From Arsenal to the Ball God-Chapter 83 - 18: Best XI! Surging Influence! Wenger’s Complexity and Struggle!

"Congratulations!"

Next, before the interviews, the media congratulated Ma'el. They were all happy for this young man.

"A simple question, how do you feel about winning the Mid-Season Best Player?" asked a reporter from the well-known media outlet, '442', which ranks the best lineup of the Championship mid-season and season every season.

Their selection is generally recognized by the fans, like the one by Sky Sports.

And today, Ma'el, who won the Best Player award, is almost the leader in this best lineup, so naturally, they wanted to collect some information.

Aside from this, Ma'el already has a certain amount of popularity; publishing an article about him at this critical moment is sure to attract readers.

"Uh..."

Ma'el lowered his head, thought for a moment, and answered both honestly and playfully, "A simple answer, it's great."

"Hahaha..." This response caused a burst of laughter on the scene.

He shrugged; there wasn't much he could do. He really couldn't find the right words to describe his feelings at that moment.

The overlap of wishes and reality?

Contentment and a sense of achievement for a young man gaining recognition?

It didn't seem enough... He had higher goals, grander aspirations and dreams.

"What does this award mean to you?" A reporter from 'Sky Sports' quickly followed up, the authority of their platform giving them the confidence to ask first.

"An important milestone."

Ma'el could answer this question. He smiled briefly and said, "Leaving footprints on a path, marking important moments, makes me more determined and confident to move forward.

"I might be more optimistic about the future, believing I can reach the end."

"The end?" asked a female reporter from a small publication, with a professional smile on her face, "Can we be fortunate enough to know where you think your end lies?"

"Different stages, different places."

Ma'el gradually got into the rhythm of the interview and calmly answered their questions, "For the current period, it's still focusing on this season, striving to leave something here and achieve more.

"Not clear enough? Well, since the team has achieved such ranking by mid-season.

"Then I hope we can make it to the Premier League by the end of the season, that would be a lifetime highlight, especially if it happens in your debut season.

"Personally, I hope to accomplish winning the Season's Best commemorative trophy, making it into the season's best lineup, perfectly finishing the Championship journey, and moving to a higher stage."

"..."

"I certainly don't think I'm bragging. In fact, your statement has no basis because at mid-season, we're already here, and I'm already holding the Best Player trophy.

"I have every reason to believe in myself, let's leave it all to time."

"..."

"Sean Long and Graham? I do know them well, they are strong competitors.

"However, I still got this honor; I am proud of my phased success and I will show an even better state to compete with them in the second half of the season."

"..."

"Yes, you can take my words as a confirmation that I will stay with the club, just my confirmation."

After the interview ended, Ma'el left holding a football in his left hand and the Best Player trophy in his right, thanking the reporters.

Many people congratulated him again, and he nodded constantly in acknowledgment.

Back on the field, he handed the Best Player trophy to Eva to play with, chatted with his uncle and aunt for a while, and then packed up to go home.

Today he was too tired, he needed a good rest, and tomorrow on his day off, he planned to take his family out for a day.

...

"17-year-old youngster Ma'el, with an astonishing record of 15 goals and 14 assists, wins the Championship League Mid-Season Best! Record-breaking! He is the youngest player to receive this honor in the English league development." — 'BBC' Championship column

"Championship Best Line-up announced, Queens Park Rangers with 4 players, Norwich with 3 players, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest each with 2 players, 17-year-old Ma'el and Sean Long leading!" — '442' Best Line-up

"Ma'el and Janu named Mid-Season Best Players, together producing 44 goals in the first half!" — 'Sheffield Football Paper'

"Leading Sheffield United to the Premier League? Arsenal youngster Ma'el confidently speaks out, reportedly already noticed by many big clubs." — 'Sky Sports'

"First in Championship history, at age 17, Ma'el has already broken several 'youngest' records this season, such as winning the Season's Best Player, potentially possessing the highest historical market value among Championship players!" — 'Transfermarkt' official

The next day, the mid-season concluded.

Regular followers of mainstream football media noticed that many outlets reported news about the Championship League.

And whenever the Championship League was mentioned, Ma'el's name was likely to appear in the headline, if not, at least be mentioned in the text.

Gradually, people realized this seemed to become an unavoidable name in the English professional football leagues.

"Who's Ma'el?"

Just like when Wenger first came to the British Peninsula, many asked this question on social media.

While many had long been following Ma'el, after all, it was the majority who did not know, more people needed knowledgeable insiders to explain.

"A magical genius!"

"The New Ronaldo!"

"The New Henry!"

"The French Monster from Korney!"

"A devil averaging over one goal created per game!"

"Don't let his still-innocent face fool you, he is fierce on the field. I haven't really seen any Championship defender pat their chest and say they aren't afraid of him at all."