached Tristan, who was walking toward the sidelines with a beaming smile, he opened his arms wide, pulling the young player into a warm embrace. "Good job, kid!"

Tristan Hale, standing at 6'1", with a pretty face framed by curly blonde hair that faded elegantly on the sides, felt a wave of pride at his coach's praise. His striking green eyes sparkled with excitement as he replied, "Thank you, boss, for giving me the opportunity."

Despite possessing the vision and passing ability of an all-time great, Tristan understood the importance of keeping a humble demeanor. He was aware that it was the coach who ultimately decided who took the field. Acting like a superstar too soon could jeopardize his burgeoning career. Pearson could see that Tristan's maturity exceeded his eighteen years. He appreciated the young man's attitude and patted him on the shoulder, promising, "Work hard; I have high hopes for you."

Just then, the atmosphere shifted as several reporters approached, eager for a post-match interview. Tristan felt a mix of excitement and nerves at being in the spotlight. This was his first post-match interview as a professional player. What if he said something wrong and made a fool of himself in front of so many people? But then he remembered the journey he had undertaken—surviving the overwhelming experience of time travel and rebirth—and he took a deep breath, determined to present himself with confidence.

A female reporter in a sharp suit stepped forward, microphone in hand. "Congratulations, Tristan, on your amazing debut! You made a huge impact in just over ten minutes, scoring a goal and providing an assist. How does it feel to have such a successful start?"

"Thank you!" Tristan replied, his voice steady and mature. "It feels incredible to contribute to the team's success, especially in such an important match. I'm just grateful for the chance the coach gave me."

Another reporter chimed in, "With your performance, you earned a player rating of 9.0 out of 10. What does that rating mean to you, especially on your debut?"

Tristan paused, considering his words carefully. "It's nice to see the stats, but for me, it's more about the team's success. A rating is great, but it's about how we all work together. I'm always looking to improve, and I want to maintain that level of performance consistently. The stats are nice, but the real reward is winning as a team."

The reporters nodded, clearly impressed with his thoughtful response. "Your passing was incredibly sharp today. Can you tell us about that assist?" another reporter asked.

"Absolutely," he said, his green eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "I saw a gap in their defense and knew Mahrez was making that run. I just had to deliver the ball where he could get to it. It's all about understanding each other's movements and making quick decisions."

A male reporter noted, flipping through his notepad, "Your stats from the match are impressive: one goal, one assist, two shots on target from three total shots, an 85% pass completion rate, and five key passes. You even had a solid defensive contribution with two interceptions and a tackle. Do you see yourself contributing on both ends of the pitch?"

"Absolutely," Tristan affirmed. "Every player should contribute defensively. It's important to help the team in every aspect of the game. I believe in being a well-rounded player, so I always try to support my teammates, whether it's creating chances or helping defensively."

As he spoke, his confidence grew, and the reporters were captivated by his mature outlook. "With your impressive debut, do you feel any pressure to perform in future matches?" a reporter asked.

"Pressure can be a good thing," Tristan replied thoughtfully. "It keeps you sharp and focused. I'm excited about the challenges ahead. I want to prove myself and earn my place in the first team. But I also know that I can't do it alone. It takes a collective effort, and I'm lucky to have such supportive teammates around me."

"Speaking of support, who are some players you look up to?" another reporter inquired.

Tristan smiled, his thoughts drifting to his role models. "I've always admired players like David Beckham for his creativity and vision, Kaka for his elegance and ability to control the game, and Andrés Iniesta for his intelligence on the ball. They all have different styles, but they share a love for the game that inspires me. I strive to blend their influences with my own style."

"Have you had the chance to meet any of them?" a reporter asked, curiosity evident in their voice.

"Not yet, but I dream of it," Tristan said with a hopeful smile. "I believe that learning from the best can only help me grow as a player."

The interview continued with questions about his training regimen and how he balanced football with personal life. Tristan spoke candidly about the sacrifices he had made and the support of his family. "My parents have been incredibly supportive throughout my journey," he shared. "They always encouraged me to pursue my passion and work hard. I owe a lot to them."

As the interview wrapped up, a reporter handed Tristan a bottle of red champagne emblazoned with the FA Cup logo. "Congratulations on being named the best player of the match!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Tristan's face lit up with surprise and joy. "Thank you! I didn't expect this at all!" He looked down at the champagne, feeling a sense of pride wash over him. "This isn't just mine; it's a celebration of the whole team's effort. Without their hard work, I wouldn't be here."

