The All-Around Center Forward

Football is a team sport, but it is also composed of many individuals.

No single individual can completely dominate the situation, but a strong enough small group can.

To become a professional player, everyone trains relentlessly for victory.

In football, the truth is: if you don't advance, you fall behind.

The five major leagues have only so many players.

But all the players worldwide are eyeing this position, playing in the five major leagues, striving to keep up is useless—only progress matters.

Suker returned to Spain. On the first day back in training,

he saw Pellegrini furious and raging.

The reason was simple: in the World Cup European qualifiers, Xabi Alonso got injured.

Xabi Alonso is currently the only offensive engine for Real Madrid, and his injury means Madrid's attack will suffer greatly.

Suker is strong, but he can't handle both producing firepower and supplying ammunition.

Someone must pass the ball from the back to the front, to Suker's feet.

It's not even necessary for them to create very favorable space for Suker, since Suker has formidable individual ability.

But that doesn't mean Suker can run from the back all the way through and score alone.

With Xabi Alonso injured, Real Madrid once again faces the problem of a weak midfield.

Pellegrini was frustrated, cursing Spanish coach Del Bosque nonstop.

"What was Xabi doing? What about Iniesta? David Villa, Fabregas, so many midfielders—why did they insist on putting Alonso on the pitch at that time?"

Pellegrini roared angrily.

"What was the situation? An eight-goal lead! The opponents were already mentally broken and in huge danger. Del Bosque's choice to substitute Xabi was understandable, but did he have no other options? What about Mata? Why only Alonso? Damn it! Why!"

"Son of a bitch, did Barcelona bribe him? To be so against us? Fuck him!"

Pellegrini cursed fiercely.

Next to him, Casillas, Raul, and others wore embarrassed faces.

Especially Raul, as captain, he had some influence over Del Bosque's substitutions.

Casillas, the vice-captain, also held some sway.

Together, they failed to protect Xabi Alonso?

Some of Pellegrini's words were meant for those two.

After venting, Pellegrini calmed down.

He exhaled slowly, his mind working fast.

"Coach, what we need to do now is find a solution," Casillas reminded him. "The league restarts soon, and the Champions League is coming."

"I know!" Pellegrini's eyes still full of anger. "You think I'm not trying? I'm trying!"

Casillas was left with nothing to say.

Raul looked at Pellegrini and thought for a moment, then said, "How about Suker playing as an attacking midfielder?"

Pellegrini glanced at Raul, mocking, "After one game, making him switch three positions ?"

This was a harsh comment Pellegrini didn't want to say outright.

When Suker joined Real Madrid, his position was center forward.

But for the sake of the team, Pellegrini persuaded Suker to play on the left wing.

That was already a concession by Suker.

Now, they wanted even more.

Though both are attacking positions, winger and attacking midfielder are completely different in attributes.

Wingers still have forward attributes with shooting ability.

But attacking midfielders are pure supply links for firepower, with far fewer shooting opportunities.

Thinking of this, Pellegrini looked at Raul suspiciously.

He felt like Raul's suggestion was about securing his own position.

Raul noticed Pellegrini's look and hurriedly said, "Don't misunderstand, I have no other intention. I just think only Suker can replace Alonso."

Pellegrini waved his hand, "No, I can't do it!"

No way!

If Suker really got angry,

with Suker's status in Florentino's mind, would he still be coach?

Raul clenched his teeth, "Fine! I'll talk to him!"

No choice.

To guarantee strength, sacrifices must be made.

Though it might really anger Suker, Raul was prepared to face the consequences.

In Real Madrid's locker room, silence prevailed.

The atmosphere was extremely oppressive.

Casillas lowered his head, silent.

Ramos turned his head to look out the window.

Coach Pellegrini stood at the door, staying far away as if unrelated.

Other non-Spanish players were like spectators watching a show.

The captain and the star player of Real Madrid were at odds.

"I'm sorry, but this is the situation. It's also an unavoidable measure," Raul said sincerely to Suker. "I know this will be a big sacrifice for you, but as captain, I must consider the whole team. I formally ask you!"

