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The morning after the match, Mateo arrived at the training grounds early. The crisp air carried the faint scent of freshly cut grass as he laced up his boots. His mind was buzzing with excitement from the previous day's performance, but he knew there was no time to rest on his laurels.
As he stepped onto the pitch, he noticed a group of unfamiliar players warming up on the far side. Coach Marc walked over, clipboard in hand.
"Listen up, everyone!" Marc called, gathering the team. "We've got a few trialists joining us today. Make them feel welcome. They're here to fight for a spot, just like all of you."
Mateo scanned the new arrivals. One of them immediately caught his eye—a tall, muscular defender with sharp features and an intense gaze.
"This is Alejandro Vargas," Marc said, introducing the towering figure. "He's a center-back from Sevilla's academy. Keep an eye on him in training."
The second trialist was a wiry, quick-footed winger with a confident smirk. "And this is Elias Mendes, previously with Villarreal. He'll be competing for a spot on the wing."
Mateo felt a spark of curiosity. Both players radiated confidence, but something about Elias's swagger hinted at a potential rivalry.
---
Warm-Up and Drills
The players began their warm-up, jogging laps around the pitch before moving into ball-control drills. Mateo was paired with Lucas for a rondo exercise, while Elias joined the opposite group.
As the drills progressed, Elias's speed and flair were on full display. He effortlessly nutmegged one of the defenders, drawing gasps from the others.
"Show-off," Raul muttered under his breath.
Alejandro, on the other hand, demonstrated his physical dominance during defensive drills. He intercepted passes with ease, using his size and positioning to shut down attackers.
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Tactical Training
Coach Marc divided the squad into small teams for a possession drill. Mateo found himself on a team with Victor, Lucas, and Elias. Alejandro anchored the defense for the opposing team.
The drill was intense. Mateo quickly realized that Elias had incredible off-the-ball movement, always positioning himself to receive a pass. However, his tendency to hold onto the ball too long frustrated Victor.
"Pass it quicker, Elias!" Victor barked after a turnover.
Elias shrugged. "Relax. I've got this."
Mateo decided to stay focused on his own role, controlling the tempo and linking up with Lucas. Alejandro's presence, however, was impossible to ignore. Every time Mateo tried to play a through ball, Alejandro intercepted it with ease.
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A Tense Scrimmage
To wrap up the session, Coach Marc organized an 11v11 scrimmage. Mateo was placed on the same team as Elias, while Alejandro played for the opposing side.
The match started with high intensity. Mateo focused on his role in midfield, dictating play and trying to find openings. However, Elias's individualistic style began to clash with the team dynamic.
In the 25th minute, Mateo threaded a perfect pass to Elias on the wing. Instead of crossing to Lucas, who was open in the box, Elias attempted a flashy dribble past two defenders and lost the ball.
"Come on, Elias!" Lucas shouted, throwing his hands in the air.
Alejandro's team capitalized on the mistake, launching a counterattack that ended with a goal. Alejandro celebrated with a fist pump, glaring at Elias as if to say, "That's what happens."
---
Post-Training Conversations
After the session, the players gathered for a cooldown. Mateo approached Elias, trying to offer some advice.
"You've got incredible talent," Mateo said, "but sometimes the simple play is better for the team."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "And who are you to give me advice? One good game doesn't make you a star."
Before Mateo could respond, Lucas stepped in. "He's trying to help you, man. You're good, but this is a team sport."
Elias scoffed and walked away, leaving Mateo and Lucas exchanging looks.
Meanwhile, Alejandro approached Victor. "This team's midfield is solid," Alejandro said, nodding toward Mateo. "He's got vision."
Victor smirked. "Stick around, and you'll see just how good he can be."
---
Later That Day
Back at home, Mateo shared stories about the new players with his mom and sister during dinner.
"Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you," his mom said.
"It's exciting, though," Mateo replied. "Alejandro is tough, and Elias… well, he's talented, but he's got a lot to learn."
Sofia grinned. "Maybe you'll teach him!"
Mateo chuckled. "We'll see."
