Chapter 9 : To Betis

Nico quickly navigated to the Attributes section of the system, ready to distribute his newly earned 34 Attribute Points.

He focused first on his Shot Power, increasing it by +5—a stronger strike would make his shots even deadlier.

Next, he allocated +10 to Long Passing. As an attacking midfielder and winger, he needed to deliver pinpoint passes across the pitch.

Then, he boosted his Free Kick Accuracy by +5, ensuring he remained an unstoppable threat from set pieces.

For his physical attributes, he added +5 to Acceleration, giving him a quicker first step, and used the remaining +9 on Sprint Speed, making him significantly faster.

Satisfied, he checked his updated stats.

[System Interface][Name] Nico Cruyff

[Date of Birth] June 7, 2000

[Age] 14 years old

[Height] 174 cm

[Weight] 62 kg

[Attributes]

PaceAcceleration: 75 (+5)Sprint Speed: 78 (+9)

DribblingBall Control: 72Agility: 71Skill Moves: 70

ShootingFinishing: 68Shot Power: 83 (+5)Long Shots: 73 (+5)Volleys: 70

PassingShort Passing: 72Long Passing: 80 (+10)Vision: 74Curve: 80Crossing: 69

DefendingTackling: 63Interceptions: 61Defensive Awareness: 62

PhysicalStamina: 78Strength: 76Balance: 79Jumping: 75

Free KicksFree Kick Accuracy: 93 (+5)Set Piece Technique: 87

[Skills]S-Shaped Free Kick – AdvancedPendulum – AdvancedRobben's Cut-In – AdvancedCruyff Turn – AdvancedRonaldo Chop – AdvancedLa Croqueta – AdvancedElevator Free Kick – AdvancedMarseille Turn – IntermediateTrivela – IntermediateElástico – Beginner

[SP] 0

[Shop] Unlocked

Nico closed the system, a determined glint in his emerald-green eyes. His time at Real Betis was approaching, and he was ready to prove himself on the grand stage.

________________

January 2, 2015

The sun hung high over Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, Real Betis' training ground, as Nico stepped out of the car. Dressed in a simple tracksuit, he took in his new surroundings. This was it—his first real test in professional football.

He walked towards the main building, where club officials were waiting for him. The process of signing the necessary paperwork was swift, with representatives from both Betis and Barcelona present. His loan deal was officially confirmed. For the next six months, he would wear the green and white of Real Betis.

After finalizing the documents, Nico was led through the facility. The training ground had a different atmosphere compared to La Masia. Here, the stakes were higher. This was a team battling relegation in La Liga, a club fighting for survival. It was no place for hesitation.

As he was escorted towards the coach's office, he could hear the sounds of the first-team players training outside—shouts, whistles, the crisp thud of the ball being struck. It reminded him of the world he once knew, the life he was destined to reclaim.

When he entered Pepe Mel's office, the experienced coach was seated at his desk, reviewing tactical notes. He looked up, his eyes studying the 14-year-old standing before him. For a moment, there was silence. Then, Mel leaned back in his chair, a small smile appearing on his face.

"So, you're the one everyone's been talking about," he said, extending his hand.

Nico stepped forward and shook it firmly. "It's a pleasure to be here, coach."

Mel chuckled. "You don't look nervous at all. Most kids your age would be overwhelmed stepping into a first-team environment."

"I'm not most kids," Nico replied, his emerald-green eyes unwavering.

Mel raised an eyebrow, amused by the confidence. "I like that. But confidence alone won't be enough here. We're in a tough position. This isn't Barcelona's academy—this is a team fighting for survival in La Liga. You will have to earn your place. Nothing will be given to you."

Nico nodded. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

Mel studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Good. You'll meet the squad soon. For now, get changed. Your first training session starts in an hour. Let's see what you can do."

Nico smiled. This was exactly what he wanted—a challenge.

_______

Pepe Mel led Nico out onto the training pitch, where the Betis first-team players were already warming up. The sun cast long shadows over Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, and the crisp January air carried the sounds of passing drills and quick exchanges in Spanish.

The coach clapped his hands, calling the players to gather. They formed a loose semi-circle around him, some standing with arms crossed, others bouncing lightly on their feet. These were full-grown professionals, men playing at the highest level, and now, standing in front of them, was a 14-year-old kid.

Pepe Mel gestured toward Nico.

"Alright, listen up. This is Nico Cruyff. He's on loan from Barcelona and will be with us until the end of the season. I don't need to tell you who his grandfather is, but he's here to prove himself just like the rest of you. Treat him like any other player."

Nico met the gazes of the players—some were curious, others skeptical, and a few seemed amused by his presence. Before he could say anything, a voice cut through the group.

"¡Hostia, míralo! He looks like a damn model, not a footballer," joked Joaquín Sánchez, the legendary Betis winger. The group burst into laughter.

Nico smirked. "Would it help if I looked older?"

