"Atlético are sitting deeper now, trying to protect their lead. Simeone is a master of defensive tactics. inter need to be patient, but also incisive."
Leon received the ball in midfield, his 'sight' immediately showing him the 'ghosted runs' of his teammates and the 'defensive lines' of Atlético.
He saw an opening, a narrow channel for a through ball to Julián Álvarez. He hit a pinpoint pass, but Álvarez's shot was saved by Jan Oblak.
"So close!" Leon muttered, frustrated. He needed that unique action, that moment of magic.
He tried another daring dribble, weaving past two Atlético midfielders, but his 'Stamina' (78) for such intense runs was still a work in progress. He was dispossessed before he could reach the box.
The game continued at a high tempo, despite it being a friendly. Both teams were playing with intensity, eager to impress. Leon's 'Current: 84' was working hard, constantly analyzing, constantly pushing.
Around the 72nd minute, Coach Chivu began his changes. He made a flurry of substitutions, changing five players at once. It was a common pre-season tactic, giving everyone minutes, managing fitness.
Leon saw the substitution board go up. His number, 10, was displayed. He was being taken off.
Leon felt a pang of disappointment. He hadn't earned a Skill Point yet. He hadn't found that unique moment. He wanted to stay on, to keep pushing, to try one more audacious pass, one more dazzling dribble.
He jogged off the pitch, disappointed but understanding. He exchanged a quick high-five with the player coming on for him, a young attacking midfielder.
The match ended 2-1 to Atlético Madrid. Inter Milan had lost their toughest pre-season friendly.
After the game, in the dressing room, the mood was subdued but not disheartened. It was a friendly, after all, and they had played well against a top team, even with the substitutions.
Leon, still feeling the lingering frustration of not earning a Skill Point, approached Coach Chivu.
"Coach," Leon began, his voice respectful, "why did you take me off? I felt like I was just starting to find my rhythm, to create chances. I wanted to stay on."
Chivu looked at him, a calm smile on his face.
"Leon, it's just a friendly match. We needed to manage your minutes. You played exceptionally well for 72 minutes against one of the best midfields in Europe. Your 'Vision' was incredible, your dribbling opened them up. We saw what we needed to see."
He patted Leon on the shoulder. "Pre-season is about building fitness, understanding tactics, and avoiding injuries. You are too important to risk. You will have plenty of opportunities to make your unique plays when the league starts. Don't worry, Leon. Your time will come."
Leon nodded, accepting the explanation. He understood the logic, but the competitive fire in him still yearned for that Skill Point.
Later, as they were heading back to the team bus, Leon found Cole Palmer. Palmer had also been substituted around the same time.
"Rough one, eh, Cole?" Leon said, nudging him.
"I really wanted to stay on. Felt like I was close to something."
Palmer nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Yeah, me too. I felt we could have gotten an equalizer if we'd stayed on longer. But Chivu's right. It's pre-season. No point risking anything."
He looked at Leon, a knowing glint in his eye. "You were incredible today, though, Leo. That dribble in the first half... you made their midfield look silly. And that shot for the goal... pure class. I saw it all."
Leon chuckled. "Thanks, Cole. You were great too. That pass for my goal was perfect. You've got amazing 'Vision' for a winger." Leon's 'Analyze Player Stats' feature showed Palmer's 'Vision' at 80, very good for his position.
"We link up well, don't we?" Palmer said, a grin spreading across his face.
"I can just tell what you're going to do. And you seem to know what I'm thinking too."
Leon smiled. "Yeah, it's like we're on the same wavelength."
This was the beauty of football, the unspoken understanding between players. And with his 'sight', it was even more profound. He could see the 'Current' rating and 'Potential' of every player, giving him an unparalleled understanding of their abilities and how they would react. This unique insight was what allowed him to connect so seamlessly with players like Palmer, to anticipate their movements, to find those impossible passes.
"So," Palmer continued, "ready for the real season? Serie A is going to be a challenge. Lots of tactical teams, very defensive. But with us, and Julián, and Lautaro... we're going to score a lot of goals."
"Absolutely," Leon replied, a fierce determination in his eyes. "I'm ready. I want to win trophies here. I want to win the Champions League."
Palmer's grin widened. "That's the spirit! Me too, mate. Me too."
As they boarded the bus, Leon felt a deep sense of camaraderie with Palmer.
They were more than just teammates; they were friends, fellow wonderkids on a shared mission to conquer Europe.
The loss to Atlético was a minor setback, a learning experience. The real battles were yet to come. And Leon Fischer, with his unique 'sight' and his burning ambition, was ready for every single one of them.