England's Greatest

[Drop some powers, leave a comment or review if you want and enjoy the chapter, trying to hit 350 power stones this week]

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Tristan held the [Training Acceleration Card] in his hand, studying its design for a moment before tucking it back into his system inventory. Though the idea of accelerating his progress was tempting, he decided against using it immediately.

Instead, he had a plan: he would first complete a rigorous 30-day training cycle under Mahrez's guidance, then on the 31st day, he would activate the card. This would allow him to directly compare the results between regular training and the boosted training that the card offered. It was all about precision and efficiency, and Tristan knew that to maximize his potential, careful planning was key.

After laying out his training strategy, Tristan took a moment to reflect on the growth he'd already experienced since joining the first team. He opened up his system to review his current stats:

[Player Name: Tristan]

Age: 18

Height: 187 cm

Weight: 67 kg

Preferred Foot: Right

Club: Leicester City

Talent: Kevin De Bruyne Passing and Vision

Skill: Pull Back

Attributes:

Ball Control: C

Shooting: D

Passing: S

Defense: D

Physical: C

Mental: B

Overall Rating: 74

In just under two months, Tristan had undergone noticeable physical changes. Thanks to a strict training regime and a specialized nutrition plan, he had grown a centimeter taller and gained two kilograms.

His body felt stronger, and he could sense the difference when it came to physical confrontations on the pitch. In training matches, he was no longer easily shrugged off the ball by stronger defenders. The time spent in the gym had certainly paid off.

Out of his six main attributes, [Physical] had shown the most dramatic improvement. Tristan had earned three free attribute points, rewards for breaking the Championship team's winning streak and picking up his first yellow card.

He had invested all three points into [Burst], boosting that attribute by nine points—from 70 to an impressive 79. The result? His acceleration had noticeably improved during short sprints and quick dribbling maneuvers in training sessions. He could explode into space faster, leaving defenders trailing behind.

The improvements didn't stop there. Both his [Strength] and [Balance] attributes had also increased by three points each, making him more stable in one-on-one duels and capable of holding his ground when jostling for the ball. These incremental gains, though small in isolation, collectively resulted in a slight increase to his overall rating—a solid 74.

Tristan felt satisfied with his progress but remained hungry for more. His plan for future attribute points remained focused and deliberate. He intended to continue pouring points into [Burst] until it reached a perfect 90. He knew that explosive speed and acceleration were difficult to train through traditional methods, so maximizing those attributes via the system was a priority. In contrast, he believed that his footwork, strength, and ball control could improve gradually through continuous practice with the team.

After their victory over Ipswich, Leicester City enjoyed a well-deserved week of rest as February's fixtures came to a close. However, this brief reprieve would soon give way to the daunting stretch of "Devil's March," a month packed with seven matches—six league games and an FA Cup quarter-final, forcing the team to play every four days. The upcoming matches promised to test their endurance, both mentally and physically.

The most significant of these fixtures loomed large: the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Leicester City had lucked out in the draw, having faced difficult Premier League opponents earlier in the competition.

Now, they were pitted against the weakest of the eight remaining teams. The mood in the camp was optimistic, with both coaches and players sensing an opportunity to advance to the semi-finals. But before they could focus on Sheffield United, they had to handle business against Charlton Athletic.

It was the first day of March, and Leicester City hosted a struggling Charlton Athletic at the King Power Stadium. Despite winning their last two matches, Charlton's position at the bottom of the table had forced them into a desperate fight for survival. They arrived in Leicester with a clear strategy—to defend deep and play for a draw. The visitors set up in a 5-4-1 formation, trying to suffocate Leicester's attacking play.

But Leicester City, in their scintillating form, had no intention of letting Charlton off the hook. From the opening whistle, the "Blue Foxes" piled on the pressure, quickly exposing gaps in Charlton's defense. Just ten minutes in, the first breakthrough came.

Tristan, operating on the right wing, received a precise pass from Mahrez. Using the technique and flair that had become his trademark, Mahrez skillfully baited Charlton's full-back into overcommitting. As the midfielder rushed to help, Mahrez coolly passed to the overlapping right-back, De Wright. With a burst of pace, De Wright surged to the baseline and whipped a low cross into the box.

