"Don't get too excited, kid!"
Philip pressed his palm down, signaling Zhang Xu not to get too worked up. "You're a good kid I've kept and nurtured. Of course, I don't want to let you go. But I know that the Belgian Second Division won't be your final destination. Your future lies in the top European leagues, right? We should plan for that in advance, shouldn't we?"
"The top European leagues?" Philip's words touched a long-buried longing deep within Zhang Xu's heart.
Everyone has dreams, and Zhang Xu was no exception. Before coming to Europe, he had dreams of making a name for himself in European football. But after countless failures, he had to hide that nearly impossible dream deep inside.
If it weren't for White Star taking him in, if it weren't for the unexpected activation of the "Super Midfield Training System," Zhang Xu might still be struggling with endless trials and failures.
Since the automatic activation of the "Super Midfield Training System," Zhang Xu knew that his life had undergone a monumental change. Professional football had gone from being an unattainable dream to a reality. However, even so, he didn't dare to think that he would one day play in one of Europe's top leagues.
But today, Philip had brought it up directly, and it made Zhang Xu's heart boil with excitement.
Yes, since I can establish myself in the Belgian Second Division and posses a rapid growth tool, why can't I restart the dream I've hidden for so long in my heart?
I can do it!
No! I'll definitely do it!
After a moment of silence, Zhang Xu looked up, and a sparkling light flashed in his eyes.
"Mr. Philip, I believe you! But," Zhang Xu had some doubts, "can I still transfer? The transfer market is already shut, isn't it?"
He had done some research on European transfers, and by September 26th, the transfer market should have already shut, making a move seem unrealistic.
"Of course not now!" Philip replied before Gill could respond. "Although League One is not much higher in level than our Belgian Second Division, it's still the third tier of a top five league, and competition is extremely fierce."
"And you, I believe you should be aware that despite your outstanding performance in the last game, your current level can only secure a place in the Belgian Second Division. You still have a long way to improve."
"Of course, if you continue to work hard and make progress," Philip glanced at Gill, "there might be a chance to move during the winter break, right, Gill?"
"It's indeed possible," Gill smiled. He didn't believe that Zhang Xu could reach the level of League One in less than half a season, but it didn't matter.
Zhang Xu had the confidence, and the "Super Midfield Training System" would show him what genius-level progress meant.
"Also," Philip added, "Zhang, you have a work permit issue, and if you're serious about this, we'll need to start the process early. Gill I've heard you guys have a good relationship with someone at the English FA?"
"You can rest assured about that. Sheffield United has an advantage that no other League One club has, and that's our annual special talent quota. Of course, this special talent quota is extremely precious," Gill smiled, avoiding the topic of the English FA. "Zhang, your current level isn't enough yet; you need to work even harder!"
"By the way, Zhang, I won't be staying at White Star all the time. I'll probably stay here for a week every two months. I hope that when I come back next time, you'll give me an unforgettable surprise," Gill stood up and extended his right hand.
With a smile, Zhang Xu shook Gill's right hand firmly and said, "Mr. Gill, I believe that the next time you come, I won't disappoint you!"
"Haha, I believe that too!" Philip laughed heartily. "Old Gill, shall we make another bet? Another 100 euros?"
Gill's face immediately soured...
"Beep beep! Main mission triggered: Successfully transfer to Sheffield United during the winter break! Mission complete. Reward: +1 to all attributes, 1000 experience points!"
The news of the potential transfer to Sheffield United and the release of multiple side missions greatly excited Zhang Xu. His dream of playing in one of the top European leagues became his ultimate goal in life, not just becoming a competent professional footballer.
With a clear goal in mind, his motivation was at an all-time high.
In the following days, everyone was surprised to see that Zhang Xu, who had risen to fame with his remarkable performance, did not become complacent. Instead, he trained even harder, with higher intensity and longer hours than before.
Even Philip was a bit alarmed by the intensity of his training and worried it might have a negative impact on Zhang Xu's body.
Since White Star Club was a semi-amateur football club, they lacked specialized athlete fitness testing equipment. Therefore, Philip arranged for Zhang Xu to undergo a comprehensive physical examination at a Brussels hospital to ensure his body could withstand such rigorous training.
The results showed that Zhang Xu's physique was as robust as a monster, with no hidden injuries or issues.
This meant that Zhang Xu's body could fully withstand the intense training regimen.
Seeing the examination results, Philip couldn't help but joke, "Are you sure you're not a robot wearing human skin? Or perhaps a star-level monster disguised as a human being?"
...
On September 28, 2011, three days after the match against Tienen, White Star played against Virton at their home stadium.
Virton had been promoted from the Belgian Third Division to the Second Division in the 08/09 season. However, in the past two seasons, their performance had been mediocre, with mid-table results.
