abcnovels
Chapter 517: Against a world-class defender
Chapter 517: Against a world-class defender
Chapter 517: Against a world-class defender
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It hadn't even been a minute since he stepped inside yet he had already scored a goal with his very first touch. Just how ridiculous was it?
Then as the match resumed, slowly the tide of the match started shifting.
Hiro proved extremely tricky for the opposing players to handle as he weaved his way through the pitch, orchestrating countless plays for his team.
The change was so palpable that any person present at the venue could tell that they had to limit him or else some great calamity might befall their team.
If even the onlookers could identify the problem then it was only obvious for the players to identify the problem as well. Yet, they weren't being able to put a stop to him.
It wasn't just Hiro that they had to be vigilant against; Kubo was proving equally difficult to handle.
The opposing coach was growing equally anxious.
However, it was his responsibility to handle such a situation, so he was racking his mind to his fullest to figure out a solution.
Rubbing his chin, he squinched his eyes as he thought with a frown, 'Seems like the opposing coach had allowed him to play as a free man'
After much analysis, he figured out that Hiro had been playing as a free man, unshackled by the responsibility of a mere position. Though he was supposed to be an offensive midfielder, he had been running wild on the field.
At times, he'd drop deep while at times, he'd be far in front.
It was as if he didn't have a fixed position almost making him seem like a player who could roam every part of the field freely.
Yet despite playing freely, he wasn't making any errors.
Upon leaving his assigned position, it was inevitable for him to leave some gaps.
Yet even after leaving his position multiple times, he couldn't see any flaws left by him. It shouldn't be possible unless some other players fill in the gap he left behind.
There had to be some loophole.
Thinking so, the opposing coach intensified his observation.
Just then as he saw Hiro leaving his position to drop down, he noticed Kubo dropping down to fill in the gaps left behind by him while at the same time, he also caught a glimpse of the opposing forwards shifting their position.
Tominaga who had come up as a winger moved to the center.
Exactly, how could he move freely without support from his teammates?
The opposing coach's eyes perked up as realization dawned on him. Then a sinister glint flashed past his eyes as he turned around to look at his reserve box.
Upon receiving the ball deep in his half, Hiro instantly accelerated, leaving behind his pursuers. Even deep in his half, his talent "Shadow Tactician" was in effect.
Combined with his already impressive arsenal of talent, Hiro was simply unstoppable.
As he got past his first pursuer, many onlookers felt their hearts palpitating. For some inexplicable reason, seeing him on the ball invoked an eerie feeling in them. It was almost as if they were having some kind of foreboding.
Then as he got through another player, a foreboding sense of horror gripped their heart, causing their expression to turn pale.
"Stop him!"
They desperately wished for someone to stop him from advancing.
At the same time, the opposing coach lost the smile on his face. Just when he had finally figured out the secret behind the opposing team's smooth play he had to witness the sight of Hiro getting through his players like a hot knife placed atop the butter.
"Mark those two," he shouted anxiously as he tried to warn his players.
Though he had managed to get past two opposing players with ease, Hiro wasn't an idiot who overestimated his prowess. He was well aware of his limitations.
So, if he tried to push his luck farther than this, he might ruin the chance.
Against a solid defender like Marquinhos, he wasn't going to push his luck. Even though
Brazil was mostly renowned for their offensive players, their defense couldn't be
underestimated either.
Hence, he searched for his options before trying to advance further.
Kubo was right beside him.
But he couldn't pass him hastily. Before deciding to pass, he must draw the attention of the defender in front of him.
Only by doing that would he be able to create space for Kubo to operate.
Luckily, Hiro specialized in playing as a decoy.
Due to his high offensive stats and threat level, he was the best there was in the entirety of the Japanese squad who could act as the decoy.
He could even be regarded as the greatest decoy in the entirety of the team.
At first, he bravely charged ahead as if he was hell-bent on taking the ball all the way to the finish line by himself. There wasn't even a single fluctuation in his expression that others could detect.
Despite his experience, Marquinhos found it rather troublesome to see through him. He couldn't tell whether he was really challenging him or simply provoking him into making some mistake.
So, at first, he maintained his distance from him.
After all, he wasn't like any other defender who would rush blindly in the face of danger. Before even deciding, he had to weigh his options.
Obviously, he was experienced enough to process all those thoughts in a flash.
As a defender, timing and observation were extremely crucial.
A momentary hesitation could cost his team greatly. So, he had to remain on guard at all
times.
As expected Hiro couldn't see through his indifferent eyes.
Well, it was the same for his opponent too.
By now, Hiro was too close for him to avoid, so, he didn't have any option but to rush on him.
Even if he was against a world-class defender, Hiro wasn't a bit panicked.
Instead, he calmly took on the challenge of Marquinhos. As for why he decided to challenge
him instead of passing the ball originally as he had thought was because of the activation of
the unique effect of his talent "Shadow Tactician"
A fierce showdown began as the two engaged in a battle of skill.