The Debut Miracle

The atmosphere at Johan Cruyff Arena was electric. Ajax was hosting a mid-table team, Excelsior, in an Eredivisie clash. The match had been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging blows and the score locked at 2-2 as the game approached its final stages. Among the substitutes, Alex Bram, the young prodigy who had dazzled in the youth leagues, waited eagerly for his chance to prove himself on the senior stage.

Alex had been on the bench for the last six matches, an experience that had been both frustrating and enlightening. Watching the games from the sidelines gave him a new perspective on the intensity and pace of professional football. He studied the movements of his teammates and opponents, absorbing tactical nuances and preparing himself mentally for the moment he would be called upon.

Despite the wait, Alex remained focused and determined. Coach Erik ten Hag had been supportive, often taking him aside to offer advice and reassurance. "Your time will come, Alex," he had said. "Stay ready, stay sharp. When the opportunity arises, seize it with both hands."

The match against Excelsior had been a tense affair. Ajax had taken an early lead, but Excelsior responded with two quick goals, exploiting gaps in the defense. The home crowd grew restless, urging their team forward. Ajax equalized just before halftime, setting the stage for a nail-biting second half.

In the 76th minute, disaster struck for Ajax. Their starting left winger, Justin Kluivert, was tackled roughly by an Excelsior defender. Promes went down clutching his ankle, and the medical team rushed onto the field. The crowd fell silent, the severity of the injury evident as Kluivert was carried off on a stretcher.

Erik ten Hag turned towards the bench, his expression thoughtful. His eyes settled on Alex Bram, who had been warming up intermittently throughout the match. "Alex," he called, his voice cutting through the tension. "Get ready. I want you on the field in two minutes."

Alex's heart raced as he began his warm-up routine in earnest. The crowd, recognizing him from his academy days, erupted in cheers and applause. The commentators picked up on the excitement, their voices animated as they discussed the young talent about to make his debut.

"Here comes Alex Bram," one of them remarked. "The youngster has been a revelation in the youth leagues. This is a big moment for him, and the fans certainly seem excited to see him."

"Absolutely," the co-commentator replied. "He's got incredible skills and composure for his age. Let's see if he can make an impact in these crucial final minutes."

As Alex completed his warm-up, the fourth official signaled for the substitution. The roar from the crowd was deafening as Alex jogged onto the field, high-fiving Kluivert as they crossed paths. Kluivert offered a few words of encouragement despite his pain, a gesture that meant a lot to the young winger.

Alex took his position on the left wing, his mind focused and clear. He felt a mix of nerves and excitement, but he knew this was his chance to prove himself. The game resumed, and Alex immediately got involved, making a couple of quick passes and daring runs.

Despite the pressure, Alex played with confidence and poise. His teammates, recognizing his talent and potential, fed him the ball frequently, allowing him to showcase his dribbling skills and vision. In the 80th minute, he received a pass from Frenkie de Jong and darted past two defenders, whipping in a dangerous cross that narrowly missed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's head.

The crowd roared in appreciation, sensing that something special was brewing. Ajax pushed forward relentlessly, seeking the winning goal. The Excelsior defense held firm, repelling attack after attack, but Alex's presence added a new dimension to Ajax's play.

In the 85th minute, Alex found himself with the ball on the edge of the box. He feinted to his right, drawing the defender off balance, then cut back to his left and unleashed a powerful shot. The Excelsior goalkeeper made a stunning save, tipping the ball over the bar. The crowd groaned, so close to a breakthrough.

As the clock ticked towards the 87th minute, Ajax launched another attack. The ball was played to Alex in midfield, just inside the Excelsior half. The crowd sensed something special as he turned with the ball, his eyes scanning the field. He saw a gap in the defense and decided to take matters into his own hands.

With a burst of acceleration, Alex darted forward, weaving his way past the first defender with a deft body feint. He slipped past the next challenge with a quick turn, his feet moving in a blur. The Excelsior players tried to close him down, but Alex's dribbling skills and close control left them chasing shadows.

The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as Alex approached the penalty area. He performed a perfect reverse elastico, leaving another defender flat-footed. Now only the goalkeeper stood between him and glory. Alex kept his composure, waited for the keeper to commit, then slotted the ball into the bottom corner with a precise finish.

The stadium erupted in pandemonium. Fans leaped to their feet, cheering and waving scarves. The commentators struggled to contain their excitement.

"What a goal! Alex Bram the number 30 has just scored a debut goal for the ages!" one of them exclaimed. "He took on the entire Excelsior defense and finished with such composure. This is a moment he'll never forget!"

"Unbelievable!" the co-commentator added. "He's only seventeen, and he's just produced a moment of magic. This is why there's so much hype around him. What a way to introduce yourself to the Eredivisie!"

Alex was mobbed by his teammates, their faces beaming with joy and admiration. Huntelaar lifted him off the ground in a bear hug, while Hakim Ziyech patted him on the back. Even the usually stoic Erik ten Hag couldn't hide his smile, applauding from the touchline.

As play resumed, Ajax tightened their grip on the game, determined to protect their lead. The final whistle blew to a chorus of cheers and applause. Ajax had secured a 3-2 victory, and Alex Bram was the hero of the day.

As he walked off the pitch, the reality of what he had achieved began to sink in. The fans chanted his name, a sea of faces smiling and clapping in appreciation. Alex felt a swell of pride and gratitude. This was a moment he had dreamed of for years, and now it was real. Suddenly he heard a Ding sound in his head. "When I get home I'll check it" he dismissed the notification.

In the post-match interview, Erik ten Hag praised Alex's performance. "Alex showed today why we have such high expectations for him. He has worked hard, and his talent is undeniable. This is just the beginning for him."

The media quickly picked up on Alex's debut heroics, and his name was soon trending on social media. Analysts and pundits praised his technical skills, composure, and the maturity he displayed on the pitch. The buzz around his potential grew louder, and comparisons to past Ajax greats began to surface.

Later that evening, Alex sat with his mother, reflecting on the day's events. His mother, Hannah, beamed with pride, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. "I'm so proud of you, Alex," she said, hugging him tightly. "You've worked so hard for this moment, and you deserve every bit of it."

"Thanks, Mom," Alex replied, feeling a mix of exhaustion and elation. "I couldn't have done it without your support."

That night, as Alex lay in bed, he replayed the goal in his mind. The way he had taken on the defenders, the roar of the crowd, the feeling of the ball hitting the back of the net—it was a memory he would cherish forever. But he knew this was just the beginning. There were many more challenges and opportunities ahead, and he was determined to seize them all.

"Status"

Status

Name: Alex Bram

Age: 17

Talent Estimation: Grade C

Points: 700

Evaluation: A teenage Dutch boy who just turned Pro.

Stats

Physical Fitness: B (Strength, Speed and Stamina)

Game Intelligence: B

Mental Ability: B

Soccer Technique: B

Skills:

1. Jay Jay Okocha Reverse Step Over (Completed: 90/100)

2. The Reverse Elastico (82/100)

3. Bend It Like Beckham (74/100)

4. Messi's Body Feints (86/100)

DING

(The System has seen that the host played his debut match as a Pro and will now give rewards according to his match stats)

Game Stats

Take Ons: 11

Shots: 2

Cross: 2

Passes Made: 6

Goal Scored: 1

Assist Made: 0

Match Evaluation: 8.5

Rewards

500 Points

One Stat to Level Up

"This is nice, so I get rewarded for how I perform. Watch out world for the GOAT is coming 😎" he said. "Level Up my Game Intelligence". Now he just have to look forward.