Chapter 11: The Fight for a Starting Spot

Jason walked onto the training pitch the next morning with a fresh mindset.

Yesterday, he had earned his place in the squad.

But earning a spot and keeping it were two completely different things.

Now, he had to prove that he wasn't just some lucky trialist—he was here to stay.

As he tightened his laces, he overheard some players talking.

"Coach is still deciding the starting eleven," one said.

"Yeah. Just because you made the squad doesn't mean you're starting."

Jason smirked to himself.

Fine. If the starting spot wasn't guaranteed, he'd make sure he took it.

Training Begins

Coach Moreno gathered the squad together.

"We have a match in two days," he said. "Today's session is going to be intense. We're focusing on possession, pressing, and attacking transitions."

Jason's heart pounded.

This was his chance to show that he deserved to start.

The session began with small-sided games—5v5 drills on a tight pitch.

Jason was placed in a team with Rodrigo and a few midfielders, facing off against Lucas and some of the senior players.

The ball was played into him.

A defender rushed forward.

Jason flicked the ball around him with a sharp touch and spun away.

The space opened up.

Rodrigo made a run.

Jason played a quick through ball, splitting the defense.

Rodrigo struck it first-time—goal.

Jason felt the rush of satisfaction.

But Lucas?

Lucas wasn't happy.

A Rivalry Ignited Again

As the drill continued, Jason noticed Lucas targeting him.

Anytime Jason got the ball, Lucas pressed him hard.

At one point, Lucas even clattered into him, knocking him down.

Jason hit the ground hard.

Lucas smirked. "You sure you're ready for this level, rookie?"

Jason felt the heat rise in his chest.

He could see what Lucas was trying to do.

But Jason wasn't going to play that game.

Instead of responding with words, he responded with action.

A few minutes later, Jason received the ball again.

Lucas rushed in, expecting him to turn—

But Jason did something different.

He let the ball roll through his legs, spinning around Lucas effortlessly.

Lucas lunged, trying to recover—

Jason nutmegged him with a single touch and sprinted past.

The team erupted.

Rodrigo laughed. "Damn! You just embarrassed him!"

Even Coach Moreno raised an eyebrow.

Lucas, red-faced, clenched his fists.

But Jason?

Jason just smiled.

He had won this round.

Tactical Scrimmage

After the small-sided games, Coach Moreno split the team into two squads for an 11v11 scrimmage.

Jason's squad lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with him leading the attack.

Lucas was on the opposing team, playing on the left wing.

Jason immediately noticed something.

Whenever Lucas got the ball, he forced everything.

He ignored teammates, dribbled into crowds, and wasted chances.

Jason, on the other hand, played smart.

He made himself available, dropped deep when needed, and linked up with the midfield.

At the 30th minute of the scrimmage, the chance finally came.

Rodrigo intercepted a pass and quickly sent the ball forward.

Jason exploded into space, reading the play before the defenders could react.

Rodrigo's pass was perfect.

Jason sprinted past the last man, one-on-one with the keeper.

He took a quick glance—then chipped the ball elegantly over the goalkeeper.

Goal.

Coach Moreno blew his whistle.

"That's what I want to see!" he called out.

Jason jogged back, heart pounding.

He had made his statement.

The Final Decision

At the end of training, Moreno gathered the team.

"I'll be announcing the starting lineup tomorrow," he said. "Get some rest."

Jason exhaled.

Tomorrow would decide everything.

As he walked off the pitch, Lucas brushed past him, whispering:

"This isn't over."

Jason smirked.

"Good. I wouldn't want it to be."

Because rivals like Lucas?

They only made him stronger.

And Jason had no plans to slow down.