Dream Training : The Champions

After experiencing Lewandowski's [Experience]. Kazuki felt that he underwent a qualitative change. He felt that all the abilities he had learned became one with him. These changes are just cognitive changes. But this change can be seen clearly in the mini-games played in Southampton u-23 daily training.

Kazuki scored 4 goals in the mini-games this time, 3 goals ahead of Theodor who only scored 1 goal. In that match, the feelings of the defenders guarding Kazuki were only explained as discomfort. Kazuki was rarely in a dangerous position. Even often in an offside position. But when the opportunity presented itself, he was suddenly in the most dangerous place.

Endo, as the center-back, guarding Kazuki in this match, was the one who felt Kazuki's change the most. He tried to keep Kazuki tight after Kazuki scored a goal. But the result is that Kazuki lures Endo so that the offside line is slightly back so that Rustan can be free from the offside line.

After the mini-games ended, Endo came to Kazuki. Even though Endo is 33 years old, his experience playing in the premier league cannot be underestimated. He knows only top strikers can harm and confuse defenders just by their movement.

"I feel you played differently today, you played better than before," said Endo.

"Really? I do feel like my head is clearer than before," Kazuki casually replied.

Endo shook his head in surprise, geniuses are always different. Of course, Kazuki's progress was a good thing for Southampton.

"Would you like to come to my house tonight? It's my daughter's birthday. I also invited some of my friends from the first team and the reserve team. I think you should come too. This is your chance to get to know and make friends with your teammates later in the first team. "

Endo was sure that Kazuki would go to the first team sooner or later, he thought that by introducing Kazuki to his friends in the first team maybe Kazuki would adapt faster in the future.

Kazuki nodded, "I will gladly attend." This was a social opportunity, Kazuki had learned that being a striker meant he needed the support of other players. Therefore as much as possible, he must have a good relationship with other players.

Endo nodded satisfied with Kazuki's decision.

***

In the evening, Kazuki went to Endo's residence towards the address Endo had given him. This time he was driving his car.

This was Kazuki's first time visiting a party after living in England. Kazuki also brought a teddy bear present that he bought as a present for Endo's daughter.

Kazuki was confused about whether he should bring a female friend for an event like this? After thinking more deeply he decided to go alone.

Endo's residence wasn't too far from the Southampton base in Hampshire, therefore it didn't take long for Kazuki to get there.

Kazuki stopped after he saw the spacious house that had been decorated with colorful balloons. Obviously, this is Endo's residence. Kazuki then parked his car. After he got out of the car he was greeted by Endo who was dressed neatly.

Endo approached Kazuki and gave a welcome hug. He then glanced at Kazuki's car and said, "You have a very good car."

Kazuki didn't understand the types of cars and their prices. But Endo found out that Kazuki was driving an Aston Martin One-77. The car costs $1.4 million. For Kazuki who is a Southampton u-23 footballer, this car is too luxurious.

Kazuki replied nonchalantly to Endo, "I don't know about cars, but it's convenient. My agent lent it to me."

Endo looked at Kazuki enviously, "You have a very good agent."

Which agent will lend a luxury car to a client whose fate is not clear at all? Endo decided not to think too much about it. He then invited Kazuki in.

If Furochi was here, he would laugh at Endo's thoughts. A person like Kazuki could have bought a car like this himself. Too bad Kazuki didn't want to rely too much on the money his mother gave him.

Kazuki who was following Endo, met Endo's friends from the first team. He also met with Rustan who had come. Kazuki thought Theodor would also come but he didn't. After asking Endo, the man replies that Theodor is very anti-social.

Regarding that, Endo said, "Do you remember your first practice match against Theodor, where it was 3-0?"

Kazuki nodded, of course, he still remembered.

"If you pay close attention, you will see that Theodor lacks the support of his comrades. The man is a bit arrogant, therefore no one is accompanying him. Theodor is from Southampton's academy. Many thought Theodor would reach the heights of Gareth Neill. Those people are a group of people who are more supportive and always favor players from the academy over newcomers like you."

Kazuki, who heard Endo's explanation, asked in surprise, "Is there a certain faction in this club?"

Endo laughed softly and explained.

"Every club has always had certain factions. In the case of Southampton, it was a rivalry between the director of recruitment and the head of the Academy."

"Isn't the transfer rights in the hands of the manager?" In England, the coach is also the manager, they have transfer rights. That was what Kazuki knew.

"Who do you think recruited the coach?" Endo replied with a smile.

Kazuki nodded in understanding.

"You don't have to worry, as long as a rivalry like that doesn't go as far as destroying Southampton, then it's natural. You don't have to worry about things like that."

There were three players from the main team who attended Endo's daughter's birthday party. The first person was Southampton's number one goalkeeper, Dean Smith. Second, a substitute who plays as a right-back, Vicente. Third, Southampton's right midfielder, Hugo.

The three of them were quite friendly with Kazuki. Kazuki was also happy to be acquainted with them. Kazuki himself was curious about the state of the Southampton first team.

Southampton is currently 17th in the premier league with 23 points. 2 points ahead of Wigan Athletic who is in 18th place. However, Southampton's statistics are unique because they have only lost 5 times until week 20. For a team that is in table 17 only losing five times is quite a surprise. However, 11 draws have left the team close to the relegation zone.

On the other hand, Southampton also conceded only 18 goals from 20 matches. Southampton's goal conceded percentage is only 0.9 per game. Meanwhile, they scored 17 goals from 20 matches, their percentage of scoring the ball was 0.85.

Seeing from these statistics it can be concluded that Southampton has a very good defensive toughness at least for a lower-class team.. However, Southampton also has serious problems in scoring goals.