The Greatest of all Time

Chapter 689 The Game-Changer

Chapter 689  The Game-Changer

The game restarted with Liverpool in high spirits and Crystal Palace looking increasingly deflated. With the score at 2-0 and a numerical advantage, Liverpool's players were more energetic, sensing an opportunity to secure a decisive victory.

Crystal Palace tried to move the ball around, but Liverpool's high pressing quickly pinned them back in their half. Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah were relentless, running at the defenders with the intensity and hunger of a pack of wolves.

Like in their opening match against West Ham, Liverpool's front three executed their high pressing with surgical precision. Firmino, the tireless workhorse, led the charge through the center while Mané and Salah closed in from the flanks, cutting off passing lanes and putting immense pressure on the ball carriers. Crystal Palace's defenders, already rattled by the loss of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, found themselves overwhelmed and without time to make clear decisions.

Eventually, as the ball was played back to Mamadou Sakho, the panic of the Crystal Palace defense was even more evident. Firmino was already breathing down his neck, forcing a hurried clearance.

However, Sakho's attempt to clear the danger resulted in a weak, inaccurate pass that landed directly at Jordan Henderson's feet in midfield. Henderson quickly controlled the ball, surveying his options before sending it towards the left flank to find Andrew Robertson, Liverpool's marauding left-back.

Robertson received the ball effortlessly and surged forward, racing down the wing with Andros Townsend, now acting as a makeshift wing-back, struggling to keep up.

As Townsend closed in to challenge, Robertson cut inside, playing a quick pass to Henderson, who was in sync with the left-back's run. Henderson, without hesitation, fed the ball to Zachary, who had expertly found space again.

Zachary, now donning Liverpool's iconic number 8 shirt, controlled the ball, his newly acquired SSS-grade Ball Control making it look effortless. His movements were then fluid and reminiscent of "the great Ronaldinho" as he anticipated James McArthur's approach.

With McArthur closing in, Zachary executed a perfect step-over, leaning left to deceive the midfielder before quickly shifting his center of gravity and darting to the right. His body control was impeccable, maintaining possession and balance as he glided past McArthur.

In that split second, Zachary was also aware of everything around him—the positioning of his teammates, the defensive setup of Crystal Palace, and the opportunity lying ahead. His SSS-grade Spatial Awareness kicked in again, allowing him to spot Roberto Firmino making a clever run towards the edge of the box. Then, with a deft touch, Zachary flicked the ball past the last defender and into Firmino's path.

Firmino, always the opportunist, took the pass in stride, entering the box with only the goalkeeper to beat. His shot was precise, aimed low and hard towards the far corner. But Hennessey, Crystal Palace's goalkeeper, dived and managed to intercept the ball, sending it out for a corner. The Liverpool fans let out gasps at the missed opportunity before cheering in appreciation of the play, recognizing the brilliance of the build-up.

The Liverpool players quickly put Firmino's missed opportunity behind them and took the corner kick without hesitation. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a precise ball from the corner spot towards the crowded box.

The tall Liverpool players, including Virgil van Dijk, Zachary, and Joe Gomez, leaped to meet the descending ball. However, their aerial prowess was matched by Crystal Palace's James Tomkins, who finally managed to clear the danger, sending the ball towards the right side of the box.

Nevertheless, the threat was far from over for Crystal Palace. Mohamed Salah, always alert and quick, intercepted the ball just beyond the edge of the box. Known for his unpredictable dribbling and sharp instincts around the penalty area, Salah began to drive back into the box.

Having studied Liverpool's past match videos, Zachary anticipated Salah's next move. He knew Salah would likely cut inside and look to deliver a minus pass back into the box—a pattern often seen in Liverpool's attacking play.

Zachary felt a surge of anticipation and immediately moved to a narrow, unmarked pocket of space just beyond the penalty spot. As expected, Salah danced past a Crystal Palace defender and sent a precise minus pass towards Zachary. Time seemed to slow as Zachary met the ball with a well-timed swing of his boot, sending it between the legs of an approaching defender and towards the goal.

A tense air hung over the box as the ball traveled on a low trajectory, skimming the ground before taking a slight deflection off a defender's leg. Everything clicked, and the deflection sent the ball sailing into the back of the net. Crystal Palace's goalkeeper, Hennessey, was left rooted to the spot, turning only to see the ball nestled in the goal.

The stadium erupted as Liverpool extended their lead to 3-0 in the 81st minute, just four minutes after their second goal. Zachary's spirits soared, and he raced towards the corner where the traveling Liverpool fans were seated, near the far right end of the pitch. The fans cheered animatedly, waving banners with Zachary's name and likeness, celebrating their new hero.