Raul lowered his posture, while Suker slightly narrowed his eyes.

"What's going on?" Benzema whispered.

Pepe grinned, "The captain is putting pressure on Suker."

"Pressure?" Benzema whispered in surprise, "But the captain is sincere?"

"Sincerity is useless. This kind of thing can't be said privately; it must be in the locker room in front of us?" Pepe sneered. "This is coercing everyone to pressure Suker."

Benzema looked at Suker's face.

Though expressionless, it wasn't pleasant.

Under everyone's gaze, Suker asked Raul, "Have you thought it through?"

Raul nodded, "Yes, I'm fully prepared."

Suker sighed, "Alright, if that's the case, I agree."

"Actually, I don't want the team to lose. If someone has to sacrifice, why not me?"

"This doesn't need to be said in front of everyone. You're the captain. When you speak, who dares disobey?"

Raul continued, "I know this will lower your stats, maybe even cost you the race against Messi."

"Enough! Enough!" Suker waved. "No need to explain. It's done!"

Suker smiled and waved at everyone, "Still not off work? Training's over!"

Then Suker walked out of the locker room.

Everyone scratched their heads, from a tense atmosphere suddenly became relaxed.

Pepe looked at Suker's back, grabbed a training bag and smiled, "Off work! Off work!"

Then he left the locker room.

Others gradually relaxed.

That just now was too intense.

Pepe ran after Suker and quickly caught up.

"You're not angry?" Pepe asked.

Suker turned, "Angry. But does it help?"

Pepe: "I thought you guys would fight."

Suker: "Not everything is solved by fighting. But I didn't expect them to play tricks."

Pepe: "So what will you do?"

Suker looked at Pepe but didn't answer.

Ten minutes later, Suker arrived at his villa, Pepe following.

"Why did you follow?"

"I'm curious!"

Pepe winked, "You just accepted it, surrendered?"

Suker shrugged, "Raul is Real Madrid's legendary captain. What can I do?"

Pepe nodded, "That's right."

Suker opened the door and walked in, Pepe followed.

"You're still here?"

"I feel you won't let it go."

Suker puzzled, "How so?"

Pepe: "Just a feeling!"

Suker grinned and let Pepe in since he couldn't kick him out.

Pepe watched Suker busy in the kitchen.

Suker showed no anger.

Pepe found it strange. If he were Suker, he'd be furious, maybe even fighting.

But Suker looked calm, no reaction at all.

Soon the door opened.

Suker's agent Zorančic came in with a stern look.

"I've contacted Mr. Pérez."

"What did he say?" Suker casually asked.

Zorančic glanced at Pepe.

Suker waved him off, "This guy's not Spanish local help!"

Zorančic nodded and said, "Mr. Pérez promised he will give you an answer."

Pepe still looked confused.

Suker beckoned Pepe, "Since you're here, let's eat dinner first."

Pepe came close but was soon captivated by Suk's cooking.

Curiosity thrown aside, he ate heartily.

After dinner, Suker sent Pepe off.

Pepe kept asking what Suker's plan was.

Suker kept silent.

Soon he found out:

Real Madrid terminated contract renewal talks with Raul.

This was ordered personally by Florentino.

Raul's contract was valid only until the end of this season.

If no renewal, Raul would leave as a free agent.

Raul used his captain status to pressure Suker to give in.

He was ready to take the consequences.

But the consequences were harsh.

The next day, Real Madrid's locker room was still silent.

Everyone was in shock.

This was Raul!

Real Madrid's legendary captain!

But after conflict with Suker,

the club responded quickly.

They ended contract renewal talks.

This blow was devastating.

Raul sat on the bench, looking confused.

He didn't expect the club to be so decisive.

He pressured Suker because he was captain, having served 16 years.

He's a symbol of Spain.

But now, between Suker and Raul, Real Madrid decisively chose Suker.

This not only shocked Raul,

but also the other Spanish players.