Timing his run perfectly, Tristan appeared like a streak of blue lightning in the penalty area. Instead of firing off a quick shot, he used the subtle stopping technique Mahrez had taught him in training, cushioning the ball with the outside of his right foot. The sudden stop caught the center-back off-guard, causing him to lunge and miss entirely. With the defender out of position, Tristan calmly picked his spot and slotted the ball low into the near corner.

"Goal!" roared the commentatory.

"No. 22, Tristan, opens the door to victory for Leicester with his fifth goal of the season!"

The King Power Stadium erupted in celebration, the sound of ecstatic fans echoing across the pitch. Tristan, grinning widely, pointed in acknowledgment to De Wright for the assist before sprinting toward the sidelines. As planned, he blew a kiss toward the VIP stands, where his parents were watching. "This is for you, Mom! Dad!" he shouted, his heartfelt celebration drawing more cheers from the crowd.

His teammates swarmed him, patting his back and ruffling his hair in a show of camaraderie. Among the sea of fans, William and Bob, two long-time supporters of the club, led the crowd in a rousing rendition of the "Tristan Song" they had composed in his honor:

"Tristan! Tristan!"

"From Leicester, he's our shining star!

With every pass, he takes us far!

His vision's sharp, his touch is gold,

A football tale that's yet to be told!"

"Tristan! Tristan!

With skill and heart, he'll lead the way!

A hero on the pitch, watch him play!

Tristan! Tristan!

We cheer for you, our pride today!"

The voices of thousands of fans singing his name reverberated through the stadium, sending a surge of emotion coursing through Tristan. He was no stranger to support, but today felt different—more personal, more connected. Kissing the Foxes badge on his chest, he waved to the stands, his heart swelling with pride.

"This is incredible!" one of the commentators exclaimed, his voice brimming with disbelief. "Listen to that! The Leicester fans have already created a song for Tristan Hale—an 18-year-old who only made his professional debut two months ago!"

"Unbelievable," his co-commentator chimed in. "It's one thing to have the fans support you, but for them to craft a song for a player so early in his career? You'd think he was a club legend already. And let's not forget—this kid's a product of their youth system! He's practically grown up in front of these fans, and now they're singing his praises."

The first commentator, still reeling from the moment, added, "Two months in the first team, and he's already their golden boy. The connection between Tristan and these fans is something special. It's not just about his skills—there's something about the way he carries himself, the way he plays with heart. They love him."

"Absolutely," the second commentator agreed. "And just look at him out there, acknowledging the crowd, kissing the badge. He's showing them that their support means the world to him. You can see it in his eyes—this is a player who thrives on that energy."

Vardy, mid-celebration, caught Mahrez's eye and shook his head in amazement. "Unreal, mate," he muttered. "Two months, and they're already singing his name like he's been here for years."

Mahrez, eyes following Tristan as he waved to the fans, nodded in agreement. "I've never seen anything like this. He's gone from rookie to crowd favorite in no time."

Even Schmeichel, usually composed after a win, was caught off guard. "The kid's only just made his mark, and listen to them," he said to De Wright, his voice filled with awe. "I've been here a while, and I've never seen fans take to a player so quickly."

De Wright chuckled, shaking his head. "A song for him already? That's special. Usually takes years to earn something like this."

As Tristan kissed the badge again and pointed to the stands, the players on the sidelines couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and surprise. The 18-year-old had not only proven himself on the pitch but had captured the hearts of the fans in record time.

On the sidelines, Pearson and Walsh exchanged relieved smiles, watching Tristan soak in the fans' adoration. The Tristan Song echoed through the stadium, an unmistakable sign that their young star had already become the fans' favorite. "Two months in, and they're singing his name," Pearson muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Didn't take long, did it?" Walsh grinned, eyes following Tristan as he kissed the Leicester badge.

Then, as if suddenly recalling something, Pearson turned to his assistant. "Steve, have you noticed how much quicker Tristan's been lately? His starting speed—seems faster, more explosive."