"Maybe!" Joaquín laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "You sure you're not lost? The academy is down the road, chaval."

Before Nico could respond, Rubén Castro, the club's top striker, chimed in. "I don't know, Joaquín. The kid might be better than you already. You've been getting slow lately."

More laughter spread through the group, while Joaquín feigned an offended expression. "¡Vete a la mierda, Rubén! I could still run circles around you."

Pepe Mel shook his head, amused. "Alright, enough jokes. Let's see what the kid can do. Time for training!"

As the players dispersed, Nico exhaled softly. The teasing had been lighthearted, but he knew he had to earn their respect on the pitch.

The sun hung high over Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, Real Betis' training ground, as the team prepared for their upcoming clash against CD Tenerife on January 4, 2015.

The atmosphere was lively but focused, with players jogging onto the pitch, adjusting their socks, and chatting amongst themselves. This was a crucial match for Betis, who were fighting to climb up the table. The tension in the air was noticeable, but so was the determination.

Pepe Mel, the head coach, clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

"Alright, listen up!" he called out, his voice carrying authority. "We've got a tough game coming up against Tenerife. They're a defensively solid side, so breaking them down won't be easy."

He motioned toward the tactics board, where a rough outline of Tenerife's formation was displayed.

"They play compact, stay deep, and rely on counterattacks. We need quick movement, precise passing, and patience. If we rush, they'll punish us."

The players nodded, absorbing his words. Nico stood among them, listening intently. Though he was new, he knew he had to prove himself right from the start.

Pepe Mel then split the squad into groups, starting with positional rondos. These drills were designed to sharpen passing and movement in tight spaces.

Nico found himself in a group with Rubén Castro, Jorge Molina, and Dani Ceballos. The senior players were curious about the young talent but didn't go easy on him.

As the drill progressed, Nico showcased his quick feet and fast decision-making, always making himself available for a pass. He turned sharply between defenders, keeping possession under pressure.

Rubén Castro, watching him closely, smirked. "Not bad, kid. But let's see if you can keep it up in a real match."

Jorge Molina chuckled, stretching his arms. "Yeah, let's see what happens when someone actually tackles you."

Dani Ceballos grinned, nudging Nico playfully. "Or maybe he's already better than Rubén."

Laughter spread among the players, easing the tension. Nico just smiled. He wasn't one for unnecessary words—he'd let his football do the talking.

Next came patterned attacking plays, focused on breaking Tenerife's low block.

The players worked on quick one-twos, diagonal movements, and stretching the field with wide passes. The goal was to create gaps in Tenerife's defensive line.

Nico thrived in this exercise. His vision and ability to pick out precise passes helped the team move fluidly. When he received the ball at the top of the box, he sent a perfectly weighted through ball to Jorge Molina, who slotted it into the net.

"¡Madre mía!" Molina shouted, turning back to Nico. "This kid is serious!"

Pepe Mel watched from the sidelines, arms crossed. A small smile tugged at his lips. He had expected talent from Johan Cruyff's grandson, but this was something special.

As the training session continued, Nico blended seamlessly into the team. Though he was only 14, he moved and played with the confidence of someone far older.

________________

The next day, January 3, 2015, the players gathered in the team meeting room at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol. The atmosphere was serious yet filled with anticipation—tomorrow, they would face CD Tenerife in a crucial match.

Pepe Mel stood at the front of the room, looking at his players with an authoritative yet calm expression. He clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, gentlemen," he began. "We've trained hard this week, and I expect nothing less than full focus tomorrow. Tenerife will sit deep, stay compact, and try to frustrate us. Our job is to move quickly, stay composed, and take our chances when they come."

He turned to the tactics board and revealed the starting eleven.

Starting XI vs. CD Tenerife:

(4-2-3-1 Formation)

GK – Adán

RB – Molinero

CB – Bruno González

CB – Jordi Figueras

LB – Varela

CDM – N'Diaye

CDM – Dani Ceballos

CAM – Portillo

RW – Nico Cruyff

LW – Rubén Castro

ST – Jorge Molina

A murmur spread across the room when they saw Nico's name in the starting XI. Some of the senior players raised their eyebrows, while others nodded in approval.

Nico himself remained calm. He had been confident in his ability, but even he was slightly surprised to be handed a starting role on his debut.

Pepe Mel continued. "Yes, Nico is starting. I know some of you may think he's too young, but I don't care about age. I care about quality. In training, he's shown he belongs. Now it's time to prove it in a real match."

Jorge Molina turned to Nico with a smirk. "Looks like the kid's got a spotlight on him now."

Rubén Castro chuckled. "Hope you don't get stage fright, chico."

Nico simply smiled. "I'll let my football do the talking."

Pepe Mel nodded approvingly. "That's the attitude I want. Everyone, get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, we go to war."

__________________

January 4, 2015

The Real Betis team bus pulled up to Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López, home of CD Tenerife.

