Julien lived up to the captain's armband on his arm. This youngest captain in Bastia's history was leading his team through difficult times.
This was Julien's first top class season, and after four rounds, he had once again surpassed Aubameyang to reclaim the top scorer position. Four rounds, six goals, two assists—that was his report card in Ligue 1.
Before this season, many said that Julien wouldn't be as formidable in Ligue 1, that there would be an adaptation period. But now, Julien had already answered that question: Genius don't need to adapt to the league—the league needs to adapt to genius.
Ligue 1, Julien has arrived.
The match ended.
About Julien's first Ligue 1 hat-trick. The TF1 commentator was generous with his praise.
At this moment, the Cesari Stadium was still chanting "Julien" even after the players had finished their lap of honor.
The atmosphere was thunderous. It only gradually faded after all the players had returned to the dressing room.
The fans looked at the pitch one last time before reluctantly leaving, turning back with every step.
"Ah, Sadio, you played well tonight."
On the way back to the dressing room after the lap of honor, Martial walked alongside Mané.
Both products of the Metz youth academy, the two had a good relationship.
Mané had created several chances in this match and provided an assist, making Martial somewhat envious.
"If you can maintain this level of performance for another match or two, you'll definitely become a starter."
There was no suspense in the right-wing competition.
But on the left wing, the aging Palmieri couldn't support the attack and needed Sidibé to push forward and help.
When Sidibé overlapped, it often left gaps for opponents to exploit on the left flank.
Perhaps due to nerves, Mané's performance last time was mediocre, but tonight he had completely let loose. During the lap of honor, some Bastia fans were calling him the "Black Hurricane."
A left winger who could solve problems on his own.
The three million euros spent in the summer transfer window was money well spent! This transfer fee ranked among the highest in Bastia's history.
De Bruyne and Lukaku were also discussing tonight's match, but there was a hint of blame on De Bruyne's face.
Lukaku listened in confusion.
"You should have made one more run, just one more, and that ball would have been yours."
Listening to De Bruyne's words, Lukaku felt overwhelmed. He didn't like listening to De Bruyne talk, nor did he like Hadzibegic.
His favorite was chatting with Julien. But at this moment, Julien was walking alongside Kanté.
"You had several excellent moments tonight. Prepare well for the Europa League match at the end of the month. Plzen isn't a strong team, and although we're playing away, we have every chance of taking all three points. This match is crucial, and in midfield defense, you're the player the team relies on most."
Julien put his arm around Kanté's shoulders, and smiled encouraging him.
Kanté didn't say much, just smiled innocently.
Julien continued, "In a few more matches, I'll recommend you to Deschamps. Keep it up."
Kanté froze.
'Deschamps?
The national team?!'
He suddenly looked up at Julien, his eyes seeming to sparkle with light and hope.
Julien smiled and patted his shoulder firmly. "I told you; you'll be France's future midfield answer. You'll be the most stable link in France's defensive line."
"Thank you, Julien."
Kanté thanked him sincerely. Without Julien, he would still be struggling in the third division at this moment.
How could he possibly be playing in Ligue 1, in the Europa League, let alone touching the national team?
In the past, these were all scenes from Kanté's dreams. Now, with Julien's arrival, everything was becoming reality.
Soon, they reached the dressing room, and Julien said nothing more. In fact, Kanté's development, in his view, had little to do with him.
He had simply provided Kanté with a platform, an opportunity.
Kanté's playing style was destined to be that of a quiet warrior. His help to the team would be subtle and constant. When teammates were struggling, Kanté's brilliance couldn't really shine through.
This was why he had been overlooked.
But now, Julien had arrived. He would not only bring Kanté to the national team early but also build his own France.
Beyond the national team, at the club level, he would also give his friends a sense of belonging.
In the dressing room, Chataigner specially praised Julien. "Our captain's first Ligue 1 hat-trick! If it weren't for the national team matches coming up, I'd really want to celebrate with you all until we drop!"
"Ha-ha~" The players all laughed. Indeed, with national team matches imminent, Bastia now had several internationals, and several players would have to leave Bastia tonight to join their national teams.
Last season, only Julien was called up to the French national team.
This season, Mané was a Senegalese international, while Lukaku and De Bruyne were Belgian internationals.
Although the other three were all substitute players, it still involved long journeys.
The next day, while Bastia was still savoring last night's goal-fest, Julien was already on a plane leaving Corsica with De Bruyne and others.
The three had to go to Paris first, then transfer.
The French national team was gathering directly in Finland this time, not at Clairefontaine, to maximize time savings.
Lukaku seemed quite content. As he put it, he was just going back to the national team to rest, since he wasn't a starter anyway.
Belgium's current main strikers were still Fellaini and Mirallas.
Similarly, De Bruyne didn't have a starting position either. Belgium's current midfield consisted of Mertens, Hazard, Moussa Dembélé, and Witsel.
However, De Bruyne looked unhappy throughout the journey.
This had nothing to do with football.
It was about Courtois.
Now in Belgium, and even Chelsea's fan circles, as well as other gossiping fans, everyone was talking about this matter.
For a man, this kind of thing left a mark. Score on the pitch and you're celebrated; get scored on in life, and all your friends can do is pat your shoulder with sympathy.
Finland. Helsinki.
This city by the Baltic Sea was famous worldwide for its livability.
After landing at the airport, Julien had no time to take in everything this city had to offer.
He was quickly picked up by national team staff, taken to the hotel to settle in, then to the training ground to meet up with the team.
"Julien, the training ground here has artificial turf, so be careful," said a staff member named Tuck, explaining the precautions to Julien. "The match against Finland in two days will be at Helsinki Olympic Stadium. They have artificial turf, so we're adapting in advance."
Julien nodded. Deschamps had mentioned this issue when he called.
Deschamps had also told him, "But don't worry about not being able to perform your magical moves in Northern Europe. Finland's stadium is a FIFA-certified 2-star artificial turf pitch. It's time to show the Nordic people what football artistry is!"
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