Leon Fischer, his 'Current: 84' humming with a quiet determination, was settling into life in Milan.
Pre-season training was intense, but he loved every minute of it.
He was pushing his 'Physicality' (Current: 66) in the gym, adapting to his new left-wing role, and constantly looking for that "unique action" that would earn him his first Skill Point.
One afternoon, after a particularly grueling training session, Leon was relaxing in the villa's living room, scrolling through sports news on his tablet.
His mom was humming in the kitchen, experimenting with Italian recipes.
Suddenly, a headline caught his eye.
"BYON'S BRILLIANCE LIGHTS UP PRE-SEASON!"
He tapped on it. The article was about Manchester City's latest friendly match against Watford.
A video clip played, showing Byon (Current: 85) receiving the ball on the edge of the box, taking a quick touch, and then unleashing a powerful, curling shot that rocketed into the top corner.
"What a strike from Byon! The young Manchester City winger is in sensational form this pre-season! That's his third goal in two friendlies! He's going to be a real force in the Premier League this season!"
Leon grinned, a surge of pride for his best friend.
"Go on, Byon!" he muttered. He quickly texted him.
"Another screamer, eh? You're going to win the Golden Boot before I get my first Skill Point!"
Byon's reply was almost instant.
"Told you I'm coming for your assist crown, Leo! Get ready to be humbled! You coming to watch me play this season or what?"
Leon chuckled. Their friendly rivalry was as strong as ever, even across different leagues.
He scrolled further down the news feed, and another headline grabbed his attention.
"XAVI SIMONS: AC MILAN'S NEW WONDERKID TAKING SERIE A BY STORM!"
Leon's eyebrows shot up. Xavi Simons. He knew the name, a highly-rated young talent from PSG, but he hadn't realized he'd moved to AC Milan, Inter's fierce city rivals.
His 'sight' immediately activated, and his 'Analyze Player Stats' feature popped up with Simons's information.
[PLAYER: XAVI SIMONS] (Attacking Midfield)
Leon stared. A 'Potential' of 94! That was massive, matching his own 'Potential' rating.
And a 'Current' rating of 86, incredibly high for his age, especially for someone who had just moved to a new league.
The article continued, detailing Simons's pre-season performances.
"Xavi Simons has been an absolute revelation for AC Milan in their pre-season friendlies, scoring an astonishing seven goals in just two matches! His dazzling dribbling, pinpoint passing, and clinical finishing have already made him a fan favorite at San Siro."
A video clip played, showing Simons's goals.
Leon watched, his 'sight' analyzing every movement, every shot.
Simons's 'Dribbling' (89) was fluid, his 'Shooting' (85), and his 'Vision' (84) was excellent.
He had an uncanny ability to find space and finish chances.
"Seven goals in two friendlies," Leon muttered aloud, a thoughtful frown on his face.
"Potential 94, Current 86. He's good. Really good."
His mom walked into the living room, wiping her hands on a dishtowel.
"What's wrong, dear? You look serious."
"Nothing, Mom," Leon replied, looking up.
"Just watching some highlights. AC Milan signed a new player, Xavi Simons. He's a wonderkid. Scored seven goals in two friendlies."
"Well, that's nice, dear. Good for them. More competition for you, I suppose!"
Leon just nodded, his 'Current: 84' feeling a surge of competitive fire.
A 'Potential: 94' wonderkid, in his own league, at his rival club.
This was going to be intense.
He thought about his own 'SKILL POINTS: 0' counter.
He needed to make an impact.
The TV then switched to a segment about Leon himself. A highlight reel of his past season at Aston Villa played.
"And speaking of wonderkids, let's not forget the man who took the Premier League by storm last season, Leon Fischer! Now at Inter Milan, the young midfielder led Aston Villa to a historic Champions League qualification, and topped the Premier League assist charts!"
The screen showed clips of his dazzling dribble against Chelsea, the one where he humiliated three midfielders before hitting the crossbar, leading to Watkins's tap-in.
Then, his thunderous goal against Manchester City, a rocket into the top corner. And, of course, the audacious chip against Arsenal.
"His performances, especially in those crucial matches, like the thrilling 4-3 victory over Chelsea, where he scored a magnificent goal and set up two others, proved he's a player for the biggest occasions!"
Leon watched, a proud smile on his face. It felt good to see his past achievements, to remember the journey. But his focus was firmly on the future.
He turned off the tablet, a determined glint in his eye. "Mom," he said, "the Italian league starts in a week."
His mom nodded. "Yes, dear. Are you excited?"
"More than excited," Leon replied, a fierce resolve in his voice.
"And you know who our first match is against?"
His mom paused, then her eyes widened. "Oh, no. Is it...?"
Leon nodded slowly, a competitive grin spreading across his face.
"Inter Milan versus AC Milan. The Derby della Madonnina. My first official match in Italy. And I'll be facing Xavi Simons."
He felt a surge of adrenaline.