On the training ground.
After the restart.
The Crystal Palace players clearly identified who the core of the opposing side was—Kai.
They started pressing high with intent, trying to squeeze Kai's space in midfield.
But Kai didn't shy away from the physical contest!
At just sixteen years old, he stood 185 cm tall, and his physical presence wasn't a disadvantage at all.
The close man-marking style of English players could be troublesome once they latch onto you.
But in England's football scene—known for its wide-open style and frequent physical clashes—Kai was well aware that these were essential attributes.
Over the next ten or so minutes…
Kai passed the ball frequently with one-touch plays, never lingering on the ball, often switching the play with long-range passes.
Thanks to his "God's Eye View" giving him full-field awareness, Kai helped orchestrate the rhythm of the midfield for his teammates!
"His playing style is so expansive and bold… I can't believe he came from La Masia!"
On the sidelines, Holloway was stunned with joy.
Millen was equally dumbfounded. "No wonder Kai said he hated possession football! His style really doesn't resemble the typical Spanish approach!"
"La Masia didn't want a player like this? Those Spaniards must be too rigid!"
On the pitch…
Without a perfect opportunity in sight, Kai didn't rush to use the remaining two "Cruise Missile" modules.
Instead, he used his own long-pass attributes, combined with his God's Eye View, to send a few lofted balls forward.
The accuracy wasn't great—his long pass stat was only 60, just hitting the pro benchmark.
But none of his teammates complained.
Ever since Kai entered the field, the entire midfield had come alive!
Especially the striker, Vaughan—he was playing with ease.
Whenever he called for the ball, Kai responded instantly!
Kai's field vision was vast, catching every movement across the pitch.
He felt like a cheat code!
At that moment!
While searching for an opening, the opportunity finally came!
On the left side of the attacking third—
A poor clearance from the opposition!
The center-back miskicked the ball, and it dropped awkwardly in midfield. Vaughan leapt and flicked it backward with the top of his head!
The ball was deflected toward the central area.
With his God's Eye View, Kai immediately spotted the chance and rushed forward!
Everyone expected Kai to control the ball before organizing the play.
But before the ball even landed—
Kai scanned the field!
Up ahead, Vaughan was already making a run!
Kai immediately swung his outer foot!
A first-time long pass with the outside of the foot!
The Pirlo-style Cruise Missile module activated instantly!
With a golden path appearing before him, the ball curved beautifully and dropped toward the front line!
And the landing spot—
Was exactly where Vaughan was running!
Vaughan was shocked!
This pass was exactly like the one from earlier—it flew straight at him like a guided missile, homing in on his path!
Perfect!
Vaughan controlled and shot in one fluid motion!
The ball went in again!
The Crystal Palace training ground erupted in cheers!
Teammates swarmed Kai to celebrate the goal!
At this moment, the Crystal Palace players finally understood—
They had judged him wrong!
This kid from La Masia was no cast-off!
Those Spaniards had clearly lost their minds!
Both of those assists were pure brilliance!
Totally unexpected and exquisite!
"Sign him! Mr. Holloway, we must sign him! He's incredible!!"
Vaughan, overjoyed like a child, sprinted to Kai after scoring.
He shouted toward Holloway on the sidelines.
Vaughan even picked Kai up in excitement!
"I haven't felt this in ages! Even if it's just a training match, I've never felt scoring could be this easy!"
"You have to stay!"
Vaughan was beyond thrilled!
He once galloped through the Premier League under the title of super prodigy.
What glorious days those were…
But years of injuries had knocked him off track—he tumbled down from the Premier League to the Championship. The spotlight of his genius had long faded.
Even at Crystal Palace, he'd been underperforming, finding goals harder than ever!
This season, he hadn't scored a single goal so far!
For Vaughan, once the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, that was a devastating blow!
Crystal Palace lacked a commanding midfield presence!
Their midfield was a mess—chaotic and directionless. How could a striker get proper service?
Even the best striker couldn't dribble solo from halfway every time, could he?
Besides…
Vaughan's goal drought had worn down his confidence—something deadly for any forward.
But now!
Kai's arrival!
Had reignited his hope!
If Crystal Palace kept Kai, Vaughan could potentially reclaim what he once had—
Goals!
Just like in this training match!
Scoring felt as easy as drinking water!
They'd become the most dangerous attacking duo in the Championship!
"Draft the contract—we're keeping him!"
On the sidelines, Holloway waved his arm!
The usually haggard coach, worn out by the team's poor record, was now visibly energized!
In fact—
Even without Vaughan's pleading, Holloway had already made up his mind.
Kai's style, flair, and vision were far beyond what he expected!
Those two unexplainably brilliant assists had shaken Holloway deeply!
The success of this trial…
Had exceeded all expectations!
Back when Holloway played, he was a midfielder too.
He knew exactly how insane those passes were.
Not only did they require phenomenal technique, but also extraordinary vision and awareness!
"A Spanish academy player with such bold, eye-catching flair? He's tailor-made for English football!"
"This kid's a natural midfield genius!"
From Kai, Holloway saw something rare—footballing instinct that didn't match his age!
"Why would La Masia kick him out? Could it be because they just have too many midfield prodigies?"
Holloway couldn't understand it!
He glanced at Crystal Palace's upcoming Championship fixtures.
Until today…
Holloway had nearly given up hope for the season.
He'd just taken over this mess of a squad, and the team had already sunk into the relegation zone.
If they looked doomed by midseason, he'd planned to resign—leave London, and maybe even England, to escape this heartbreak.
But now!
Watching Kai being surrounded by cheering players—
A thrilling new goal stirred in Holloway's heart.
Could they survive relegation?
Or maybe…
Could they even dream bigger?
He didn't dare to imagine it yet!
All he wanted now—
Was for Millen beside him to hurry up with the contract.
He needed to sign Kai—
And keep him at Crystal Palace!!