Chapter 25: First Hat-Trick
[ Not exactly my best work, I was tired and sick when working on this chapter, so this chapter may feel more rushed and worse compared to other ones. Anyway let me know if you guys are interested in a Patreon, I have plenty of chapters saved up. And there will be another chapter tonight since my stupid ass forget to update last night, I was busy doing homework.]
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The atmosphere around Leicester City was electric, with headlines splashed across every major outlet. Both local and national, were all focused on whether Leicester City could break Reading's record for the longest winning streak in the Championship.
Numerous reports and articles speculated on the odds and possibilities, with most analysts believing that Leicester City's current high morale and robust lineup made them nearly unstoppable in the league.
Many were convinced it was just a matter of time before the record fell. Yet, a handful of skeptics warned that the weight of expectation could lead to pressure on the players. As the spotlight turned towards the team's midfield core, Tristan, they raised questions about his ability to handle the mounting pressure. At only 18, he displayed a maturity that belied his age, yet doubts lingered regarding his mental resilience after his standout performances in two crucial FA Cup matches against Premier League teams.
With the next league match against their fierce rivals, Nottingham Forest, looming, many wondered if Tristan could maintain his composure. But before that crucial derby, Leicester City had another game to contend with—the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they would face Sheffield United, affectionately known as "The Blade."
Sheffield United was the only remaining team from the English Football League One, and with Leicester City already boasting an impressive league record of 22 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses for 69 points, they sat comfortably at the top of the Championship standings.
Burnley trailed in second place with 59 points, followed closely by Queens Park Rangers and Derby County. Leicester's ten consecutive league victories had given them a significant advantage, leading Manager Pearson to make comprehensive rotations in preparation for the FA Cup match, aiming to field all his key players.
Having been eliminated from the League Cup early in the season, the FA Cup had become a prime focus for Leicester City. The financial rewards for progressing through the rounds were considerable, and a deep run in the tournament could elevate the club's profile significantly. With the ambition of reaching the semifinals or even the finals, Pearson knew a good performance against Sheffield United was essential.
Amidst all the pressure surrounding the team, Tristan had his own thoughts. He understood that maintaining high performance during training and matches was crucial to the team's success. The day after the victory over Middlesbrough, he eagerly sought to improve, looking to strike a deal with Mahrez for specialized training.
After the team's training session, Tristan stayed behind with Mahrez on the training ground. Standing in front of him, he opened his arms and declared, "Come on, I'm ready!"
With an encouraging smile, Mahrez began his instruction, emphasizing the importance of mentality before stopping the ball. "You have to prepare for the next step in advance. Is it just to stop the ball, or to prepare for the next dribbling?" he explained. Tristan listened intently as Mahrez elaborated on the finer points of ball control, offering insights that felt like revelations.
Tristan's hard work began to pay off. Three days later, while on the team bus to Nottingham for the derby, he opened his [Character Panel] to discover that his [Stop] attribute had increased, albeit slightly. Yet, this small growth was immensely significant—it indicated that training under a player with superior skills could accelerate his development.
As he considered the implications, thoughts raced through his mind. If he sought advice from Vardy on shooting, would his finishing improve? What about Morgan for defensive positioning? The realization struck him that the guidance of world-class players could enhance his training exponentially.
That night, invigorated by this newfound method of improvement, Tristan stepped onto the pitch for the fifth round of the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday, ready to apply what he had learned.
As the whistle blew, signaling the start of the match against Sheffield Wednesday, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Leicester City, donned in their classic blue kit, took to the pitch with determination, knowing they had everything to prove in this FA Cup tie. The stands were filled with enthusiastic fans, their chants echoing off the walls, creating an electric atmosphere that fueled the players.
From the very first minute, Leicester City asserted their dominance. The ball moved fluidly between the players, and it wasn't long before Tristan showcased his newfound confidence. In the fifth minute, he received the ball at the edge of the penalty area. With a deft touch, he evaded a defender and created just enough space to unleash a low shot. The ball zipped past the goalkeeper, hitting the back of the net and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. 1-0 to Leicester City.
The early goal set the tone for the match. Sheffield Wednesday struggled to contain Leicester's relentless attacking play. Tristan, who had already been involved in the build-up, continued to orchestrate the midfield with his vision and passing. Just ten minutes later, in the 15th minute, he found himself on the ball again. This time, he made a perfectly timed run into the box as Mahrez, on the wing, drew the defense's attention. With a quick glance at the goalkeeper, Tristan darted into position, and Mahrez delivered a precise cross.