But looking at the first seven rounds of this season, Virton's strength had deteriorated significantly. After seven rounds, they had one draw and six losses, with just one point, placing them at the bottom of the league table.
With White Star's morale boosted by their recent victory over Tienen, and with Zhang Xu solving the issue of disconnect between the team's midfield and defense, the team's overall strength had improved once again.
In this situation, no one favored Virton in the away game.
Indeed, 90 minutes later, the score was 3-0 in favor of the home team.
This was Zhang Xu's first start in a match, and as he stepped onto the field with his teammates, the stadium echoed with deafening cheers and chants:
"Iron Gate Zhang, we love you!"
This was the first time Zhang Xu had enjoyed such a high level of recognition, so he was extremely excited, waving his arms to acknowledge the fans.
Once the game started, Zhang Xu's performance was outstanding. His fierce tackles, precise interceptions, and intense duels with opponents turned the entire White Star defense into his stage.
The fans cheered loudly and enthusiastically for Zhang Xu's brilliant performance throughout the game.
So, the entire match was played in a feverish atmosphere at Stade Stadium, and when the game ended and the fans dispersed, they realized that their voices had become hoarse.
However, all three goals in the match had little to do with Zhang Xu. He didn't even manage to secure an assist. Moreover, he didn't receive the Man of the Match award; that honor went to Driss, who had provided two assists.
Zhang Xu didn't feel disappointed about missing out on the Man of the Match award. He was currently in a state of pure joy—why? Because of the system!
At the beginning of this match, the system had issued seven side missions all at once! Zhang Xu didn't hesitate to accept all of them.
Although he hadn't completed one of the side missions related to scoring a goal, he had successfully completed the other six side missions, which had given him a ten-point increase in attributes!
With the accumulated experience points from the past few days and the experience points gained from the side missions, Zhang Xu had just enough to level up twice, reaching level 12.
The ability level of players in the Belgian First Division typically ranged around 40 (with a maximum of 99), while the English League One had an average ability level of about 50.
Zhang Xu had set his sights on League One, so all his attribute allocations had to align with League One's standards.
After careful consideration, Zhang Xu allocated all the attribute points he had received as rewards. His attributes were now as follows:
__________________________________
Name: Zhang Xu
Level: 12
Experience Points: 112/2500 (Attribute points available: 0)
Current Ability/Potential Ability: 37/50 (Minimum for a professional player: 30, Maximum: 99)
Current Physical Fatigue/Condition: 17/82 (Maximum: 99)
__________________________________
[Technical Attributes (Maximum for each attribute: 99)]:
Crossing: 28
Dribbling: 26
Shooting: 24
Heading: 37
Long Shots: 23
Marking: 40
Passing: 32
Tackling: 44
Ball Control: 31
Technique: 42
Penalties: 31
Corner Kicks: 25
Set Pieces: 26
Throw-ins: 27
__________________________________
[Mental Attributes]:
Aggression: 46
Anticipation: 39
Bravery: 79
Composure: 71
Concentration: 61
Vision: 25
Decisiveness: 41
Determination: 83
Imagination: 21
Influence: 71
Off the Ball: 32
Positioning: 44
Teamwork: 48
Work Rate: 94
__________________________________
[Physical Attributes]:
Acceleration: 81
Agility: 47
Balance: 50
Jumping: 77
Stamina: 87
Speed: 92
Endurance: 88
Strength: 86
__________________________________
In other words, Zhang Xu's current level had surpassed the Belgian Second Division's standards and approached those of the Belgian First Division.
Moreover, his critical attributes for a defensive midfielder, such as Marking, Tackling, Positioning, and Teamwork, had all exceeded 40 points. These attributes alone could secure him a place in most Belgian First Division teams.
Zhang Xu's outstanding performance and significant changes during this period naturally caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Head Coach Mazu was highly satisfied with Zhang Xu's consecutive performances, considering Zhang Xu to have fully integrated into the team. Even the returning Baptiste, who had previously been injured, might find himself benched in favor of Zhang Xu.
"Zhang Xu is improving too quickly. I'm worried we won't be able to keep him. After this season, other teams might snatch him away!" Mazu expressed his concerns to Philip after the match.
"Somebody's already made a move! I just didn't have the chance tell you yet."
"So soon? Who?" Mazu asked in surprise.
"Sheffield United! Our affiliate club! You remember, Gill!" Philip didn't hesitate to expose his friend.
"Damn it!" Mazu cursed and sighed, "Our club has an agreement with them as well. If they really want to buy him, we won't be able to refuse. It looks like after Baptiste returns, we'll have to give him more playing time to regain his form, or... sigh!"
Philip watched Mazu walk away, sighing, "This brat, can't he stop being so exceptional?"