Suker showed the influence of a "100 million" player for the first time.

Even a legendary captain who offends Suk gets sent away!

"Good morning!"

A bright voice sounded.

Suker pushed the door open.

Everyone looked at him nervously.

Fear showed in their eyes.

Raul looked at Suker with helplessness.

"Good morning," Raul said with a bitter smile.

Suker smiled brightly, "Good morning, captain!"

Then he went to his locker, changed, and left.

Pepe saw the scene and ran after.

"How did you do it?"

Pepe asked, "Raul is captain! You two fell out, yet the club chose to send the captain away?"

Suker shrugged, "What does that have to do with me?"

Indeed.

Suker did nothing but followed history.

Raul pressured him; Suker had no choice.

If he refused, he'd be seen as selfish and hard to integrate.

So Suker agreed.

In the original timeline, Raul was sent away in summer 2010.

No one can stay at Bernabeu forever.

This time, Suker used this chance to consolidate his position.

Suker did nothing.

But others saw the club chose Suker over Raul because of their conflict.

It showed Suker's high status in the club.

It warned others not to anger Suker.

Originally unpleasant,

but it turned out beneficial.

It consolidated Suker's position in the locker room

and showed how fierce he is.

At least Pepe thought Suker looked harmless but was fiercer than himself.

If it were Pepe, he'd fight Raul or make bigger trouble.

But Suker did nothing, yet sent the captain away.

Pepe watched Suker's back, shuddered.

This guy is even fiercer than me!

"Suker! Oh! Amazing header goal!"

"Three players tried to stop Suker but couldn't. Despite triple marking, he scored a powerful goal!"

"After missing chances, Madrid scored first at 42 minutes thanks to Suker!"

"Suker's scoring continues. Even placed at playmaker, his firepower is still fierce!"

Spanish commentator Gonzalez exclaimed.

Early in the match, Suker created many chances, but none were converted.

At 42 minutes, Suker scored the first goal.

Madrid fans cheered wildly.

But they also questioned Pellegrini.

"Stupid coach! Why put Suker at attacking midfield? His firepower is drained!"

"Who gave that dumb idea?"

"Damn useless guys! Without Suker, we would lose!"

Madrid fans were frustrated.

Pellegrini was angry but reminded himself: Suker playing midfield was Raul's idea.

Suker did nothing.

Though upset, Pellegrini accepted it.

This wasn't bad.

At least Raul was about to leave Madrid.

Though unpleasant, this was key for Madrid to soar again.

Otherwise, Raul would limit Suker's power as the core.

Like this time.

Florentino issued a gag order; no leaks allowed.

But there was still impact.

Players' form was affected, especially Spanish locals.

After Raul's punishment, they felt crisis.

"Hey! High five!"

Suker ran over to Casillas and high-fived.

Casillas looked confused.

Suker gave a thumbs-up, "Great save. Without you, we'd be behind."

Casillas's eyes lit up, "Great goal."

Suker smiled, "Good partner!"

Casillas hugged him.

Everyone was puzzled—why after falling out with Raul, did Suker suddenly get close with Spanish second leader Casillas?

Pepe on the sidelines grinned, "This guy's really fierce!"

After 90 minutes,

Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 in the second leg.

Suker and Higuain each scored a goal.

In two legs, Suker scored four goals, two per match—still outstanding.

Meanwhile, in Catalonia, Messi kept his promise.

He scored a hat-trick against Getafe.

Two legs, Messi had five goals, leading the scorers.

Spanish media started comparing the two.

Suker and Messi were opposed.

One was Barcelona's star.

One was Real Madrid's star.

Their clubs were rivals.

Their performances were outstanding.

After just two rounds, a competitive rivalry formed.

The "Two Stars of La Liga" emerged.

Looking at the entire football world, Manchester United's Ronaldo also followed closely.

But due to Premier League's intensity, Ronaldo's goal rate was only one per match.

Still a proud achievement in the fierce Premier League.

Media exclaimed, after the fall of gods,

a new era emerged.

The battle of the three titans!