Chapter 21: A team that feels like Home

Player Details:

Name: Marcus Edge

Age: 17

Height: 5'8

Position: LW/LM

Current stats:

Pace-95

Dribbling-89

Shooting-86

Passing-86

Physicalilty-65

Acceleration-81

Agility-81

Reaction-69

Vision-79

Positioning-75

Stamina-89

Ball Control-78

Finishing-89

Crossing-87

Overall-87

Goals-37

Assists-26

This Season:

Games-25

Goals-17

Assists-18

Playstyle- 1) Quick Step +

2) Finesse Shot +

Marcus lay in his bed, nursing his bruised shoulder and hamstring injury. The pain was a constant reminder of his absence from the pitch, and the uncertainty of his recovery weighed heavily on him. Despite the support from Amella, Marcus couldn't shake off the worry about his team's performance without him.

One evening, as he was resting, the doorbell rang. Amella opened the door, and to Marcus's surprise, his Aston Villa teammates stood there with smiles on their faces. Tyrone Mings, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Jacob Ramsey entered the room, carrying snacks, drinks, and get-well-soon cards.

"Hey, you lazy mf !" Tyrone greeted, giving Marcus a gentle pat on the shoulder. "We couldn't just sit around knowing you're stuck here. Thought we'd bring the party to you."

Marcus's eyes welled up with tears at the sight of his teammates. "Thanks, guys. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Ollie Watkins grinned and handed Marcus a card. "Don't worry, mate. We'll hold the fort while you recover. We're going to win those matches and keep the dream alive."

John McGinn chimed in with a smirk. "And remember, you promised us you'd win the Ballon d'Or. We won't let your absence stop us from winning. We'll bring home the Champions League for you."

Jacob Ramsey added with a cheeky grin, "And hey, if you need any tips on faking injuries to get out of training, just let us know. We've got some great tricks up our sleeves!"

The room filled with laughter, and the camaraderie lifted Marcus's spirits. The power of friendship and support was evident, and Marcus felt a renewed sense of hope.

Later that night, as the festivities wound down, Marcus's phone buzzed with an incoming call. The name on the screen brought a smile to his face: Marcus Rashford.

"Hey, Rashy!" Marcus answered, his voice brightening.

"Hey, you crippled git!" Rashford's teasing tone brought a chuckle from Marcus. "Heard you got taken out by Van Dijk. What, did you owe him money or something?"

Marcus laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, he must have thought I am his wife or something, so he f*cked me." Marcus said laughing

"How's it going, mate?"

"Good, good. Thought I'd call and check on you. How's the injury?"

"It's a bruised shoulder and a hamstring issue," Marcus explained. "Out for 45 days, but I'll be back."

Rashford's voice turned serious for a moment. "Mate, I know it's tough, but you've got this. You're one of the best out there. Use this time to rest and come back stronger."

"Thanks, Rashy. Your words mean a lot," Marcus replied sincerely.

"And hey," Rashford added, his tone lightening. "Just think of all the extra time you'll have to work on your abs. You'll come back looking like a Greek god, and I'll still be here looking like a twig."

Marcus burst out laughing. "I'll send you some protein bars, don't worry. Maybe you'll bulk up before my return."

"You're on," Rashford said with a grin.

"And you might get happy listening to what I am going to say, but Ruben Amorim is on the verge of getting sacked, Manchester United is just not playing good, and there is no chance we even get top 4 this season."

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Marcus replied anxiously, "Bro I don't know what type of obsession he has with Garnacho. He loves young boys I guess."

"Ya lol, I really hope he gets sacked otherwise I am going to leave this team too. Just then take rest and remember, if you need anything, just call. I'm here for you, mate."

The call ends and now was the time for the Premier League and of course Marcus is injured so Aston Villa plays without him.

Despite Marcus's absence due to his injury, Aston Villa was determined to maintain their momentum. The team had made a promise to Marcus and Unai Emery that they would not let them down. The next four Premier League matches were against Newcastle, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Everton, and the players were ready to give their all.

Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Newcastle

The first challenge was a home game against Newcastle. Villa Park was buzzing with anticipation as the fans showed their unwavering support for the team. The absence of Marcus was keenly felt, but the players were resolved to fight for victory.

The match kicked off with Villa displaying intense determination. Newcastle's defense was organized, but Villa's midfield, led by John McGinn and Douglas Luiz, controlled the tempo. In the 20th minute, a well-executed corner from Martin Ødegaard found Tyrone Mings at the far post. Mings rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the net, giving Villa a 1-0 lead.

Newcastle responded with quick counter-attacks, but Villa's defense, anchored by Ezri Konsa, held strong. Emiliano Martinez made crucial saves to keep Villa in the lead. In the 55th minute, Newcastle found an equalizer through Callum Wilson, making it 1-1. However, Villa was determined to secure the win. In the 85th minute, a brilliant solo effort from Jacob Ramsey saw him dribble past two defenders and fire a low shot into the bottom corner, securing a 2-1 victory for Villa.

Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Bournemouth

Next up was an away match against Bournemouth. Villa's confidence was high, and they were determined to build on their success against Newcastle. The Vitality Stadium was filled with both sets of supporters, creating an electric atmosphere.

The match started with Villa on the front foot. The midfield trio of Luiz, McGinn, and Ramsey worked tirelessly to control possession and create opportunities. In the 15th minute, Ødegaard delivered a precise cross into the box. Watkins, positioned perfectly, headed the ball into the net, giving Villa an early lead.

Bournemouth tried to find an equalizer, but Villa's defense was resolute. Mings and Konsa made crucial interceptions, and Martinez's goalkeeping was impeccable. Villa continued to press, and in the 35th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Ramsey dribble past two defenders and pass the ball to Watkins. Watkins took a touch and fired a low shot into the corner of the net, making it 2-0.

The second half saw Bournemouth attempting to mount a comeback, and they managed to pull one goal back in the 65th minute through Dominic Solanke, making it 2-1. However, Villa's resilience was unwavering. In the 80th minute, a brilliant save from Martinez denied Bournemouth an equalizer. The final whistle blew, and Villa celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Brighton

The next challenge was a home game against Brighton. Villa Park was once again filled with passionate supporters, eager to see their team continue their winning streak.

The match began with Brighton showing attacking intent, but Villa's defense, led by Mings and Konsa, stood strong. In the 30th minute, Ødegaard played a clever through ball to Watkins, who beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Villa the lead.

Brighton continued to press, but Villa's midfield, anchored by Luiz and McGinn, controlled the game. In the 50th minute, a quick counter-attack saw Ramsey deliver a pinpoint cross to Watkins, who headed it into the net to make it 2-0.

The second half saw Brighton pushing for a comeback, but Villa's defense remained resolute. In the 75th minute, Martinez made a spectacular save to deny Brighton a goal. In the 88th minute, Brighton managed to score through Neal Maupay, making it 2-1. The match ended with Villa securing a 2-1 victory, much to the delight of the fans.

Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Everton

The final match in the series was an away game against Everton. Goodison Park was packed with both sets of supporters, creating a lively atmosphere.

The match kicked off with both teams showing attacking intent. Villa's midfield trio of Luiz, McGinn, and Ramsey controlled possession and created chances. In the 25th minute, Ødegaard delivered a corner into the box, and Mings rose above the defenders to head the ball into the net, giving Villa the lead.

Everton responded with quick counter-attacks, and in the 40th minute, Richarlison scored a header to equalize, making it 1-1. However, Villa's determination was evident. In the 55th minute, a counter-attack saw Ramsey dribble past two defenders and pass the ball to Watkins, who fired a low shot into the net to make it 2-1. Villa continued to manage the game well, maintaining their defensive discipline and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities.

In the 75th minute, Villa extended their lead. Ødegaard played a through ball to Ramsey, who calmly finished past the goalkeeper, making it 3-1. Everton pushed to find a way back into the game, but Villa's defense held strong. The final whistle blew, and Villa celebrated a 3-1 victory.

Next chapter Aston Villa plays the quarter finals of the Champions League and the opponent will be revealed in the next chapter, just then,

Stay tuned.