After exiting the mixed zone, Tristan returned to the visiting team's locker room. As he stepped inside, the atmosphere was electric. Jamie Vardy, known for his larger-than-life personality, wrapped an arm around his shoulder and grinned. "Hey, our little hero is back with champagne!"

The Leicester City players erupted into applause, led by captain Wes Morgan. "Well done, mate!" Morgan called, his voice booming with camaraderie.

Tristan smiled brightly, feeling overwhelmed by the support. "Thank you, everyone! I just did what I should do. It was a team effort!" He raised the champagne bottle as if toasting to their collective victory.

"Let's have a toast!" Vardy exclaimed, grabbing a plastic cup and pouring a generous amount of champagne into it. "To our young star, Tristan Hale, and to many more victories to come!"

Cheers erupted around the room, and Tristan felt his heart swell with pride. He knew this was just the beginning, but the warmth of camaraderie made him feel like he had already found a home in this team.

After the applause subsided, Vardy leaned in closer, teasing, "You've set the bar high for your next game. No pressure, right?"

Tristan chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll do my best to keep it up, but I appreciate the support. It means a lot."

As the players celebrated, Tristan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that he was on the cusp of something special, and with each match, he aimed to prove that he belonged at this level. He was surrounded by players whose dedication and work ethic inspired him, and he was determined to match their energy.

"Just remember," Vardy said, a serious tone breaking through the jovial atmosphere, "it's not just about one game. It's about consistency. Keep working hard, and you'll make a name for yourself in this league."

With those words of wisdom, Tristan felt an extra weight of responsibility but also a rush of motivation. He nodded in agreement, understanding that this was the start of a journey he had always dreamed of. He was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, work tirelessly to improve, and strive for greatness, not just for himself but for his teammates, club, and the fans who believed in them.

As the celebrations continued and laughter echoed around the room, Tristan knew that with the encouragement

of his teammates and the trust of his coach, he was ready to take the next step in his career. He raised the champagne bottle once more, and with a confident smile, he declared, "To Leicester City!

Once they arrived back at the Belvoir training ground, Tristan exchanged goodbyes with his first-team teammates before heading to the youth team dormitory. Though his home was on the outskirts of Leicester, just a half-hour drive away, he had opted for dorm life after signing his first professional contract on his seventeenth birthday. The hour-long commute felt like a distraction from his relentless training. Living in the youth dormitory allowed him to dedicate that time to honing his skills without interruption.

As he settled into his small single room, furnished only with a bed and a modest set of tables and chairs, he felt a tinge of nostalgia. The room lacked privacy, and communal bathrooms were a mere inconvenience, but the view was undeniably charming. Outside his window lay the lush green grass of the youth team training ground, a constant reminder of the dreams he was chasing. With the dormitory being rent-free, it was a practical choice, especially with his current weekly salary of just £100.

Sitting on his soft bed, Tristan felt the urge to check his player interface. With a mere thought, a translucent light screen appeared before him, much like a character panel in a video game:

[Player Name: Tristan Hale]

Age: 18

Height: 187cm

Weight: 65kg

Regular Leg: Right

Club: Leicester City

Talent: God's Vision

[Attributes: Ball Control C, Shooting D, Passing S, Defense D, Physical C, Mental B]

[Overall Rating: 73]

Staring at his attribute panel, Tristan couldn't suppress a grimace. Apart from his [Passing] and [Mental] attributes, the rest lingered below a B rating. If it weren't for the recent addition of the peak passing attributes from De Bruyne, his overall score would likely have fallen between 50 and 60. In footballing terms, that meant he would only be able to play for youth teams in the top leagues or sit on the bench in some secondary leagues.

He reflected on the various factors that determined success in sports: speed, strength, skill, and football IQ. In the realm of professional football, it was a relentless battle of speed and strength, complemented by skill and tactical awareness.

Tristan pondered how he could enhance his physical fitness and ball skills with the additional system at his disposal. Would he improve through daily training, or would he need to complete tasks assigned by the system to increase his attributes? Only time would tell.

The pressing question now was how to allocate his two free attribute points. Each of the six primary attributes encompassed multiple sub-items, measured not by letters but by numerical values. For instance, the S-level [Passing] encompassed various categories such as [Short Pass], [Long Pass], [Cross], and [Arc]. Thanks to De Bruyne's peak passing attributes, Tristan had achieved astonishing values: [Short Pass] 95, [Long Pass] 97, [Cross] 97, and [Arc] 98. Coupled with his S-level talent, [God's Vision], his [Vision] attribute reached a staggering 99!

