Chapter 8 : On Loan??

MARCA: The Next Big Thing in La Masia?Introducing Nico Cruyff – The Grandson of Johan Cruyff

The football world was left in shock after Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi revealed the name of La Masia's true "Crown Jewel" during yesterday's post-match press conference. It wasn't the Argentine wizard himself, nor was it one of the many young stars already making waves in the first team. Instead, it was a 12-year-old boy currently playing for Barcelona's U-17 squad—Nico Cruyff.

For many, the name Cruyff carries legendary status, synonymous with the Total Football philosophy that revolutionized the game. But now, there's a new bearer of the name, and by all accounts, he may be destined for greatness.

Who is Nico Cruyff?

Born on June 7, 2000, Nico Cruyff is the grandson of the legendary Johan Cruyff. Unlike many famous footballing relatives who struggle under the weight of expectation, Nico has not only embraced the legacy but has already begun carving his own path at an astonishing pace.

A Prodigy Unlike Any Other

At just 12 years old, Nico has been tearing through Barcelona's youth ranks, skipping age groups at an unprecedented rate. Currently playing for the Barcelona U-17 squad, he has taken the youth football scene by storm, showcasing a level of skill, intelligence, and dominance rarely seen at such a young age.

His stats over the past three years tell the story of a phenomenon in the making:

Total Matches Played: 180+Goals Scored: 500+Assists Provided: 200+Win Rate: 100% (Has never lost a competitive youth match)

Not only does Nico score goals for fun, but his ability to dictate play, unlock defenses, and perform under pressure has already earned him comparisons to legends like Messi, Cruyff, and even Zidane.

Skillset & Playing Style

According to those who have watched him play, Nico is an attacking midfielder/winger with an outrageous combination of technical brilliance and footballing IQ. He is a free-kick specialist, capable of bending the ball in unpredictable S-shaped curves—a technique that has already stunned senior Barcelona players in training.

Some of his notable skills include:

S-Shaped Free Kicks (Master-level precision)Pendulum Dribbling (A move inspired by Ronaldo Nazário)Robben's Cut-In (Deadly left-footed shots)Marseille Turn & La Croqueta (Mastery of close-control dribbling)Trivela Passes & Shots (Perfectly curved outside-foot technique)What's Next for Nico Cruyff?

With Barcelona's senior players already aware of his talent, and Pep Guardiola personally vouching for his abilities, it seems like only a matter of time before Nico makes the leap to professional football. Some reports suggest that he may even train with the first team within the next year.

One thing is certain—Spain, and the football world, has a new prodigy to watch.

_____________________

May 5, 2014.

Nico was now 13 years old, nearing his 14th birthday in a month. Over the years, he had continued his meteoric rise, breaking every record imaginable at La Masia. His dominance had reached such an extent that despite his young age, he was now training with Barcelona B, playing alongside teenagers and young professionals nearly five years older than him.

Sitting in the living room of their Barcelona home, Nico was deep in conversation with Johan Cruyff, his grandfather and mentor. He leaned back on the couch, his emerald-green eyes filled with determination as he spoke.

"Grandpa, I think it's time for me to go out on loan," Nico said, his voice carrying an air of certainty.

Johan, seated across from him, let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as he observed his grandson. "You're not even 14 yet, and you're already thinking about a loan move?"

Nico nodded. "I've already trained with Barcelona B for months. I dominate in training, and even though I can't officially play for them yet, I know I can handle senior football. I need real challenges, real competition—not just youth games or training matches."

Johan's expression turned thoughtful. He had expected this conversation sooner or later. Nico had always been ambitious, driven beyond his years, and at this point, it was undeniable—he was too good for youth football. But sending a 13-year-old out on loan was unprecedented. Even the greatest talents usually stayed at the club until at least 16 before making such a move.

Johan sighed and leaned forward. "You're special, kid. No doubt about it. But we have to be careful. A loan at your age… the wrong move could stunt your development instead of helping it."

Johan leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the armrest as he mulled over Nico's request. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke.

"If you're that determined, I won't stop you," he said, looking at Nico with a serious expression. "But I won't let you leave this summer."

Nico furrowed his brows slightly. "Why not?"

Johan smiled knowingly. "Because you're not ready yet. Not physically—you're still growing. And we need to find the right club, one that will actually play you and help you improve, not just sit you on the bench or throw you into a league where you'll get kicked around without protection."

Nico listened carefully, knowing that his grandfather was speaking from experience.

"Winter. January 2015. That's the best time," Johan continued. "By then, you'll be 14 and a half, you'll have trained with Barcelona B for another six months, and we'll have time to choose the right destination."

Nico thought about it for a moment before nodding. His grandfather was right. If he waited until January, he could keep building his body, further polish his skills, and prepare himself for the physicality of senior football.

"Alright, I'll wait until the winter window," Nico agreed, his green eyes shining with determination.

Johan smirked. "Good. Now let's make sure when you leave, you're not just good—you're unstoppable."

Nico sat comfortably in the Barcelona president's office, his emerald-green eyes scanning the room as he leaned back in his chair. Beside him, Johan sat with his usual relaxed demeanor, while across from them, the Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, adjusted his tie and glanced at the documents in front of him.

"So," Bartomeu began, his tone curious. "Johan told me you're looking for a loan move this winter."

