Fresh from his eight-goal explosion against Turó de la Peira (a team noted for their "struggling defense and lack of coordination," as highlighted in Chapter 8), Chidi returned to the familiar surroundings of La Masia. The resounding victory, described in vivid detail, provided a much-needed confidence boost, yet Coach Garcia was keen to keep his young charge grounded. The Liga Promises tournament, a prestigious competition for youth teams across Spain, was fast approaching. This wasn't just another league game; it was a stage where the brightest talents from La Masia could shine on a national level. Scouts from top European clubs would be in attendance, eager to spot the next generation of footballing superstars.
The image of Chidi's eight goals, each described with increasing excitement, served as a reminder of his potential, but also the need for tactical refinement. Coach Garcia, drawing upon the successful strategy implemented against Turó de la Peira, planned to utilize Chidi's speed and dribbling on the left wing. The coach drilled Chidi on cutting inside, creating shooting opportunities, and, crucially, linking up with his teammates. This wasn't about individual glory; it was about showcasing the values of La Masia: teamwork, creativity, and dedication.
La Masia itself became a character in this chapter. The narrative emphasized the values instilled within its walls: discipline, humility, and a commitment to the Barcelona style of play. Chidi, despite the growing hype, remained grounded, attending his training sessions with focus and determination. He spent extra hours practicing his passing and decision-making, recognizing the importance of contributing to the team's overall performance. He frequently interacted with the La Masia coaches, absorbing their knowledge and guidance. The chapter subtly highlighted the iconic La Masia emblem, a symbol of pride and tradition that Chidi carried with him onto the pitch. The image shows the importance of coaching in La Masia as well.
The opening match of the Liga Promises was against Real Madrid, a fierce rival and a team known for its physical and combative style. The atmosphere at the Mini Estadi was electric, with passionate fans eager to witness a classic El Clásico encounter at youth level. The game was a tense and tactical battle, with both teams struggling to gain the upper hand. Chidi, playing on the left wing, faced a tough opponent in the form of Sergio Ramos Jr., a highly rated defender known for his aggressive tackling and aerial prowess.
In the 25th minute, Chidi produced a moment of magic that ignited the stadium. Receiving the ball near the halfway line, he unleashed a mesmerizing run, weaving past three Real Madrid defenders with breathtaking skill. As he approached the penalty area, he unleashed a thunderous shot that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The crowd erupted in cheers as Barcelona took the lead. The goal, reminiscent of his earlier strikes described as "curling shots" and "powerful shots," showcased his development under the La Masia system.
Real Madrid responded strongly, pressing Barcelona back into their own half. Their midfield began to dominate possession, and they created several dangerous opportunities. However, Barcelona's defense, marshaled by captain Eric Garcia, held firm. In the 60th minute, Barcelona doubled their lead. Chidi, displaying his improved teamwork, played a perfectly weighted through pass to his teammate, Ansu Fati, who calmly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. The assist highlighted Chidi's unselfishness and his commitment to the La Masia philosophy of collective success.
With Barcelona comfortably ahead, Coach Garcia made a tactical change, instructing his team to sit back and defend their lead. Real Madrid continued to press, but Barcelona's defense remained resolute. In the 85th minute, Chidi sealed the victory with a stunning individual goal. Receiving the ball on the left wing, he cut inside, beat two defenders, and unleashed a curling shot that nestled into the far corner. The goal, echoing was a testament to his skill, determination, and growing confidence.
The final whistle blew, and Barcelona had secured a memorable 3-0 victory against Real Madrid. Chidi's performance – two goals and an assist – had once again captured the attention of the scouts in attendance. The cameras zoomed in on his La Masia training kit as he was being interviewed. His humble demeanor and articulate responses further reinforced the values instilled within him by the academy. As he walked off the pitch, he was surrounded by his teammates, all celebrating the victory as a collective achievement.
The victory, more than just three points, was a statement of intent from La Masia. Chidi, embodying the academy's values, had shone brightly on the national stage, attracting the gaze of Europe's elite clubs. However, for Chidi, the focus remained on continuing his development within the nurturing environment of La Masia. He was a product of the system, and his success was a testament to its effectiveness. As he looked towards the challenges ahead, he knew that he had the unwavering support of his coaches, his teammates, and the entire La Masia family behind him. The image is a reminder of how La Masia has made him the player he is. This is a point he constantly reminds himself of.
The chapter concluded with Chidi returning to his dorm room at La Masia, surrounded by photos of Barcelona legends who had come through the academy. He knew that he had a long way to go, but he was determined to follow in their footsteps, upholding the values and traditions of La Masia every step of the way.