Chapter 130: Relentless Wave of Cruyff's Barcelona
The quiet hum of the plane to Copenhagen was a stark contrast to the roar of Old Trafford. Nathan, an Overall Rating: S+ player, leaned back, his mind still buzzing with the concept of "Dynastic Leaders" from the Legacy Archive. It wasn't enough to achieve individual brilliance or win a few trophies; true greatness, as the archive showed, was about sustained dominance, about building an era of unwavering success. He watched clips of legendary captains, how they held teams together, how they instilled a winning mentality that lasted for years.
His Unrivaled Dribbling (from Glide of Messi (89%) mastery) was almost perfect now. The ball felt like an extension of his soul. He could weave through cones, past defenders, with a fluidity that was almost art. He was so close to that final 100% mastery, the ultimate refinement. But now, his focus was expanding. It was about how to make Manchester United into a dynasty.
One crisp morning in training, Nathan found himself consciously encouraging his teammates, directing their runs not just with gestures, but with clear, concise words. He'd applaud a good tackle from Scott McTominay, or give a thumbs-up to a precise pass from Antony. It wasn't about shouting; it was about fostering a collective belief, an unshakeable confidence in their ability to dominate every game.
"You're becoming a proper general out there, mate," Luke Shaw remarked during a water break, nodding approvingly. "Everyone's listening."
Nathan grinned. "Just trying to keep us all on the same page, Luke. We've got big goals this season."
He observed his teammates, knowing that their combined strength and unity were the bedrock of any dynasty.
Marcus Rashford – Ability: A+ | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A
His confidence is soaring. He's becoming a truly consistent goal threat.
Diogo Dalot – Ability: A | Potential: A | Overall Rating: A-
A tireless worker on the right flank, linking defense and attack seamlessly.
The next challenge: FC Copenhagen in the Champions League group stage. An away fixture in Denmark. Copenhagen might not have the superstar names of PSG or Real Madrid, but they were a disciplined, well-organized team, known for their defensive solidity and fierce determination, especially on their home turf. They would be looking for an upset against the reigning champions.
Nathan used his "Talent Scout" on Copenhagen's key players.
Denis Vavro – Ability: B+ | Potential: A | Overall Rating: B+
Strong center-back, good in the air. Will be tough to break down.
Diogo Gonçalves – Ability: A- | Potential: A | Overall Rating: A-
Creative midfielder, can unlock defenses with a pass or a dribble. Their main spark.
Mathew Ryan – Ability: A- | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: B+
Experienced goalkeeper, good shot-stopper. Organizes their defense well.
"They'll be compact, disciplined," Erik ten Hag warned in the pre-match briefing. "They'll sit deep, try to frustrate us, and then hit us on the break. We need to be patient, keep the ball, but also relentless in our pressure. We need to suffocate them."
Nathan nodded. Relentless pressure. The foundation of a dynasty.
The atmosphere at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen was vibrant. A sea of white and blue, the Danish fans were passionate and vocal, ready to cheer on their team against the European champions. It felt intimate, intense, a proper European away night.
Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the Champions League group stage clash was underway.
Copenhagen started exactly as predicted. They formed a tight defensive block, their midfielders staying close to their defenders, denying any central space. They were incredibly disciplined, forcing United to play wide, circulating the ball without penetrating. Nathan tried to use his Unrivaled Dribbling to break through, but he was quickly swarmed, forcing him to pass backward.
United dominated possession, but it was slow, probing football. Copenhagen's defense seemed impenetrable.
Minute 25. Still 0-0. The home crowd was growing louder, sensing an upset. Nathan felt a flicker of frustration. They were controlling the ball, but they weren't controlling the game's flow. They needed sustained pressure, to consistently push Copenhagen back, to wear them down with relentless attacking waves, the kind of pressure that truly defines dynastic teams.
Just then, the familiar System chime cut through the air, sharp and clear.
Ding!
[System Notification]
[Your team is struggling to break down a deep, disciplined defense, requiring sustained, overwhelming pressure and an unyielding offensive push to force errors and create consistent scoring opportunities.]
[You may request one random legendary sustained offensive pressure/team dominance skill in the style of a football icon to orchestrate relentless attacks, wear down the opposition's defense, and establish complete control over the final third.]
[Do you wish to activate it?]
Nathan's eyes narrowed. Sustained offensive pressure? Complete control over the final third? This was it. This was what the "Dynastic Leaders" did – they created an environment where goals felt inevitable through sheer, unwavering dominance.
Yes! Activate!
Ding!
