Zeb's heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and determination as he stepped onto the testing ground after Elias. He knew this was his chance to showcase his skills and secure a spot in the U18 training squad. Coach Bernardo observed him closely, his expression neutral yet attentive.
Dribbling and Agility Course
The first challenge mirrored Elias's start: a series of cones arranged in a zigzag pattern, meant to test Zeb's ability to control the ball at speed and navigate tight spaces. Zeb took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the task ahead. With a burst of acceleration, he darted forward, deftly guiding the ball through the cones. His movements were deliberate, each touch calculated to maintain close control.
As he approached the halfway mark, Zeb encountered a sudden change in direction. Reacting swiftly, he executed a quick step-over to evade an imaginary defender, then accelerated again towards the finish line. The coaches observed his technique closely, noting his smooth transitions and confident handling of the ball.
Passing Test
Next came the passing drill, where Zeb was tasked with showcasing his accuracy over various distances. He began with short passes to stationary targets, demonstrating precision and timing in his delivery. The coaches watched as he effortlessly moved the ball from foot to foot, distributing it with ease to the designated spots.
Encouraged by his initial success, Zeb moved on to longer passes, aiming to hit moving targets positioned further down the field. His passes were well-weighted and accurate, reaching their destinations with minimal deviation. The coaches nodded approvingly, impressed by his ability to distribute play effectively from midfield.
Shooting Test
The shooting drill presented Zeb with an opportunity to display his finishing ability under pressure. A goalkeeper took his place between the posts, guarding targets placed strategically around the goal. Zeb lined up his first shot, focusing on technique and precision as he aimed for the bottom corners.
His first attempt struck true, hitting the target with enough force to beat the keeper's outstretched dive. Emboldened by his success, Zeb continued to test the goalkeeper with shots aimed at various targets. His accuracy was notable, as each shot found its mark or forced the keeper into a difficult save.
Defending Drill
Lastly, Zeb faced the defending challenge, an area where he needed to prove his ability to read the game and intercept attacks. Paired against nimble attackers, he focused on positioning and anticipation to disrupt their progress. Zeb timed his tackles well, winning possession back and initiating counterattacks for his imaginary team.
While defending wasn't his natural forte, Zeb adapted quickly, using his physicality and awareness to thwart the attackers' advances. He intercepted passes, tracked runs, and communicated effectively with his teammates, showcasing his commitment to defensive duties.
After he finished, he looked over to Coach Bernardo for the results. He saw Coach Bernardo writing something on his clipboard
He joined Elias and the other players, waiting anxiously for Coach Bernardo's verdict. The coach approached, clipboard in hand, and addressed the group with measured authority.
"Elias, your performance today has earned you a position as a winger in training sessions with the U18 squad," Coach Bernardo announced, eliciting cheers and applause from the gathered players. Elias beamed with pride, shaking hands with the coach and thanking him for the opportunity.
"Zeb," Coach Bernardo continued, turning his attention to the next player in line. "Based on your performance across all drills, we believe your skills and versatility would best serve the team as an attacking midfielder."
A wave of relief washed over Zeb as he processed the coach's words. Attacking midfielder was a role he felt comfortable in, where he could influence the game with his vision and creativity. He nodded gratefully, accepting the coach's decision and eager to prove himself in the upcoming season.
| Congratulations to the player for completing the mission you will be rewarded with 5 stat points |
'Woah so many points for a single mission? This is far too broken!' thought Zeb.
The players gathered around Zeb, offering congratulations and words of encouragement. Elias clapped him on the back, a wide grin on his face.
"Congratulations, Zeb! You're going to light it up in midfield," Elias exclaimed, his excitement contagious among their teammates.
Zeb grinned back, shaking hands with his fellow players and soaking in the camaraderie of the moment. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the season ahead, each player determined to make their mark on the team.
After the testing session concluded, Zeb and Elias returned to their dormitory at the Benfica Campus, their minds racing with thoughts of the upcoming challenges and opportunities. They discussed their positions and the strategies they would employ to excel in training with the U18 squad.
Later that evening, Zeb received a message on his phone from Coach Bernardo, outlining the schedule for the next week's training sessions and detailing the expectations for each player. Zeb nodded to himself, a sense of focus settling over him as he prepared mentally for the rigorous training ahead.