Zachary felt elated and more relieved as he took in their reactions. He had scored his second goal on his debut, a dream start to his Liverpool career. He pumped his fists and then pointed towards the sky, a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgment of the moment's significance. His teammates quickly joined him, surrounding him with hugs, high-fives, and excited shouts.

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The Liverpool bench also cheered loudly as the players and staff celebrated the decisive third goal. Klopp couldn't hide his delight as he watched his team celebrate.

Zachary had impressed him immensely; his anticipation, situational awareness, and decision-making in tight areas and critical moments on the pitch were world-class. Klopp knew the club had finally acquired a player who could push them to the next level.

As the game restarted, Klopp settled back in his seat and sipped his water. He didn't need to continue yelling from the sidelines; his players were still executing their game plan cleverly and perfectly. This was the fun part of coaching talented and world-class players. He just sat back and enjoyed the rest of the game, watching his team overpower their opponents.

Liverpool continued to press high, and Crystal Palace found it increasingly difficult to escape their own half. The intensity of Liverpool's play was unrelenting, with every player contributing to the cause.

The midfield trio of Henderson, Wijnaldum, and Zachary controlled the tempo, dictating the game's flow and constantly pushing forward. Zachary's brilliance became more evident with every touch, his vision and control setting him apart.

Time passed just like that, and as the clock ticked towards the 90th minute, Zachary suddenly unleashed a perfect through pass, releasing Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

Salah, as always, controlled the ball with expert precision and raced forward, leaving opponents in his wake. Approaching the box, he delivered a low cross that skimmed across the mouth of the goal towards the arriving Sadio Mané on the other side. Mané, ever the professional, slid in to tap the ball into the back of the net, scoring Liverpool's fourth goal during the 90th minute.

Klopp's hopes soared as he watched Mané celebrate with his teammates. As a coach, he could effortlessly analyze the game and recognize how Zachary's introduction had transformed the entire Liverpool team, enhancing their midfield and attacking prowess.

Zachary was like an engine, driving the team forward with every play. Klopp thought to himself, "This boy is special. His debut performance is beyond impressive—it's game-changing."

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The game continued after the goal celebrations, but Liverpool eased off their attacking intensity, focusing on maintaining stability during the added minutes. They dominated possession, moving the ball around with confidence and composure. Crystal Palace, deflated and outplayed, couldn't muster a response.

Finally, the referee blew the final whistle, signaling the end of the game. Liverpool had secured a resounding 4-0 victory. Zachary had made a phenomenal debut, scoring two goals and participating in the build-up of another, firmly establishing himself as a crucial player for the team. The fans, ecstatic and hopeful, cheered loudly, chanting his name.

As the players walked off the pitch, Zachary's teammates surrounded him, offering congratulations.

Henderson clapped him on the back. "Great game, mate. You've really made a mark today."

Salah, smiling broadly, added, "That pass was brilliant, Zach. Keep it up."

Van Dijk nodded in approval. "You're fitting in perfectly. Well done."

Zachary felt a swell of pride. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot coming from you all. I'm just happy to help the team."

As they made their way towards the tunnel, Zachary spotted Wilfried Zaha, his teammate from the Ivorian national team. Despite Crystal Palace's loss, Zaha approached with a smile. "Zach, man, what a debut! You were on fire out there."

"Thanks, Wilf," Zachary replied, genuinely touched. "It was tough out there, but I appreciate it."

Zaha extended his hand for a shirt exchange. "Let's swap jerseys. You earned it."

Zachary grinned, and they exchanged shirts, a sign of mutual respect. "Thanks, Wilf. Keep your head up. You played well."

"Cheers, Zach. We'll win the next time," Zaha said, patting his shoulder before heading off.

With the exchange complete, Zachary returned his focus to his teammates, who were still buzzing from the victory. Klopp approached him with a broad smile. "Well done, Zach," he said, clapping him on the back. "You've made a fantastic start. Keep this up, and we'll achieve great things together."

Zachary nodded, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. "Thank you, coach. I'm just glad I could contribute."

Klopp's eyes sparkled with determination. "This is just the beginning, Zach. And welcome to Liverpool again."

As they walked off the pitch, the roar of the few traveling Liverpool fans echoed in Zachary's ears, a reminder of the support and expectations that would drive him to even greater heights. He knew he had found a new home where he could thrive and make a real impact.