England's Greatest

As the second half kicked off, the atmosphere at King Power Stadium was electric, filled with Leicester City fans buzzing with anticipation. After making his first-team debut just days ago, the 18-year-old Tristan was now set to make his Championship debut. The crowd was eager to see what this young talent could bring to the game, especially after his debut in the FA Cup.

"Look out for the Algerian rising star Riyad Mahrez, who's also entering the fray!" one commentator announced, their voice full of excitement as the two players prepared to make their entrance. The sun glinted off the glossy green pitch, the vibrant colors of the home team's blue jerseys standing in stark contrast to the dark red of their opponents.

Tristan stepped onto the field, replacing veteran left midfielder Lloyd Dale, whose experience had steadied the ship but had not brought the spark Leicester needed. Mahrez took over the right wing from Anthony Knockaert, and the tactical shift from 4-4-2 to a more dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation saw forward Jamie Vardy pushed out to the left as a makeshift midfielder, with Tristan now positioned behind striker David Nugent. The reshuffle signaled a new attacking intent, and the excitement in the stadium surged.

As Tristan settled in, Leicester City head coach Nigel Pearson's voice boomed from the sidelines: "Pass the ball to Tristan more!" The shout was a clear signal of the trust Pearson had in the young player, a trust earned through hard work and impressive performances in training.

Tristan couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and pressure. This is it, he thought. No more hiding behind the shadows. Time to show them what I can do. He glanced around the field, taking in the faces of his teammates, each one a mix of determination and anticipation. He caught Dany Drinkwater's eye, who offered an encouraging nod, as if to say, We're counting on you.

"Will he live up to the hype?" one commentator mused, echoing the skepticism that had lingered over Tristan since he joined the team. "Some still see him as just a pretty boy because of that handsome face. Can he really handle the pressure of Championship football?" The comments stung, but Tristan pushed them aside, focusing on the game ahead.

The Derby County players were quick to adjust, knowing they had to close down the rookie quickly. They had heard the whispers about Tristan's potential and were prepared to press him closely, hoping to stifle the burgeoning threat he posed.

Feeling the weight of the scrutiny on him, Tristan maintained a cool demeanor, though he couldn't help but inwardly curse. Damn it! Next time, could you not yell about my capabilities right in front of the opposition? He was mentally ready for this moment; after all, the buildup to the FA Cup had set the stage for intense scrutiny, and he knew he would be closely monitored the moment he stepped on the pitch.

Just as Dany passed the ball to Tristan's feet, a Derby County midfielder lunged forward with aggressive intent, clearly eager to assert his dominance over the rookie. But with a deft touch, Tristan turned the ball back to Drinkwater, maintaining his composure under pressure. The Derby midfielder, perhaps overly confident after Tristan's initial pass, slowed his pursuit, allowing Tristan to slip into space.

"Nice one, Tristan!" shouted Drinkwater, his tone encouraging. "Keep it moving!" There was something about Drinkwater's confidence that bolstered Tristan's resolve. The camaraderie among the players was palpable; they all wanted to succeed together.

A palpable shift in the game's rhythm occurred as Tristan's quick thinking and agile footwork drew the attention of everyone in the stadium. I just want to keep the momentum going, Tristan thought, feeling the adrenaline course through his veins. This is my moment to prove I belong here.

As the minutes ticked by, Leicester City began to control the match, thanks in large part to Tristan's ability to connect with his teammates. The No. 22 moved fluidly, forming a mobile triangle in midfield with Drinkwater and Matty James, seamlessly recycling possession. The Derby County players found themselves scrambling to keep up, unable to get a grip on the game.

"Within five minutes of Tristan's introduction, Leicester City's possession rate is through the roof!" exclaimed one commentator, unable to hide his astonishment. "This kid is lighting up the pitch!"

Tristan glanced up at the scoreboard, heart racing. We can do this. I can do this. The confidence radiating from the stands was intoxicating. Fans waved flags and scarves, their cheers growing louder as they sensed the momentum shifting in favor of their team.

"Honestly, if it weren't for the blue jersey he's wearing, you'd think he was molded from the same cloth as a La Masia product," his co-commentator replied, impressed by Tristan's maturity and finesse.

