England's Greatest

[Check out the Patreon, I think there's like 51 advance chapters there with daily chapters, and drop some power stones, comment and review if you guys want to, trying to hit 1000 power stones this week.] 

....

At Leicester City, Nigel Pearson and the club's management believed their star player, Tristan Hale, embodied everything the No. 7 represented. He was their catalyst for change, their game-changer, the player who could create something out of nothing. For them, giving Tristan the No. 7 was an honor—a way to solidify his status as the heart of the team and a symbol of their ambitions.

But there was another consideration: the No. 10 jersey. Known as the playmaker's number, it seemed like a natural fit for someone of Tristan's skill set. However, it was already claimed by Andy King, a long-serving club legend and a vital figure in Leicester's rise through the leagues. Taking the No. 10 from King would be disrespectful to his contributions, and Pearson wasn't about to cause a rift within the squad. The No. 7, with its legacy of offensive brilliance, seemed like the perfect compromise.

Tristan, however, wasn't so sure.

When Pearson presented the idea, Tristan gave it some thought, weighing the expectations and the baggage that came with wearing the iconic number. After a moment, he shook his head with a small smile.

"Nah, Coach. I think I'll stick with my 22."

Pearson frowned slightly, clearly surprised. "22? You're passing up the chance to wear the No. 7? You know what that number stands for, right? It's Beckham. Ronaldo. Best. It's the number for players who make things happen."

Tristan leaned back in his chair, a relaxed confidence in his tone. "Exactly, Coach. It's their number. If I take it, the media's going to have a field day. 'The new Beckham,' 'Leicester's Ronaldo,' 'England's next No. 7'—I can already see the headlines. I'd rather not. I don't want to be the next anyone. I want to make my own legacy."

Pearson crossed his arms, skeptical. "Fair enough, but why 22? It's not exactly the stuff of legends."

Tristan grinned, leaning forward slightly. "Because it's mine, Coach. I've been wearing 22 since I broke into the senior team. People already know me for it—it's literally part of my brand. All my socials are 'Tristan_22.' It's on my boots, on my merch. When people see 22, they think of me already. Why would I trade that just to join a list of greats wearing 7? I'd rather make 22 great."

Pearson raised an eyebrow but nodded, understanding. "That's true—you've built something around that number. But remember, it's not the number that makes the player—it's the other way around. If 22's your choice, make sure you give it a legacy worth remembering."

Tristan's grin widened. "Don't worry, Coach. 22's going to mean something when I'm done with it."

For Tristan, the decision wasn't just about rejecting the weight of comparisons. He was tired of being linked to Beckham, tired of the constant chatter. If he wore the No. 7, he could already imagine the frenzy it would cause, both at Leicester and for England. But more than that, 22 wasn't just a number to him—it was part of his identity. 

He wore that number in his first life despite all the failures, it was with him through everything and it will be his number through his rise as well. 

...

The next day, Leicester City announced the squad's jersey numbers for the upcoming season, sparking a wave of excitement among fans. While many veteran players retained their familiar numbers, Tristan Hale's decision to stick with his iconic No. 22 grabbed headlines.

The club also revealed that their new Argentine forward, Leonardo Ulloa, a €7 million signing, would wear the No. 7 jersey, while other players, such as Marc Albrighton (No. 11) and Matt Upson (No. 6), retained their assigned numbers. However, it was Tristan's jersey announcement that dominated the conversation.

To capitalize on the buzz, Leicester City released a sleek and impactful video across their social media platforms. The clip featured Tristan, Riyad Mahrez, and Jamie Vardy under dramatic lighting. Tristan stood with his back to the camera, the No. 22 on his jersey illuminated in bold white. Slowly, he raised his hands, thumbs pointing proudly to his number, before the camera cut to a close-up of his confident, slightly mischievous smile.

The video went viral within hours. Fans flooded the club's accounts with likes, shares, and comments, hyping up their rising star. Riding the wave of excitement, Leicester City's official store launched sales of Tristan's No. 22 jersey. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

Despite preparing an initial stock of 2,000 jerseys, the club underestimated just how popular Tristan had become, especially following his World Cup performances. By dawn, a long line of Leicester fans had already gathered outside the club's store, eagerly waiting for their chance to grab the new No. 22 jersey. Within hours of opening, every jersey was sold out. Yet the demand didn't slow. Fans continued to wait, hoping for restocks.

Behind the scenes, the club's commercial department scrambled to respond. Orders were immediately sent to factories to ramp up production as fans online flooded the pre-sale platform. Within the first day alone, online pre-orders for Tristan's jersey surpassed 5,000 units, doubling the already staggering in-store sales. By nightfall, a total of 10,000 jerseys had been sold—an unprecedented figure for a Leicester City player.

