Chapter 18: The Promise
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+5=81
Reaction-69
Vision-79
Positioning-75
Stamina-84
Ball Control-78
Finishing-79
Crossing-77
Overall-84+1=85
Goals-26+3=29
Assists-15+1=16
This Season:
Games-10
Goals-6+3=9
Assists-7+1=8
Playstyle- Quick Step +
He gets +1 in overall for scoring the hattrick and +5 in stats for MOTM.
Marcus was devastated. Losing the Golden Boy award and coming in second in the power rankings had hit him hard. It was midnight, and he sat in his apartment, the weight of disappointment pressing down on him. Beside him was Amella, his girlfriend and biggest supporter. They had known each other since they were kids, and she had always been there for him. Tonight, more than ever, he needed her support.
"Amella, I can't believe I lost," Marcus said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I wanted to win that award so badly. I've worked so hard, and I thought this was my year."
Amella reached out, taking his hand in hers. "Marcus, I know how much this meant to you. But one award doesn't define you. You've achieved so much already, and I'm so proud of you."
Marcus shook his head, his frustration evident. "It just feels like all my efforts were for nothing. I wanted to prove myself, to show everyone that I belong among the best."
Amella's eyes softened as she looked at him. "You do belong among the best, Marcus. And you will. Remember, no matter what happens, whether you win or lose, I'm here with you. Just give your best, and I'll always be here to cheer for you."
Her words struck a chord with Marcus. He looked into her eyes, seeing the unwavering support and love she had for him. It was a reminder that his journey wasn't just about accolades and recognition; it was about the people who believed in him.
"You're right, Amella," Marcus said, a renewed determination in his voice. "I won't let this defeat define me. I promise you, I'll keep pushing. I'll make us proud."
The next day, Marcus approached Unai Emery with a fire in his eyes. "Coach, I made a promise to myself. I will win the next year's award, not the Golden Boy, but the Ballon d'Or. No one has ever won a Ballon d'Or while being a Golden Boy nominee, but I will be the first. I will become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes."
Unai Emery smiled, recognizing the determination in Marcus. "I'm glad you're back, Marcus. I always wanted to win Aston Villa the Champions League. We've always been a mid-table club, but I know this team carries the potential to do something incredible. I want to achieve that this season itself. Let's win the Champions League and the Premier League. This will get me what I want, and it will get you what you want too—the Ballon d'Or. Be the main man with me, and I'll take you to the Ballon d'Or."
Marcus nodded, a sense of purpose filling him. "I'm ready to do anything, Coach. I'll get you the Champions League this year."
The Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
The next match was in the Premier League against the mighty Arsenal. The anticipation was high as Villa Park filled with fans eager to see their team take on one of the league's top sides. Marcus was determined to make a statement, both for himself and for his team.
The game kicked off with intensity. Arsenal, known for their fluid attacking play, tested Villa's defense early on. But the backline, led by Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, stood firm. Emiliano Martinez made crucial saves to keep Villa in the game.
In the 30th minute, Marcus received a pass from Martin Ødegaard just outside the box. With a quick turn, he evaded a defender and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner. The stadium erupted in cheers as Villa took the lead. Marcus ran to the corner flag, celebrating with his teammates.
The second half saw more of the same from Marcus. He was relentless, pressing high and creating opportunities. In the 60th minute, he intercepted a pass in midfield and surged forward. Dribbling past two defenders, he calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. The fans were ecstatic, and Marcus was in the form of his life.
Villa continued to dominate, and in the 80th minute, Ollie Watkins added a third goal with a well-placed header from a Jacob Ramsey cross. The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard read 3-0 in favor of Aston Villa. Marcus was named Man of the Match for his two goals, and the fans chanted his name as he left the pitch.
Champions League: Aston Villa vs. Napoli
The next challenge was in the Champions League against Napoli. The atmosphere at Villa Park was electric as the fans filled the stands, eager to see their team compete on the European stage.
The match started with both teams showing attacking intent. Villa's midfield, led by Douglas Luiz and John McGinn, controlled the tempo. In the 25th minute, Marcus received the ball on the left wing. Dribbling past a defender, he delivered a pinpoint cross to Ollie Watkins, who headed it home to give Villa the lead.
Marcus continued to shine, and in the 40th minute, he provided another assist. Picking up the ball in midfield, he threaded a pass through Napoli's defense to Jacob Ramsey, who calmly finished to make it 2-0. The fans erupted in celebration, and Villa went into halftime with a comfortable lead.
The second half saw more of the same from Marcus. In the 70th minute, he dribbled past two defenders and squared the ball to Ødegaard, who slotted it home to make it 3-0. The final whistle blew, and Villa secured a resounding victory. Marcus was named Man of the Match for his three assists, and the fans chanted his name once again.
In the next five Champions League matches, Marcus continued to excel. He scored two goals and provided three assists, earning the Man of the Match award in three of them. Aston Villa finished third in the league phase of the Champions League, securing a spot in the Round of 16.
It was December, and half the season was over. With 18 Premier League games done, Aston Villa stood in second position, just three points off Liverpool. The team's success was a testament to their hard work and Marcus's brilliance on the pitch.
The match against Arsenal was just the beginning. Marcus continued to show a new level of confidence and skill. In the next six Premier League games, he scored three goals and provided four assists, earning the Man of the Match award in three of them. His performances were electrifying, and he found himself on the top scorer charts, just one goal behind Erling Haaland.
Marcus was on a mission. The setback of losing the Golden Boy award had ignited a fire within him, pushing him to new heights. His form was exceptional, and he knew that he needed to maintain and even enhance his performance to achieve his ultimate goal—the Ballon d'Or.