Walsh nodded. "I've seen it too. He's shown stronger bursts in training, definitely more sharpness when he accelerates."

Pearson frowned slightly, skeptical. "You think he's taking something? Performance enhancers? It wouldn't be the first time someone tries to get an edge."

Walsh quickly dismissed the idea. "Unlikely. The club's testing protocols are solid. We run physical exams regularly, and there's a urine test after every match. If there was anything in his system, it would've been flagged."

Pearson gave a slow nod. "True. It's just…his progress is so rapid, you know?"

Walsh chuckled. "Yeah, but that's what happens when you combine talent with work ethic. Speaking of which, have you noticed how much time he's been spending with Riyad?"

Pearson raised an eyebrow. "What's going on there?"

"Riyad told me Tristan's been teaching him some new passing techniques, while Riyad's helping him improve his ball control."

Pearson looked impressed. "That was Tristan's idea?"

"Yep," Walsh confirmed.

A hint of admiration flickered in Pearson's eyes. "He's ambitious, that one. Not just talented, but always looking to improve. That kind of mentality…that's what separates good players from great ones."

With Tristan's opening goal breaking the deadlock, Leicester had dominated the match from start to finish. Charlton's defense, overwhelmed and outclassed, crumbled under Leicester's relentless attack. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 6-0—an emphatic victory. Vardy, in stellar form, claimed his first Championship hat trick, while Tristan contributed a goal and an assist, with Mahrez matching him. Nokel added another to complete the rout, and Schmeichel celebrated his 17th clean sheet of the season.

For the first time in a while, Tristan's performance wasn't the highest rated on the team. Vardy, with his hat-trick earned an 8.5 rating, while Tristan settled with a solid 8.

As Leicester City extended their Championship winning streak to 13 games, the atmosphere around the club was electric. Smiles were everywhere—from the coaching staff to the security guards at the gates. But for the players, there was no room for complacency. The record-breaking achievements were already in the rearview mirror, with each win and every step forward becoming the new focus. They wanted more, and that meant taking each match as it came, one at a time.

On March 7th, he was unexpectedly summoned to one of the offices at the club's training facility after an intense session. Walking in, he blinked in surprise. A polished, pretty female reporter stood there, holding a microphone with a friendly smile, and next to her, a photographer was adjusting his camera, ready to capture the moment.

"What's going on?" Tristan muttered to himself, momentarily thrown by the scene. He had almost mistaken it for some kind of movie set, the professionalism of it all taking him aback. Then he remembered the feeling—it was just like the time last month when something similar had happened.

"Congratulations, Tristan!" the reporter began, her voice bright with enthusiasm. "You've been named Player of the Month for February—two times in a row! In the four league games you started, you scored two goals and delivered five assists. You helped Leicester to four consecutive wins, and you were awarded Man of the Match in three straight games. The other nominees included Vardy, Mahrez, and Burnley's Danny Ings, but the fans overwhelmingly voted for you!"

Tristan's eyes widened as she handed him the Player of the Month trophy. The sleek silver award gleamed in the room's light, and just as he was about to thank her, a familiar ding echoed in his head, accompanied by a system message.

[Ding Dong!]

[Achievement Unlocked: Championship Player of the Month]

[Achievement Evaluation: A]

[Reward: Two Free Attribute Points]

A grin tugged at Tristan's lips as the system prompt faded from his mind. "Two more points to add. Nice!" he thought, his excitement bubbling up inside him. But he quickly brought himself back to reality as the reporter flicked her hair and smiled, preparing to move forward with the interview.

"Alright, Tristan," she said with a wink, "we'll do a quick interview, and you can answer a few questions from the fans on camera. Ready?"

Tristan smiled back, straightening up. This was part of the journey now—balancing both his rapid rise on the pitch and the spotlight that came with it.

"No problem," Tristan replied, focusing his gaze on the camera as the reporter prepared to begin the interview.

"Alright, the first question comes from a fan named Jake," the reporter began, her tone bright and engaging. "He wants to know, what has been the biggest challenge for you since moving up to the first team?"