After studying the translucent attribute panel, Tristan made a decision. Speed was paramount. The saying went that the only martial arts in the world that couldn't be defeated was speed, and in professional football, that held true. The quicker a player could maneuver, the more advantageous they became on the field, whether attacking or defending.

The [Physical] category included several sub-items: [Explosion], [Speed], [Balance], [Bounce], [Strength], [Reaction], [Endurance], and [Physique]. Among them, the attributes most closely related to speed were [Burst], [Speed], and [Reaction]. Tristan's current values stood at [Burst] 70, [Speed] 70, and [Reaction] 72.

In the context of professional players, his numbers were mediocre. For a midfielder, however, they were sufficient. Each midfield role had different demands; an attacking midfielder like Tristan required exceptional passing, vision, and dribbling skills, while a defensive midfielder needed strength, endurance, and intercepting abilities.

Tristan was confident that his stellar performance in the FA Cup would earn him a spot on the first team. Yet, to maintain his position and thrive in the competitive Championship, he needed to improve his physical capabilities, leveraging his strengths while minimizing weaknesses. He resolved to enhance his explosive power, thereby reducing the frequency of physical confrontations.

With that in mind, he added both free attributes to [Burst], boosting it from 70 to 72. "I don't seem to feel anything," he mused, slightly disappointed that the anticipated game effect of glowing golden light didn't materialize. "Perhaps I'll notice the difference when I'm running."

Just then, the familiar ringtone of his iPhone 5S broke the silence in his room. He picked it up and saw the caller ID: Mom!

Once connected, a gentle voice came through the line, "Tristan, where are you? I hope I didn't disturb you!"

"No, I'm just in the dormitory."

"Your dad and I watched the live broadcast of the FA Cup match. You played brilliantly! We're so proud of you!" The warmth in her words stirred a sense of familiarity within him, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, Mom. By the way, the team has a day off tomorrow. I'll tell you all about it when I get back."

"Great! I'll head to the supermarket in the morning and cook some of your favorite meals." Before she could finish, a deep voice interjected from the other end: "Ah, Tristan, let's celebrate tomorrow!" This was his father, Ling Hale. Tristan chuckled softly, "Alright, see you tomorrow."

It was hard for him not to get emotional hearing his parents' voices again. He had failed them in his past life; he couldn't become a pro, wasting all their effort and money in the hopes of making their son's dream come true. He had wasted everything, but now he would make sure he succeeded to ensure they get the life they deserved. They weren't rich, but at the same time they weren't poor either—just enough to get by in life. He wanted a better life for them.

After ending the call, he placed the phone back on the table, leaned back, and let his gaze drift to the ceiling. He recalled the details of the previous day—the historic FA Cup field, his professional debut, and the two assists that helped secure a victory for his team. But this was just the beginning.

He yearned for more than a fleeting moment of glory in the FA Cup; he aspired to rise to greater heights, competing against renowned stars and fighting for championships and honor. Given a second chance at life, he vowed to live it to the fullest.

With his ambitions swirling in his mind, Tristan gradually closed his eyes and drifted into a restful sleep.

As the sun rose the next day, Tristan awoke with renewed determination. He dressed quickly, anticipation buzzing in the air for the day off. He spent the morning taking care of personal errands and reflecting on his goals.

Later in the afternoon, while strolling around the town, he noticed a small group of fans gathered outside a local café. As he approached, he could hear snippets of their conversation—excitement buzzing about the FA Cup match.

One fan, a young boy with wide eyes, spotted him first. "Hey, aren't you Tristan Hale? You played so well in the match! Can I get your autograph?"

Tristan's heart swelled with pride. This was the moment he had dreamed of—a chance to be recognized for his hard work and talent. "Of course!" he replied, a smile spreading across his face as he signed the boy's shirt.

"Thank you! Can I take a picture with you?" the boy asked eagerly, holding up his phone.

"Absolutely!" Tristan said, kneeling beside the boy as they posed together. The joy in the boy's face made Tristan's heart race. This was what he wanted—making a difference in someone's life, inspiring them just as he had been inspired by players before him.

As the photo was taken, a few more fans stepped forward, shyly asking for their own autographs. Tristan happily obliged, soaking in the positive energy that surrounded him. Each signature felt like a promise—one he made to himself to work harder and chase his dreams with everything he had.

After the impromptu meet-and-greet, he continued his walk, the cheerful chatter of the fans lingering in his mind. It was a reminder that football was more than just a game; it was a community, a shared passion that connected people from all walks of life.