[Random Skill Activated: Relentless Wave of Cruyff's Barcelona]
[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your team's collective attacking movement, pressing intensity in the final third, and ability to recycle possession quickly after losing it are significantly enhanced. Your team will unleash a relentless wave of attacks, suffocating the opposition defense.]
A profound sense of collective purpose washed over Nathan. He felt connected to every United player, seeing how they could move together, press together, attack together, forming an unstoppable red tide. He subtly nudged Bruno Fernandes to push higher, waved Marcus Rashford to stay wide, and suddenly, United's formation tightened, their movements became sharper, more aggressive in the opponent's half.
He immediately called for the ball, dropping slightly deeper. When he received it, he didn't hold it; he instantly played a quick one-two with Casemiro, then another with Harry Kane, surging into Copenhagen's half. Copenhagen's defenders, who had been static, suddenly found themselves being pulled out of position, overwhelmed by the sheer volume and speed of United's attacking movement.
In the 28th minute, this relentless pressure paid off. Nathan, with the Relentless Wave of Cruyff's Barcelona active, received the ball on the edge of the box. He didn't shoot. He saw Harry Kane making a run, but also noticed a subtle shift in the defensive line. Instead, he played a quick, disguised pass to Marcus Rashford, who, seemingly appearing from nowhere, lashed a powerful shot towards goal. Mathew Ryan, Copenhagen's keeper, managed to parry it, but it fell straight to Harry Kane, who calmly tapped it into the empty net!
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!
The net bulged! Manchester United 1 - FC Copenhagen 1! The small pocket of United fans erupted in a roaring wave of relief and jubilation, finally finding their voice. Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, embracing Kane and Rashford. The Relentless Wave of Cruyff's Barcelona had dismantled Copenhagen's stubborn defense through sheer, collective will.
For the next five minutes, United were unstoppable. They swarmed Copenhagen's half, winning every second ball, recycling possession immediately after losing it. Nathan was at the heart of it, dictating the tempo of the relentless press, his teammates responding with unwavering energy. Copenhagen struggled to even get out of their own half.
The Relentless Wave of Cruyff's Barcelona faded, but it had done its job. United had asserted complete dominance.
Just before halftime, United took the lead. A brilliant cross from Luke Shaw was headed back across goal by Harry Kane, and Bruno Fernandes swept it into the net, making it 2-1.
The second half was a testament to United's control. Copenhagen tried to rally, but United's sustained pressure and tactical discipline, influenced by Nathan's earlier orchestration, made it difficult for them. David de Gea was rarely tested.
Nathan continued to influence the game, even without the active skill. He made intelligent runs, created space for others, and linked play beautifully, constantly pushing his Glide of Messi (89%) mastery. He had several complex solo runs, trying to force the next milestone.
Ding!
[System Notification]
[Skill Mastery Progress: Glide of Messi (92%)]
[Next Mastery Milestone: 100% (Requires continuous, sustained application of unrivaled dribbling in every match scenario and the execution of truly impossible solo efforts).]
Ninety-two percent! Nathan thought, a thrill running through him. Almost there to completely max out my signature skill!
The final minutes of the match were comfortable for United. Copenhagen, disheartened by the relentless pressure, couldn't find a way back into the game.
The final whistle blew.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - FC COPENHAGEN 1!
The United players celebrated wildly, hugging each other, exhausted but ecstatic. A crucial away win secured, keeping their Champions League group stage campaign strong.
In the jubilant changing room, Erik ten Hag was beaming. "Another tough test, lads, another three points! Nathan, your leadership in that first half, the way we suffocated them... pure dynastic football!"
Nathan, breathless but beaming, just grinned. "Just trying to keep the pressure on, boss."
He checked his system.
[Overall Rating: S+]
Still S+. The Glide of Messi mastery was pushing towards its ultimate milestone at 92%. And the Relentless Wave of Cruyff's Barcelona had given him an incredible insight into sustained team dominance.
As he walked out of Parken Stadium, the cheers of the United fans echoing in the Danish night, a new thought solidified in his mind. He was contributing to a dynasty, pushing the team to new levels of consistent dominance. But the ultimate test of an Immortal wasn't just about winning games; it was about truly breaking free, about having a unique ability, an unparalleled mastery that set him apart from every other player, making him truly irreplaceable, even among the GOATs.
Ding!
[Legacy Archive Update: New Category Unlocked - "The Pinnacle Uniques"]
[Description: Explore the exceptionally rare players whose individual mastery reached such an unimaginable height in a specific facet of the game that they became virtually unplayable and left an irreplaceable, signature mark on football history.]