As he lay in bed that night, the system chimed:
New Mission:
"Earn the respect of both Alejandro and Elias during the next training session."
Reward: +3 System Points.
Mateo smiled, ready for the challenge ahead.
---
---
The next morning, Mateo arrived at the training ground with a renewed sense of purpose. The system's mission lingered in his mind. Alejandro's respect seemed achievable through consistent play and leadership, but Elias would be a tougher nut to crack.
As the team gathered for warm-ups, Mateo decided to start small.
---
Building Trust with Alejandro
During a rondo drill, Alejandro was placed in the center. Despite his size and strength, he struggled to win the ball back as the group passed around him.
When Mateo noticed Alejandro's frustration growing, he decided to give him an opportunity. Feigning a poor first touch, Mateo let the ball roll a little too far. Alejandro pounced, sliding in to win possession cleanly.
"Nice one!" Mateo said, clapping his hands. Alejandro looked up, surprised but appreciative of the encouragement.
Later, during a possession game, Mateo sought Alejandro out for short passes, testing his composure under pressure. Alejandro responded well, showing surprising finesse for a defender of his size.
After the drill, Alejandro approached Mateo. "You're a smart player. Not many midfielders know how to use their defenders like that."
"Thanks. You're solid back there," Mateo replied. "We'll need that if we're going to keep clean sheets."
Alejandro nodded. "Stick together, and we'll lock it down."
---
Understanding Elias
Elias was a different challenge. His talent was undeniable, but his cocky attitude continued to alienate the team. Mateo decided to observe him closely during the tactical drills, looking for an opening to connect.
During a crossing exercise, Elias delivered a string of precise, powerful crosses into the box, impressing everyone. Mateo jogged over after the drill.
"Your delivery is incredible," Mateo said sincerely. "I haven't seen many wingers who can whip it like that."
Elias smirked. "Told you I've got skills."
"You do," Mateo agreed. "But imagine if you combined that with quicker decision-making. You'd be unstoppable."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "What are you, my coach now?"
"No," Mateo said, smiling. "Just a teammate who wants to see you succeed. If you win, we all win."
Elias paused, the smirk fading slightly. "I'll think about it."
---
The Turning Point
The team ended the session with a full-field scrimmage. Mateo found himself on the same side as both Alejandro and Elias, giving him a chance to test their chemistry.
In the 15th minute, Alejandro intercepted a long ball and passed it quickly to Mateo. Recognizing Elias's run on the right flank, Mateo sent a perfectly timed through ball into his path.
Elias sprinted onto the pass, beating his marker with sheer pace. Instead of trying to dribble through the defense, he cut inside and delivered a low cross into the box. Lucas, perfectly positioned, smashed the ball into the back of the net.
"Great ball, Elias!" Mateo shouted, jogging over to him.
Elias gave a small nod, the hint of a smile on his face. "Not bad, huh?"
Alejandro, jogging back to position, clapped Mateo on the shoulder. "That started with you. Good vision."
By the end of the scrimmage, the tension between Elias and the rest of the team had noticeably lessened. Mateo's efforts were paying off.
---
Post-Training Conversations
After practice, Mateo found Alejandro in the locker room, reviewing clips of his positioning during the scrimmage.
"You really study your game, don't you?" Mateo asked, sitting beside him.
"Always," Alejandro replied. "You don't get better by ignoring your mistakes."
Mateo nodded. "That mindset will take you far here. Keep pushing."
Alejandro smiled slightly. "You're not bad for a midfielder."
Meanwhile, outside the locker room, Elias leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Mateo approached him cautiously.
"You played great today," Mateo said.
Elias glanced up. "Thanks. Maybe I'll take your advice after all."
Mateo grinned. "If you do, we'll all be better for it."
For the first time, Elias extended his hand. Mateo shook it firmly, sensing that the rivalry was starting to turn into something closer to camaraderie.
---
System Notification
Mission Completed:
"Earn the respect of both Alejandro and Elias during the next training session."
Reward: +3 System Points.
Mateo smiled as he walked home, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Not every challenge on this journey would be physical or tactical—some would be about connecting with the people around him.
---