Chapter 5: Liverpool Vs Manchester United

At that time, the rivalry between the two teams was not about football but inter-city business.

In the 19th century, relations between the two cities were initially very harmonious, because Liverpool was known as a major port city in England, and Manchester was the first city to be economically developed since the English revolution.

However, the sweet relationship had to crack at the end of 1878. The world depression at that time made Manchester "blame" Liverpool for being considered to have imposed high tariffs on the distribution channels of their products.

Disappointed, Manchester then built its port to distribute the city's industrial products around the world in 1894.

The move, indirectly finally made the income of the city and residents in Liverpool drop drastically.

Back to the match, Manchester United appeared ferocious from the start of the first half. Appearing in front of their fans, of course, they want to score goals as soon as possible. But Liverpool's defense under the command of Sergio Van Dyke, was able to withstand Manchester's ferocious attacks. He made clearances and clean tackles to keep Liverpool's goal safe.

Of course, Liverpool also did not stay silent, in the 15th minute they launched a counter-attack. Van Dyke provided the pass far forward. The pass was received by Liverpool midfielder Steven Roger the Liverpool captain. Manchester United did not stand idly by, their defensive midfielder, Frans launched a tackle on Steven who had just received the ball. But Steven pushed the ball to the left to avoid a tackle from Frans. He then gave a through pass towards the wing.

Liverpool winger Ahmed immediately stabbed into the Manchester United penalty box. He then passed Manchester United's center back, Rio Fernand with a fake move. However, another center back, Fadick, closed Ahmed's shooting range.

Ahmed gave an unexpected back pass. Sisinho, a striker from Brazil, immediately kicked the ball in the first touch. The Manchester United net is shaking.

1-0 to Liverpool.

The Red Devils fans immediately gave a mocking shout at Liverpool who celebrated their goal.

The match continued, Manchester United again attacked the Liverpool goalpost fiercely. The action of Liverpool goalkeeper, Jim Becker, was extraordinary many times holding off the shots of Manchester United players. However, at the end of the first half Manchester United was awarded a penalty after Ron was brought down in the box by Sergio Van Dyke. The penalty is controversial because Van Dyke argues he didn't touch Ron at all. But the referee still gave a penalty to Manchester United.

Ron then took the penalty calmly. Manchester United managed to equalize just before the first half whistle ended.

***

At the start of the second half, Frans made a fatal blunder after his pass to Rio Fernand was snatched by Sisinho. Sisinho who got the ball immediately provided a through ball for Ahmed who escaped the offside trap. Ahmed confronted the goalkeeper by setting the ball into the corner of the Manchester United goal. The Liverpool player listed his name on the scoreboard.

Sir Alex Henderson looked very angry with Frans' blunder, he immediately replaced Frans with a young player named Fred.

In the 69th minute, Liverpool got a free kick in front of the penalty box. Their captain Steven Roger will take the free-kick. Roger gave a floated pass into the Manchester United penalty box, during the chaos Van Dyke managed to get the ball into the Manchester United goalpost. After the goal, Liverpool played down their defense and piled on players in the penalty box leaving only Ahmed in front. They also replaced Sisinho and brought in another defender to strengthen the defense.

Even though Manchester United's score was 2 goals behind, Kazuki saw that the enthusiasm of the fans was still burning. They seem very confident Manchester United can turn things around. It is very reasonable because the Red Devils often score goals at the end of the game.

Sure enough, in the 83rd minute - Van Dyke received his second yellow card, the Liverpool defender had to leave the field prematurely. Liverpool, who played with 10 men, was increasingly attacked by Manchester United.

In the 87th minute, Ron received a pass from Ruggard, a young player who came from the Manchester United academy. Ron gave a hard kick that managed to break into the Liverpool goal.

The official gave 4 minutes of added time, which was enough time for Manchester United to equalize. All the Manchester United players including the defenders up forward so far into Liverpool's defensive territory, even their goalkeeper was in half the football field assisting his team.

Manchester United who are too absorbed to attack finally accepts the consequences. In the 93rd minute, Liverpool launched a counter-attack, Ahmed who managed to get past the offside trap immediately brought the ball quickly. The Manchester United keeper scrambled into his net, but Ahmed fired a long-range shot which quickly overtook the Manchester United keeper and ended up rattling the net for the Red Devils.