Nico nodded. "Yes. I think it's time for me to step into professional football."

Bartomeu raised an eyebrow. "You're only 14, Nico. Not even 15 yet. Most clubs won't give a 14-year-old regular minutes, even if you're as talented as Johan says."

Johan chuckled. "Trust me, they will."

Bartomeu exhaled, shaking his head with a small smile. "I don't doubt his talent, Johan, but the club also has to be careful with our young stars. We can't just send him anywhere. Where were you thinking?"

Nico glanced at Johan, who had already gone through possible options.

"We've had a few clubs interested," Johan said, his voice calm yet firm. "Some from the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and even Germany. But we want a place where Nico will play—not just sit on the bench."

Bartomeu nodded, understanding the weight of the decision. "That makes sense. Do you have a preference, Nico?"

Nico thought for a moment before speaking. "I want to go somewhere that plays good football. A team that values possession, attacking play, and young talent."

Johan smirked. "In other words, a team that plays like Barcelona."

Bartomeu chuckled. "That narrows things down a bit. I'll have my team reach out to the clubs that fit your profile, and we'll see what offers come in before making a final decision."

Bartomeu leaned forward, tapping the document in front of him with his fingers. His expression was serious but intrigued.

"There's an interesting offer on the table," he said, looking between Johan and Nico. "It's from Real Betis."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "Betis?"

Johan stroked his chin, listening carefully.

Bartomeu continued, "Both their starting and substitute wingers are injured, and they're completely out of transfer budget. They need reinforcements but can't afford to bring anyone in. So, they've decided to give you a chance."

Nico's eyes sharpened. "What's their offer?"

Bartomeu nodded. "They're willing to let you start a few games, but for the most part, you'll be coming off the bench—at least at first. However..." He hesitated before adding, "They're currently in the relegation zone."

Nico thought about it for a moment. A team in the relegation battle would mean fewer expectations but more responsibility. He'd get real first-team minutes, a chance to prove himself at the highest level. And if he helped them escape relegation, it would be an incredible statement at just 14 years old.

Johan studied his grandson's face. "It's a tough environment, Nico. Relegation battles are brutal. Are you sure about this?"

Nico nodded without hesitation. "I want real challenges. I'll take it."

Bartomeu smiled, nodding as he leaned back in his chair. "Alright, we'll finalize the paperwork and arrange the loan move."

Johan looked at Nico one last time. "You're sure about this?"

Nico smirked. "Absolutely."

Bartomeu added, "You'll remain a Barcelona player, of course. This is just a step in your development. A chance to test yourself in La Liga."

Johan chuckled. "Betis might not know what they're in for."

Bartomeu handed Johan the necessary documents, and after a few signatures, it was official. Nico Cruyff was heading to Real Betis on a six-month loan for the rest of the 2014-15 season.

_______________

Lying in his bed, Nico took a deep breath, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet, except for the faint hum of the city outside his window. His body was sore from training, but his mind was alive with excitement.

He had made his decision—he was going on loan. Real Betis wasn't an ideal situation, but it was a challenge, a stepping stone to something greater.

With a thought, he summoned the System, and the familiar blue holographic interface appeared before him.

[System Interface]

[Name] Nico Cruyff

[Date of Birth] June 7, 2000

[Age] 14 years old

[Height] 174 cm

[Weight] 62 kg

[Attributes]

Pace

Acceleration: 70

Sprint Speed: 69

Dribbling

Ball Control: 72

Agility: 71

Skill Moves: 70

Shooting

Finishing: 68

Shot Power: 78

Long Shots: 73

Volleys: 70

Passing

Short Passing: 72

Long Passing: 70

Vision: 74

Curve: 80

Crossing: 69

Defending

Tackling: 63

Interceptions: 61

Defensive Awareness: 62

Physical

Stamina: 78

Strength: 76

Balance: 79

Jumping: 75

Free Kicks

Free Kick Accuracy: 88

Set Piece Technique: 87

[Skills]

S-Shaped Free Kick – Advanced

Pendulum – Advanced

Robben's Cut-In – Advanced

Cruyff Turn – Advanced

Ronaldo Chop – Advanced

La Croqueta – Advanced

Elevator Free Kick – Advanced

Marseille Turn – Intermediate

Trivela – Intermediate

[SP] 2100

[Shop] Unlocked

Nico smirked as he skimmed through his stats. He was developing exactly how he had planned, but he knew that raw talent alone wouldn't be enough. Experience was key.

Opening the Shop, he prepared to see what new abilities he could unlock.

Nico scrolled through the Shop, his emerald-green eyes scanning the list of skills available for purchase. He had been eyeing a particular move for a while now—Elástico. A signature of players like Ronaldinho and Neymar, it was a devastating trick that could break ankles and leave defenders stumbling.

Without hesitation, he selected it.

[-400 SP] Elástico acquired.

As soon as he confirmed the purchase, a sudden warmth spread through his legs, and a flood of muscle memory settled into his mind. He clenched his fist, already feeling the movement in his feet.

But he wasn't done yet. He still had 1,700 SP left, and he had no intention of letting it sit idle.

Would you like to convert 1,700 SP into Attribute Points?

[Yes]

+34 Attribute Points added.

Nico took a deep breath, feeling the difference. He clenched and unclenched his fists, already itching to test out his improvements.

A smirk played on his lips.

He was ready.