Pearson, perched in the home team's coaching booth with a look of satisfaction, exchanged a knowing smile with assistant coach Walsh. "Our faith in him is paying off," he remarked, pride swelling in his chest. Little did anyone know, this strategy had been meticulously tailored to Tristan's strengths, inspired by the greats of the game.

Tristan, sensing the moment, received the ball from Drinkwater again and paused. The Derby midfielder, believing he had the upper hand, charged at him, only for Tristan to execute a quick turn and lay the ball off to James. As he slipped past the Derby player, a slight smirk crept onto his face, enjoying the moment of confusion he'd created.

"Nice turn!" James called out, spotting the space Tristan was moving into. He returned the ball to Tristan, who now found himself in an inviting position just outside the penalty area. The crowd was on its feet, the anticipation palpable.

This is it. Don't think too much, just let your instincts take over, he told himself. The Derby defenders shouted urgent commands, but it was too late. Tristan, with the confidence of a seasoned playmaker, swung his right leg and unleashed a precise pass that sliced through the defense like a hot knife through butter, reaching Mahrez on the left side of the penalty area.

"Oh, Mahrez!" the commentator shouted, excitement rising. "Can he finish this?" The whole stadium held its breath as the moment unfolded.

With the Derby goalkeeper closing in, Mahrez, exuding calmness under pressure, flicked the ball delicately over the keeper's head, sending it into the back of the net. "Gooooooaaaal!" the commentator erupted as the crowd roared in approval. "Mahrez scores his first goal in the Championship League, and it's all thanks to an incredible assist from young Tristan!"

Tristan's heart swelled with pride. I did it! I really did it! In just ten minutes since stepping onto the pitch, he had not only made an impact but had also proven to doubters that he was more than just a pretty face. He was a player to be reckoned with—a force to be celebrated in Leicester City's quest for success.

The cheers echoed through King Power Stadium, reverberating off the walls as the Leicester City fans celebrated their young star's contribution. The players regrouped for the restart, the buzz of excitement lingering in the air.

As Mahrez celebrated with his teammates, Tristan felt a rush of elation wash over him. The camaraderie among the players was infectious, and he found himself swept up in the joy of the moment. They clapped each other on the back, exchanging quick words of encouragement. "We've got this, boys!" Vardy shouted, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

Amid the enthusiastic cheers in the stadium, Mahrez, who scored the goal, ran straight to Tristan and gave him a high five and a hug.

"Tristan, that's a beautiful pass! I knew you could do it!" Mahrez exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement.

Tristan smiled back, the rush of adrenaline still surging through him. "Congratulations on your first goal in the Championship!" he replied, feeling a warmth spread through him at the recognition from the established star.

As they regrouped for the restart, the players were filled with energy, the euphoria from the goal invigorating their spirits. For the next ten minutes, the Derby County players struggled to regain their focus, their fighting spirit dampened by the impressive display from Leicester City.

Every pass, every tackle, every movement on the field became a demonstration of Leicester's newfound confidence. The fans' chants grew louder, echoing through the stadium, lifting the players' spirits. Tristan felt like he was riding a wave of collective energy, a thrill that propelled him forward with each stride.

As the final whistle blew, sealing a 3-0 victory for Leicester City, Tristan could hardly believe it. He had not only made his Championship debut but had also contributed significantly to the team's success. He'd fulfilled his dream of making an impact on the pitch, and now it was just the beginning.

Returning to the locker room, he heard the pleasant reminder of the system in his mind again:

[Ding Dong!]

[Achievement "First Championship Appearance" achieved]

[Achievement rating: B]

[Achievement Reward: One Free Attribute Point]

Hearing the system prompt, a hint of thought flashed across Tristan's eyes. What if I get promoted to the Premier League? Or if I score a goal or assist a brace or a hat trick in the Premier League? What rewards will the system give out then?

He knew in his heart that if he wanted to find out, he could only dig deeper into his potential. The future was bright, and with the support of the system, the possibilities were endless.

------

I appreciated it if you guys left some power stones, your thoughts, and maybe even dropped a review. I want to see more comments so I know I'm not just updating to the void and no one is reading it, I have about 52 chapters stockpiled, so I don't want to make them go to waste by dropping this story. Also let me know when you guys prefer me to post the chapter.