Tristan's No. 22 jersey was available in two versions: the affordable replica for casual fans and the premium authentic version, identical to what players wore on the pitch. While both were flying off the shelves, the authentic version's higher price tag didn't deter the most passionate supporters.

With an average price of £60 per jersey, the club raked in a jaw-dropping £600,000 in revenue in just one day. This eclipsed even the jersey sales from the day Leicester City had won the FA Cup the previous season. For the club's commercial department, it was a moment of vindication and celebration. The head of the department couldn't hide his grin as he reviewed the sales figures.

"Tristan isn't just a player," he remarked to his team. "He's a brand. And today proved it."

The buzz wasn't just confined to Leicester or even England. Orders came pouring in from fans across Europe and beyond, with Tristan's performances at the World Cup having already made him a global name. His No. 22 jersey sales were beginning to rival those of some of the Premier League's biggest superstars.

The club's social media feeds were filled with fans showing off their new jerseys, tagging Tristan in posts with messages of support. The player himself shared a post with a simple caption: "Making 22 unforgettable."

While the No. 7 jersey traditionally carried the weight of history and iconic names, Tristan's choice to stick with No. 22 was paying off in ways even the club hadn't anticipated.

Just as Tristan's No. 22 jersey was flying off shelves across the country, Leicester City's recruitment efforts were gaining momentum. With a clear strategy to bolster their squad, the Foxes made a series of calculated moves to strengthen their ranks ahead of the season.

One of the key signings was Danny Simpson, a 27-year-old right-back from Queens Park Rangers, secured for £2.5 million. Simpson, a product of Manchester United's youth academy, brought a wealth of experience, having played a vital role in Newcastle United's promotion to the Premier League. His arrival was a response to the inconsistent performances of Belgian right-back Ritchie De Laet during the previous season. Simpson's stability and defensive acumen were seen as crucial for Leicester's ambitions to compete in the top flight.

However, it was the signing of Esteban Cambiasso that truly captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. The former Inter Milan star, who joined on a free transfer, was a coup for the Foxes. With over 400 appearances and multiple Serie A titles to his name, Cambiasso brought an unparalleled level of experience and leadership to Leicester's midfield.

Manager Nigel Pearson personally traveled to Italy to meet with Cambiasso and present his vision for the club. Pearson's persistence paid off, as Cambiasso was won over by the challenge of playing in the Premier League and helping Leicester establish themselves as a competitive side.

As the transfer window drew to a close, the focus shifted to preseason preparations. The Foxes had three warm-up matches scheduled over the next five days, all away games designed to fine-tune the team ahead of the Premier League season. These matches were critical for integrating the new signings into the squad, refining tactical setups, and building match fitness.

Warm-up matches served as a testing ground for Pearson's plans. The choice of opponents was deliberate, aiming for a balance between challenging opposition and manageable fixtures to maintain the team's confidence. A match that was too one-sided might offer little value, while an overly challenging one could dent morale just before the season opener.

For the first two preseason matches, Leicester City faced League One sides Preston North End and Milton Keynes Dons. Manager Nigel Pearson used these games to experiment with his squad, making extensive rotations and ensuring both starters and rotation players got valuable minutes. The strategy paid off as Leicester cruised to comfortable victories in both matches, showcasing their depth and quality despite playing on the road.

The third match was a step up in difficulty against Rotherham United, a newly promoted Championship side eager to prove themselves. Rotherham posed a greater challenge with their physicality and pressing game, but Leicester's superior quality shone through. The Foxes claimed a convincing 3-0 victory, a performance that highlighted their growing fitness and improving tactical cohesion.

The final warm-up match, held on August 9, was the ultimate test of Leicester's preseason preparations. Facing Bundesliga stalwarts Werder Bremen, the Foxes went head-to-head with a seasoned European side known for their technical proficiency and high-tempo style. This match was designed to push Leicester to their limits, providing Pearson with valuable insights into his team's readiness for the Premier League campaign.

Across the matches, two players consistently stood out: Esteban Cambiasso and Jesse Lingard.

Although Esteban Cambiasso is now 34 years old, his physical attributes have naturally declined. His once-impressive pace has diminished with age, but his sharp footballing mind and exceptional skill remain as formidable as ever.

Moving to a new country and competing in the high-paced environment of the Premier League seems to have reignited a spark within him. His passion and determination were on full display during training sessions and warm-up matches, where he proved far sharper and more competitive than many had anticipated.

Cambiasso's role within the team has been finely tuned to suit his current strengths. With Tristan taking on playmaking responsibilities in the final third, Cambiasso's job is to anchor the midfield, using his intelligence and defensive awareness to protect the backline and dictate the tempo from deep. By staying disciplined, he provides crucial cover for the slower center-backs while allowing the attacking trio to flourish up front.