The moment the doors swung open, a wall of noise crashed into the players. Tenerife supporters had gathered outside, chanting and waving their blue-and-white scarves, determined to make their presence felt.

Inside the stadium, the energy was even more intense. Fans packed the stands, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

For Betis, this match wasn't just about securing three points—it was about survival. Sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone, they desperately needed a win.

Yet, the main topic of discussion among the Betis fans wasn't just the match itself.

It was about Nico Cruyff, the 14-year-old making his professional debut.

In the away section, groups of Betis supporters gathered, their voices filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

One older fan, wearing a vintage Betis jersey, shook his head. "A 14-year-old starting in a match this important? That's madness. We need experience, not experiments."

A younger supporter, scrolling through his phone, frowned. "I mean, I know he's from La Masia, but this is LaLiga 2. The physicality here is different. Can he really handle it?"

Another fan, clearly more optimistic, chuckled. "Come on, guys. This isn't just any kid. He's Johan Cruyff's grandson. That means something."

"But talent isn't inherited," the older fan countered. "We've seen countless 'next big things' fail before. What if he's just another overhyped academy player?"

A man wearing a green-and-white scarf leaned in. "You haven't seen his highlights, have you?" He grinned. "I have. The kid's special. They say he dominated La Masia. Over 500 goals and 200 assists before he even turned 14. Barcelona fans have been raving about him."

Another supporter, skeptical, shrugged. "Stats don't matter if he can't handle grown men on the pitch. It's one thing to dominate teenagers, but this is the Segunda División. He's about to play against defenders twice his size."

The younger fan nodded in agreement. "And we're in a relegation battle. We can't afford mistakes."

"But imagine if he delivers," the optimistic fan argued. "If he's even half as good as his grandfather, he could save our season."

The older fan sighed. "I hope you're right. Because if this kid flops today, it'll be the manager's head on the chopping block."

Meanwhile, in the Betis dressing room, Nico sat on the bench, quietly tightening his shin guards.

He could hear the muffled roar of the crowd above, feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him.

He had seen the doubt in some of his teammates' eyes. He knew what the fans were saying.

Too young. Too inexperienced. Too soon.

None of it mattered.

He looked down at the green-and-white jersey draped over his lap. His name was printed on the back.

This was his moment.

Nico Cruyff wasn't here to prove them wrong.

He was here to show them why they were wrong in the first place.

________________

As the players walked out onto the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López pitch, the roar of the crowd intensified. The Tenerife fans were in full voice, determined to make their home a fortress. Meanwhile, the traveling Betis supporters waved their green-and-white scarves, eager yet anxious about the upcoming match.

The commentators began running through the starting lineups as the players took their positions.

"And here we go, the teams are lining up, and let's take a look at the starting elevens for today's crucial Segunda División clash between CD Tenerife and Real Betis."

"For Tenerife, in goal, we have Roberto. Their backline consists of Moyano, Carlos Ruiz, Albizua, and Raúl Cámara. In midfield, Aitor Sanz and Vitolo will anchor the team, while Suso, Cristo, and Ifrán play just behind the striker. And leading the line is Aridane, their top scorer this season."

"Now for Real Betis. Between the posts, it's Adán, the former Real Madrid man. The defensive four consists of Molinero, Bruno, Jordi Figueras, and Varela. In midfield, we have Lolo Reyes and N'Diaye providing stability, while Ceballos takes on the playmaking duties. On the wings, we see Kadir on the left and—this is the big news—14-year-old Nico Cruyff starting on the right. Up front, Betis captain Jorge Molina leads the attack."

The camera zoomed in on Nico, who was standing alongside his teammates, looking calm and composed as he adjusted his sleeves.

The commentator continued, his voice filled with curiosity and excitement.

"And let's talk about that name for a second—Nico Cruyff. A historic moment here, as he becomes the youngest-ever debutant for Real Betis and one of the youngest to ever play professional football in Spain. At just 14 years old, he is making his first appearance in the Segunda División."

"For those unfamiliar, Nico Cruyff is the grandson of the legendary Johan Cruyff. Raised in La Masia, he has been making waves at the youth level, racking up over 500 goals and 200 assists before even turning 14. Many within Barcelona's academy believe he is the most talented prospect they've ever seen."

"But the big question is—is he ready for this level? It's one thing to dominate against kids, but today, he's playing against grown men, seasoned professionals, in a high-stakes relegation battle."

His co-commentator chimed in.

"It's a bold decision by the Betis manager, but it tells you just how highly they rate this young man. The club is struggling financially, they're dealing with injuries, and they need a spark. If this boy is anywhere near as good as his grandfather, we might be witnessing the start of something special."

The camera cut to the Betis manager on the sidelines, giving final instructions. Nico nodded, taking in every word.

The referee blew his whistle, signaling the start of the match.

The world was watching.

It was time for Nico Cruyff to show them what he was made of.