Chereads / Marcus-The Next Wayne Rooney / Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: And the Golden Boy Goes to ...

Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: And the Golden Boy Goes to ...

Player Details:

Name: Marcus Edge

Age: 17

Height: 5'8

Position: LW/LM

Current stats:

Pace-95

Dribbling-84

Shooting-86

Passing-86

Physicalilty-55

Acceleration-81

Agility-76

Reaction-69

Vision-74+5=79

Positioning-75

Stamina-84

Ball Control-78

Finishing-79

Crossing-77

Overall-84

Goals-24+2=26

Assists-15

This Season:

Games-10

Goals-4+2=6

Assists-7

Playstyle- Quick Step +

He gets a +5 in stats for getting the MOTM in the last chapter

The excitement was palpable as Aston Villa prepared to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Villa were the underdogs, and the odds were stacked against them. The Bavarian giants had a formidable team, and few gave Villa a chance. However, Marcus knew this was a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on the biggest stage, especially with the Golden Boy award announcement looming.

Champions League: Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich

The match kicked off, and Bayern Munich wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within the first ten minutes, they took an early lead with a well-executed goal. The Villa defense, led by Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, was caught off guard. The fans held their breath, fearing a long night ahead.

But Marcus had other plans. In the 25th minute, he received the ball in midfield and launched a counter-attack. Dribbling past two defenders, he spotted Ollie Watkins making a run into the box. With a beautifully created pass, he threaded the ball through Bayern's defense, perfectly placed for Watkins to slot it home. The stadium erupted in cheers as the scoreboard read 1-1. It was a moment of brilliance from Marcus, showcasing his vision and precision.

The first half ended with the score level, and the players headed to the dressing room with renewed determination. Unai Emery's halftime talk emphasized the importance of staying focused and capitalizing on their opportunities. Marcus listened intently, ready to make his mark in the second half.

The second half began with Villa displaying newfound confidence. Marcus was a constant threat, his dribbling and pace causing problems for Bayern's defense. In the 55th minute, he picked up the ball near the halfway line and surged forward. With a burst of speed, he dribbled past three defenders and, from 30 yards out, unleashed a powerful shot. The ball soared through the air, hitting the crossbar and bouncing into the net. It was a goal to remember, a testament to Marcus's skill and determination. The stadium erupted in joy, and Villa took a 2-1 lead.

But Marcus wasn't done yet. With Villa's defense holding strong, led by the heroics of Emiliano Martinez in goal, Marcus had the freedom to push forward. In the 70th minute, he received the ball inside the box. With a deft touch, he evaded a defender and curled a finesse shot into the bottom corner. Manuel Neuer, Bayern's legendary goalkeeper, was left helpless. The score was now 3-1, and Villa were in dreamland.

The fans couldn't believe what they were witnessing. Marcus was orchestrating a masterclass, and he wasn't finished. He wanted that hat-trick, and his determination was evident. Bayern Munich, desperate to avoid further humiliation, tightened their defense. But in the 85th minute, Ollie Watkins received the ball near the corner flag. He passed it to Jacob Ramsey in midfield, who then found Marcus on the left wing.

The Hat-Trick:

Marcus dribbled past Bayern's defenders with ease. He performed a fake shot, causing one defender to slide, and then another fake shot, sending a second defender to the ground. With only Neuer to beat, Marcus took his shot. The ball nutmegged the keeper and nestled into the net. Marcus had done it—a hat-trick against Bayern Munich. The score was now 4-1, and the Villa fans were in ecstasy.

The final whistle blew, and the match ended in a stunning 4-1 victory for Aston Villa. Marcus had delivered an unforgettable performance, with an assist and a hat-trick. The fans chanted his name, and the media hailed him as the hero of the night. It was a performance that made him the favorite to win the Golden Boy award.

The Golden Boy Award Ceremony:

The power rankings placed Marcus at the top, followed by Lamine Yamal and Arda Guler. The anticipation for the Golden Boy award ceremony was immense. It was a different experience for Marcus to sit among some of the biggest names in football. He wanted to win the award badly, as it was a stepping stone to establishing himself as the best young player in the world.

The ceremony began, and the atmosphere was electric. Marcus felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he waited for the announcement. Wayne Rooney, his idol, took the stage to announce the winner. "And the Golden Boy goes to... LAMINE YAMAL," Rooney declared.

Marcus's heart sank. Seeing Wayne Rooney announce Lamine Yamal as the Golden Boy was a crushing blow. He had poured his heart and soul into the season, delivered stellar performances, and yet, he had fallen short. The disappointment was overwhelming. Marcus couldn't bear to stay any longer. He left the ceremony abruptly, tears streaming down his face.

As he sat in his car, the weight of the moment bore down on him. The dream of winning the Golden Boy award had been shattered, and the sting of defeat was unbearable. Marcus cried, allowing himself to feel the pain and frustration. The accolades, the recognition, the validation he had sought—all of it felt distant and unreachable.

The thoughts swirled in his mind. Had he not done enough? Were his efforts in vain? The questions gnawed at him, and the uncertainty loomed large. But in the midst of his heartbreak, a steely resolve began to form. The setback, though painful, would not define him. Marcus knew that his journey was far from over, and he had much more to prove.

Will losing the Golden Boy affect Marcus's form? The next chapter will reveal how he channels his disappointment. Will it fuel his determination, driving him to greater heights? Or will the heartache linger, casting a shadow over his performances? The story is far from finished, and Marcus's path remains uncertain.

As Marcus drove away from the ceremony, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The tears had dried, but the fire within him burned brighter than ever. He was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, to push beyond the limits, and to show the world that he was destined for greatness.

The Villain Arc had taken a twist, but Marcus was determined to rise above it. The journey continued, and the future held the promise of redemption, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.k