Tristan met the ball with a powerful header, sending it into the far corner. The crowd erupted once more as he celebrated his second goal with a passionate fist pump towards the fans. 2-0 to Leicester City.
Sheffield Wednesday attempted to respond, pushing forward in search of a goal, but Leicester's defense, led by Morgan and Huth, held firm. As the first half progressed, Leicester's midfield continued to dominate possession. Tristan was everywhere—defensively tracking back to support his teammates and then surging forward to create opportunities. His performance was a masterclass in versatility and intelligence on the pitch.
As the match approached the 30-minute mark, a slick passing move saw the ball work its way to Tristan again, this time just outside the box. Sensing the urgency to extend the lead, he played a quick one-two with Dany Drinkwater before making a decisive run towards the goal. With his back to the net, Tristan expertly turned and unleashed a curling shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The ball nestled into the bottom corner, marking his hat trick before halftime. 3-0 to Leicester City.
In the second half, Leicester City maintained their momentum. Sheffield Wednesday, desperate to find a way back into the match, pushed more players forward, leaving space behind for Leicester to exploit. Tristan, relishing the space, showcased his excellent dribbling skills, weaving through defenders with ease.
In the 65th minute, he picked up the ball just past the halfway line. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he spotted Mahrez making a darting run down the left flank. Without hesitation, Tristan sent a perfectly weighted through ball slicing past the defenders. Mahrez, now one-on-one with the keeper, made no mistake, slotting the ball into the net. 4-0 to Leicester City, and Tristan had registered an assist to cap off his incredible performance.
With the scoreline secured and time running down, the crowd sang Tristan's name, chanting in celebration of his brilliance on the pitch. The final whistle blew, and Leicester City emerged victorious with a commanding 4-0 win. Tristan, with his hat trick and an assist, had delivered a performance that would be remembered by fans and pundits alike.
After the match, as reporters gathered for the post-game interview, Tristan was beaming with pride. "It's an incredible feeling," he said, still catching his breath. "To score a hat trick and assist in such an important match—it's a dream come true. We played well as a team, and I just did my part."
A reporter chimed in, "Tristan, how does it feel to get your first hat trick at such a young age?"
"It feels surreal," he replied. "I've dreamed of this moment since I was a kid. To do it in the FA Cup makes it even more special."
Another reporter asked, "And you received a perfect rating of 10 for your performance today. What does that mean to you?"
"That's incredible," Tristan said, a broad smile on his face. "I didn't expect that! It shows that all the hard work I put into training is paying off. But I know I can still improve."
As the questions continued, another reporter queried, "What do you think helped you perform at such a high level today?"
"I think it was the support from my teammates and the atmosphere in the stadium. The fans really pushed us to give our best. And of course, learning from the experienced players like Mahrez and Vardy has been a huge help," Tristan explained and answered a few more questions before heading back to the dressing room
But he wasn't aware he had just sent the english media and fans on fire.
With fans constantly adding him in twitter and on other social media accounts @Tristan_22 to the point he had to mute his phone.
The excitement surrounding Leicester City's FA Cup victory was palpable, and it didn't take long for the media to capitalize on Tristan's remarkable performance. A special segment on Sky Sports featured former footballers discussing the standout players of the match, with Tristan taking center stage.
"Today's hat trick was nothing short of sensational," said Jamie Redknapp, leaning forward in his seat. "This kid is a real talent. At just 18, to deliver a performance like that on such a big stage? Incredible."
Gary Lineker nodded in agreement. "What impresses me most is his composure. He plays like he's been in the game for years, showing both skill and intelligence. He had three goals and two assists today, which is phenomenal for someone so young."
"Absolutely, and let's not forget the pressure he must be feeling with all these comparisons," added Rio Ferdinand. "But if he keeps this up, those comparisons will only fuel his confidence. With a passing accuracy of 87% and dribbles completed at an astonishing 75%, he's showing he can be a game-changer."
The host chimed in, "Tristan has already been touted as one of the bright stars in English football. His modellike appearance, with those striking green eyes and curly blonde hair, certainly adds to the spotlight.
Redknapp chuckled, "I mean, you can't blame him if he gets a few extra fans showing up just to see him play. Who wouldn't want to watch a kid that looks like a cover model?"
"Right?" Lineker laughed. "He's the full package, and it's clear the fans adore him and rightly so. His performance over the last ten games have perfect, there's nothing else you can say about it. You can only be left in awe and wonder."
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[Drop some powers, leave a comment or review if you want and enjoy the chapter, trying to hit 250 power stones this week.]