At that moment the fans watching the match fell silent.

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The final whistle sounded. Final score 4-2 for Liverpool victory. The Reds managed to beat Manchester United even with a controversial penalty and 10 men in stoppage time.

***

In [Dream Training] Kazuki asked the GM, "Do you think I should change positions?"

In football, there are several identical positions so it doesn't require too much adaptation when playing in that position. Among them are full-back and winger, defensive midfielder and center back, left-winger, and right-winger. But the striker's position is unique, that's because the striker's position is very different from other positions. Of course, some strikers can play in other positions such as wing positions but the striker's game will not play optimally as a winger.

Vice versa, if the striker's position is occupied by the wrong person, then it is difficult for that person to play optimally unless he plays with a false nine strategy that does not need a pure striker.

"Why do you think like that?" asked the GM.

Kazuki lowered his face and said, "Somehow at this moment those who scored the most goals are Wingers."

Tactics and formations in football evolve with the times. The traditional winger is only tasked with bringing the ball to the side and then providing a cross to the striker. However, after the modern winger was born, the role of the winger changed from that of a striker supplier to being the most important goal scorer on the team.

"Why did you choose the position of a striker? Is it just because you want to score goals?"

That's not the only reason, Striker has always been a position that is not maximized properly in the Japanese national team. There are many great Japanese players whether it's in midfield or on the wings but for a pure striker, it's hard to find someone good at that position.

Kazuki was embarrassed to say it to the GM. However, thinking about the Japanese national team is going too far for now.

"No matter what your reasons are, my advice is not to change your position. You have no advantage over the others on the flanks. Your speed isn't fast enough to get rid of defenders. Techniques and skills aren't sophisticated enough to fool the opponent. most importantly for Asian people, your tall stature has great potential. Don't waste your current advantage."

GM gave his advice at length. He then continued, "If you want to learn another position wait until you master your role as a striker. By then it is not too late to learn another position."

Being able to play in other positions is of course an advantage. Someone who can play in many positions will help the coach in various situations. But it must be remembered, mastering one field is better than knowing many fields but not mastering one.

At the suggestion of the GM, Kazuki buried his desire to try playing in another position.

After that, he continued his training as usual. For approximately one week since Kazuki had [Dream Training] he had tried various situations and conditions that he would face as a striker. The progress that Kazuki was experiencing wasn't bad either. In terms of the accuracy of the first touch shoot, Kazuki had a very good improvement. Now he has an aspect of sharpness in every attack.

Then, his ability to receive the ball also experienced development. Although it couldn't be called very skilled, Kazuki's ball receiving ability was at least on par with the skills of his comrade. As long as it wasn't under tight marking, Kazuki's shooting and receiving abilities had reached a good standard.

In the real world, Kazuki's training at Manchester United U-18 was also running smoothly. The training he did in [Dream Training] can also be felt. Coach Traves and Kazuki's colleagues at Manchester United U-18 also felt Kazuki's development. Bennet and Ethan are now close friends of Kazuki. Especially, Ethan, it turns out that he really likes Japanese culture, especially Anime and Manga. Ethan often invited Kazuki to discuss about it.

Kazuki was naturally happy when everything went smoothly.

However, things weren't as smooth as Kazuki thought. Kazuki's development turned out to make Perreira as the main striker of Manchester United U-18 feel jealous and feel threatened by his position.

In yesterday's training, in the mini-games, Perreira gave Kazuki a hard tackle that sprained Kazuki's ankle. Ethan who had been close to Kazuki almost got into a fight with Perreira. However, several Manchester United U-18 players who are also from Brazil defended Perreira by saying it was all unintentional.

Coach Traves Lennon himself does not mind the competition in his team as long as the competition is still within reasonable limits. As long as Perreira didn't seriously injure Kazuki. Traves wouldn't get too involved.

As a result, Kazuki had to be absent for one day from daily training. This incident made Kazuki further raise his awareness regarding the injury.. Because if he had a serious Injury, even [Dream Training] would be useless and his dream of becoming a top soccer player wouldn't come true.

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