Tristan took a moment to think, reflecting on his journey. "I think the biggest challenge has been adjusting to the pace and intensity of the games. In the Championship, every match feels like a battle, and you have to be mentally and physically prepared for that. But I've had incredible support from my teammates, especially Riyad, who's helped me a lot in training and on the pitch."

"Great answer! The second question is from a fan in the stands," she continued, holding the microphone closer. "He asks, how do you feel about your growing popularity among the fans?"

Tristan smiled, "It feels amazing. The support from the fans is something I cherish deeply. When I hear them singing my name, it gives me a huge boost and motivates me to work harder."

The reporter nodded appreciatively before moving on to the next question. "This one is from Laura, and she wants to know who your footballing idol is and why."

"My idol growing up was Kaka, it's why the jersey I wear is 22," Tristan answered, his excitement evident. "He was such a graceful player, and his speed while dribbling was incredible to watch."

Tristan's eyes lit up as he continued. "Another idol of mine is David Beckham. Although he wasn't as great as Kaka, his work rate and his class on the field, especially his crossing, were something I admired. Watching those two made me fall in love with football."

"Fantastic! Last question," the reporter said, smiling even wider. "This one's from your biggest fan, Ethan. He wants to know what your goals are for the rest of the season."

Tristan leaned forward, his green eyes sparkling with determination. "I want to continue contributing to the team and help us achieve promotion. Personally, I'm looking to improve my game, score more goals, and assist my teammates. Maybe even get 20 goals and 20 assists by the end of the season? But the most important thing is that we keep pushing forward as a team."

The reporter beamed at his answer. "Thank you, Tristan! Congratulations again on your Player of the Month award!" she concluded, handing him a signed football.

Just as she was about to wrap things up, the reporter couldn't resist asking one last question. "Before we let you go, there's something the fans—and even some of us—are dying to know. How does it feel to have the fans create a song just for you? You've only been in the first team for a couple of months, but they're already calling you their starboy."

Tristan blinked in surprise at the question and then let out a soft laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "It's crazy," he admitted, still smiling. "Honestly, it's surreal. I used to stand in the crowd as a kid, hearing them sing for the players, and now they're singing for me? It's hard to put into words. Every time I hear it, I get goosebumps. I kiss the badge because I want them to know how much I appreciate their support. It means everything to me, and it drives me to work even harder for the club."

The reporter grinned, clearly moved by his answer. "Well, Tristan, it's clear they love you, and it sounds like you're giving them plenty of reasons to keep singing. Thank you again for your time, and good luck with the rest of the season!"

As the camera stopped rolling, Tristan felt a wave of exhilaration wash over him. He had never imagined he would receive such recognition in such a short time. Back-to-back Player of the Month awards were incredible to him.

After the interview, he exited the office, the trophy still in hand, and made his way back to the training pitch. The atmosphere among his teammates was light and jovial, the mood infectious. They congratulated him, clapping him on the back and sharing in his achievement.

"Two months in a row, huh?" Mahrez teased, grinning widely. "Don't hoard all the trophies."

"Hey, I'm just trying to keep up with the big boys," Tristan laughed, feeling a rush of camaraderie as they bantered.

Just an hour later, a photo of Tristan beaming proudly, his green eyes shining while holding the trophy, along with a short interview clip, was uploaded to the official website and Twitter account of the English Championship League. The image captured his joy, the trophy glistening under the lights.

Leicester City joined the celebration by posting a photo on their official Twitter account, captioned:

"Congratulations to our lucky star for winning the Championship Player of the Month once again!"

Within minutes, Foxes fans flooded the club's Twitter and Tristan's personal social media with likes and comments:

"Great, I voted for Tristan!"

"Me too!"

"He deserves this award!"

"Keep it up, Starboy!"

Even Leicester City legend Gary Lineker chimed in, commenting on the club's tweet and tagging Tristan:

"February belongs to you, well done! @Tristan_22!"

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[Felt a bit cringe rewriting this chapter but I tried my best. And thank you everyone for your support, I appreciate, we reached 300 power stones last week didn't think that was possible at all.]