Rivalries and Opportunities

"Your competitor is not Giroud but Walcott because, judging from Arsenal's tactical layout, Giroud is the tactical fulcrum, and Walcott is the one who takes the final shot," Louis recalled his uncle Inzaghi's analysis.

"He is very fast, has good physical fitness, and strong back-and-forth sprint impact. This is your weakness when facing Walcott. But you also have advantages, including strong finishing ability, a knack for seizing opportunities, and more flexible movement. In short, if you want to defeat your competitors, you must show your advantages as much as possible!"

Defeat Walcott? Louis pondered this while greeting the returning first-team members. Competition is a problem every professional player must face. Fear of competition means you're not cut out for this sport.

"I'm never afraid of competition!" Louis thought resolutely.

In the next training session, the first-team players could feel the competition between Walcott and Louis. Both were holding back their energy and were extremely serious on the training ground. Especially during scrimmages, Walcott would rush with the ball, eager to show his speed. But Louis remained calm.

He knew that wasn't what Wenger needed. Wenger needed goals. No matter how fast you dribble, it's all useless if you can't finish. So, Louis waited for his opportunity, cruising around the edge of the penalty area.

After a training match, Walcott was panting from exhaustion. The players defending him were also exhausted, but he didn't score. On the other hand, Louis scored a goal and completed an assist. After running into position to catch the ball and drawing the goalkeeper, he calmly passed it to Wilshere, who came in behind and scored in the empty goal.

Wilshere, elated, jumped on Louis. "Thank you, Louis! Your pass was great!"

"Nonsense, it was an easy finish," Gibbs laughed from behind.

The competition between Louis and Walcott might strain their relationship, but it didn't affect the other players. Competition for positions is something every player will experience. 

Wenger also observed this. He was satisfied with Walcott's active training, though he noted that Walcott was too eager to impress. He needed Walcott to use his speed at critical moments, not squander his energy. Louis, on the other hand, showed great maturity.

Wenger began to consider giving Louis more opportunities. However, he quickly dismissed the idea of starting Louis in the next game against Manchester City. But Louis was definitely qualified to be on the roster.

After training, Wenger announced the squad for the away game against Manchester City on September 15. Louis's name was on the list! Louis clenched his fists in satisfaction.

"Congratulations, Louis," Italian goalkeeper Mannone patted him on the shoulder.

"Thanks!" Louis smiled, knowing he was unlikely to start but thrilled to make the squad in his first game at Arsenal.

He saw Walcott on the other side, clenching his fists too, clearly determined to defend his position.

"Ding! [Football Bond System] is triggered, you have obtained a new module, please check the fusion training plan!" The system voice sounded.

Louis opened the system.

Competitive Bonds: What? Walcott feels threatened by you?

Module Obtained: Walcott Burst Speed Module

Fusion Difficulty: S**

Fusion Progress: 50% (after all, you were very fast before)

Estimated Time for Full Integration: 30-60 days

First Phase of Integrated Training Plan:

Louis was elated. Walcott's burst speed was one of the best in football. If he could integrate this module, his own speed would significantly improve.

On match day, Louis got up early as usual. But today, instead of just little Serena greeting him, all his neighbors came out.

"Come on, Louis!"

"What a shame this game isn't at home!"

"Do your best! We'll cheer for you at the next home game!"

"Go beat Manchester City!!"

Amid the cheers of his neighbors, Louis smiled and jogged towards the Kearney training base.

Louis being selected for the match squad didn't cause much stir in England. It was just a roster spot. However, on the Arsenal fan channel, DT complained once again.

"He actually made the squad? Don't we have any other forwards? We sold Robin van Persie and bought Louis. No offense, but Louis isn't even fit to lace Van Persie's boots! We need a real goalscorer!"

On Sky Sports' Premier League Preview, Martin Keown teased Gary Neville about Louis making the squad.

"He made the squad in the first game. It seems he's not far from starting. Gary, does your bet still stand?"

Gary Neville snorted but didn't respond confidently. If Louis got stable substitute appearances, starting in some matches wouldn't be surprising.

In England, the discussion was limited. But in China, Louis making the squad was shocking news.

"Overseas player Louis selected for Arsenal match squad!"

This headline attracted massive attention. Many fans still didn't know whether Louis had Chinese nationality, but it didn't matter. His father was definitely Chinese.

Thus, before he chose a national team, China's national team still had a chance, though most fans didn't believe Louis would pick China over Italy if given the chance to win world titles.

Regardless, the focus now was on his upcoming match against Manchester City.