His illustrious career, which boasts multiple Serie A titles and a Champions League trophy, has always been a testament to his talent and leadership. However, what has surprised Leicester's coaching staff is how quickly Cambiasso has adapted to the team's dynamic style of play, proving to be an invaluable addition on and off the pitch.

While Cambiasso's experience has been a highlight, another player has caught everyone's attention: Jesse Lingard. The young loanee from Manchester United has seamlessly integrated into Leicester's setup, adding flair and versatility to their attack. Lingard's ability to read the game and make intelligent runs has made him a vital cog in the Foxes' offensive machinery.

Leicester's front three—Tristan, Mahrez, and Vardy—have developed a lethal synergy, earning them the nickname "The Three Musketeers." Tristan orchestrates play with his unmatched vision and creativity, Mahrez dazzles defenders with his dribbling and unpredictability, and Vardy remains the tireless predator, ready to pounce on every chance. Their chemistry is the beating heart of Leicester's attack, and Lingard's arrival has only enhanced their effectiveness.

Initially, Leicester signed Marc Albrighton to add width and crossing ability on the flanks. While Albrighton has performed admirably, Lingard's dynamic off-the-ball movement and sharper goal-scoring instincts have made him an ideal complement to the trio. Lingard doesn't demand possession to make an impact; instead, he thrives on exploiting space and linking up play. In just three preseason games, he scored twice and registered an assist, solidifying his role as a key player heading into the new season.

The additions of Cambiasso, Lingard, Ulloa, and Danny Simpson have undeniably strengthened Leicester's squad. This newfound depth and quality were put to the test in their final preseason friendly against Werder Bremen. Despite their recent struggles, Bremen's history as a Bundesliga powerhouse made them a formidable opponent.

From the opening whistle, Leicester made their intentions clear. Nigel Pearson had emphasized an aggressive, attacking philosophy for the upcoming season, and the Foxes wasted no time implementing it.

In the 5th minute, a slick passing combination between Mahrez and Tristan culminated in Tristan slotting a composed low finish into the near corner, giving Leicester an early 1-0 lead. The Foxes didn't let up.

Just 10 minutes later, Cambiasso showcased his defensive brilliance, intercepting a pass in midfield to launch a quick counterattack. A precise ball to Mahrez sent the Algerian winger flying down the right flank. Mahrez delivered a pinpoint pass into the box, and Tristan, showing his usual composure, whipped a cross to the far post. Lingard soared above the Bremen defense and headed the ball past goalkeeper Raphael Wolf, doubling Leicester's advantage.

In the 37th minute, Tristan delivered another moment of magic. After pulling the ball back in midfield, he spotted Vardy's run and threaded a perfectly weighted through ball between two defenders. Vardy sprinted onto it and finished with aplomb, making it 3-0 before halftime.

Leicester's dominance stunned Werder Bremen. The Bundesliga side had expected to face a spirited but outclassed newly promoted Premier League team.

 Instead, they found themselves on the receiving end of a performance worthy of a top-tier European club. On the sidelines, Bremen players and staff exchanged bewildered glances, questioning if they had unknowingly stepped into a match against a team like Chelsea or Manchester United.

In the second half, Leicester City made several substitutions, allowing players from the bench to gain valuable minutes while resting key starters for the fast-approaching Premier League season. The changes inevitably disrupted the rhythm of the game, but with a comfortable 3-0 lead, the Foxes could afford to take their foot off the gas.

Werder Bremen capitalized on this lull to net a consolation goal midway through the second half. A defensive lapse allowed Junuzović to thread a clever ball through to their striker, who slotted it past Kasper Schmeichel. The goal gave the German side a brief moment of hope, but Leicester's defensive unit, now including Danny Simpson in his first real test since joining the club, held firm for the remainder of the match.

Despite the slight setback, the Foxes never looked rattled. Their control over the game remained evident, even with the second-string players on the pitch. The final whistle blew with the scoreline at 3-1.

Leicester's players walked off the pitch with broad smiles shaking hands with the opposing players.

Standing on the sidelines, Nigel Pearson allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. His usually stern demeanor softened into a relaxed smile as he watched his team applaud the traveling fans, who had been vocal throughout the match. This wasn't just a team of individuals anymore; it was a cohesive unit brimming with potential.

Pearson knew the Premier League would pose a far tougher challenge than pre-season friendlies, but the signs were promising. The squad had strengthened in all the right areas, and the blend of youth, experience, and attacking flair made Leicester a genuinely exciting prospect.

…..

Not going to lie, my head is hurting like a bitch as I was working on this chapter and my ass is out of painkillers. 

I was dreading having to rewrite every single sentence with the number 7, you dont know how much the chinese author glazes that fucking number. 

But after like chapter 106, I think my dread went away as I stopped translating the chinese chapters and just writing my own. So from that point you can say this is a original novel.