Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

When the bus came to a gentle stop in front of Liverpool's training center, the boys stood still, awestruck, looking at the modern and impressive structure. It looked like a labyrinth of immaculate lawns and gleaming glass pavilions, with the Liverpool crest painted on one of the main walls.

The inscription "You'll Never Walk Alone" was prominently displayed. It was an unbreakable promise of tradition and loyalty.

Eddie was the first to stand up and turn to the boys.

"Right, lads. This is the training center of one of the biggest powers in world soccer. You didn't come here just to watch, but to show these guys who you are. I want to see each one of you give the best you've got. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison, a chorus full of determination.

Eddie's eyes still carried a gleam of pride and nostalgia, mixed with a touch of sternness that showed he expected the best from them. The team hadn't come all this way to be mere spectators; each of the players knew that.

Alex, the assistant, gave a slight smile and beckoned everyone to get up and get their things. "Let's go, boys! Time to make our mark."

Lucas, who was near the window, was one of the first to get up, feeling his heart beat faster as he moved down the corridor.

As they got off the bus, a Liverpool representative, a tall, smiling man wearing a tracksuit with the club's crest on it met the group. His thick British country accent carried a firm, professional cordiality.

"Welcome to Liverpool's training center!" he announced. "My name is Mark, and I'll be accompanying you today. I know you've come a long way, so let's get straight to the point. Today, you'll have the chance to see where some of the greatest players in British soccer history have trained. And, who knows, maybe we'll get the chance to see some of you shine too, to steal you away from Brighton." He winked.

The boys exchanged glances while others disguised a sudden nervousness.

Lucas whispered to Raphael next to him, his eyes fixed on Mark. "That guy talked like he was testing us already..."

Raphael gave a muffled laugh, nudging Lucas lightly with his shoulder. "Maybe he just wants to see if we can handle the pressure."

The walk began, and Mark led the group down a corridor that led directly to one of the training center's indoor fields. The walls were decorated with photos of iconic Liverpool players, such as Gerrard, Carragher and Kenny Dalglish, each displaying moments of glory that would forever remain in the club's memory and its fans.

As they walked past the images, Denis murmured in awe: "Man... these guys played here. It's surreal to think that we're standing in the same place where they trained."

Arthur nodded in agreement, his eyes roaming over the images. "They lived moments that we only see on TV or dream of achieving... Just being here feels like a dream come true."

Mark noticed the group's interest and paused, pointing to a large photo of Steven Gerrard lifting the Champions League trophy. "That was one of Liverpool's greatest moments. The 2005 final in Istanbul. We were 3-0 down at half-time, but we drew the game and won on penalties. That kind of victory is only possible with determination, hard work daily and a great, great desire to win." He cast a meaningful glance at the boys. "That's what we want to see from you today."

The boys nodded, feeling inspired. Finally, they arrived at the training ground, and the sight was breathtaking. The pitch looked like an impeccable green carpet, and the white lines marked the field perfectly, almost as if they had been drawn by a hand that very morning.

Eddie, with his arms folded, watched the boys take it all in. He waited a moment before speaking, wanting each of them to feel the weight and importance of the place.

"Boys, inspect this pitch. Today, you're going to feel what it's like to train at the highest level. I want every pass, every shot and every move to be done with the utmost commitment."

Mark then asked everyone to make their way to one of the adjacent changing rooms, where they could change. "Today, you'll feel like Liverpool, at least for a few hours," he joked.

Upon entering the changing room, organized lockers greeted the boys and everything wrapped up like the changing rooms that appeared in documentaries. Each one put on their uniform, carefully adjusting their socks, boots and shorts, as if they were preparing for a championship final.

Once dressed, the boys reconvened at the side of the pitch, where Eddie and Alex were waiting to warm up.

Eddie conducted some stretching exercises while Mark talked to Alex about the next step in training. After about five minutes, Mark said:Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"There you go. They've finally arrived."

The boys were still stretching when they heard a growing sound of footsteps. The sound echoed down the corridor leading to the pitch and, in a matter of seconds, the Liverpool U18 players appeared. The atmosphere changed instantly. There were the youngsters wearing the red uniform with the history of a soccer giant emblazoned on the chest and some of the most talented kids from all over the world.

Eddie stepped forward with a slight expression of pride on his face. Alex approached and murmured something to Eddie, who nodded and took a quick look at the group.

Mark had a warm smile on his face.

"I hope you're ready for a good game. We've brought our first team for this match, so you'll have an authentic experience."

The Brighton players responded with a mixture of nods and shy smiles. For most of them, it was the first time some of them had seen a youth team from a club like Liverpool up close, and there was a natural respect in the air.

Brighton's captain, Felix, stepped forward and spoke in an assured voice.

"Not only are we ready to play. We're definitely going to win." Felix had a calm expression and even a little anger.

Mark smiled and nodded, visibly impressed by Felix's courage. He turned to his own players and signaled for them to head to the other side of the pitch to start their warm-up. Each Liverpool player passed the Brighton players, exchanging quick, polite greetings, but with serious, concentrated expressions.

Aidan watched them with his head down.

The Brighton team then gathered in a semi-circle, and Eddie took the lead, looking at each of the players, as if he were taking one last reading of the mood before the match.

"Listen, lads. You've trained hard, and you know what you need to do on the pitch. Soccer is decided here first." Eddie pointed to his chest. "And here." He pointed to his head.

Alex took a step forward. "Maybe they have more experience together or have seen more big games... but when they're on the pitch, with the ball at their feet, they're just players like you." He paused, looking at each anxious face. "Don't be afraid to make mistakes. And above all, play with everything you've got. When the referee blows the whistle, there should be no room for regrets."

Aidan, who initially looked hesitant, raised his head, facing Alex.

Eddie smiled at the group, satisfied with their response. "All right, lads. Get out on the pitch and show what you're made of."

The players spread out on the pitch, positioning themselves in their places and taking their starting positions for the whistle to blow. In front of them, the Liverpool U18 players were already lined up, ready to start with the first touch. The crowd, which comprised some Liverpool staff and their reserve players, which was a bench with a lot more options than Brighton's, which only had Hillebrand.

The referee checked his watch, raised his whistle and, with a shrill sound, kicked off the game. Liverpool took the lead. Declan Shaw, their number nine, passed to teammate Leo Carter.

Leo, with his agility and vision, immediately took off down the wing, trying to dribble past Loki. Everyone's eyes were on him, watching his quick movement and impressive control of the ball. Loki tried to expect the move, closing the space with his marking, but Leo made a slight body movement to the side, fooling him momentarily, and set off inside.

"Don't let him through!" Felix, the midfielder, exclaimed.

But Leo's speed was like lightning. Loki tried to retreat, but the distance was too great to cover quickly.

The ball was crossed into the box. Luiz Fernando advanced, marking Declan and covering the space with his arms.

"Steady!" muttered Luiz as he positioned himself between Declan and the ball.

However, it was Brighton's central defender, Daniel, who made the first cutback. He advanced in one swift movement, intercepting the ball before Declan could complete the move.

That's it! I'm going to be more present in this game than I was in the training match that day! I'll be on every ball!

Alex, Brighton's assistant coach, smiled. "Coach, it looks like your training will show us results sooner than we expected."