Daniel woke up before his alarm. The early morning sky over Manchester was still dark, but his mind was already racing. This was it. Today was his first chance to impress in a competitive match for Manchester City's Under-21s.
The game was against Liverpool U21, a fierce rival. The coaches hadn't confirmed the starting lineup yet, but Daniel was ready for anything.
Pre-Match Tension
At the training facility, Daniel stepped into the dressing room. His teammates were already focused, some listening to music, others tightening their boots.
Coach Brian Dunne walked in, holding the lineup sheet.
"Alright, listen up. This is a big game. Liverpool is strong, but so are we. Stick to the plan, stay composed, and take your chances."
Daniel held his breath as the coach read the names.
"Midfield—Liam Parker, Aiden Brooks… Daniel Carter."
A rush of excitement shot through him. He was starting.
Liam gave him a nod. "Told you you'd get your shot, mate. Now don't mess it up."
Daniel smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The match started at a brutal pace. Liverpool pressed high, forcing City to play quickly. Daniel found himself constantly moving, looking for pockets of space.
15 minutes in, he got his first real chance. A through ball from Aiden found him on the edge of the box. He controlled it, took a quick step past a defender, and fired a shot—
Blocked.
The Liverpool center-back smirked as he cleared the ball.
Daniel gritted his teeth. This wasn't going to be easy.
A Moment of Brilliance
Just before halftime, City won a free kick near the penalty area. Aiden stood over the ball, eyeing the goal.
Daniel jogged up beside him. "Let me take it."
Aiden hesitated but stepped back. "Alright. Show me what you got."
Daniel took a deep breath. Focus. Control. Precision.
He struck the ball perfectly, curling it over the wall. The goalkeeper dived—but the ball was already past him.
GOAL!
The City bench erupted. Daniel clenched his fists, running toward the corner flag as his teammates swarmed him.
"What a strike from Daniel Carter! A beauty of a free kick!" the commentator shouted.
His first goal for Manchester City. It felt incredible.
In the second half, Liverpool pushed harder. The intensity increased, and tackles flew in from all directions.
With only five minutes left, City was still leading 1-0—until a moment of disaster.
A defensive mistake allowed Liverpool's striker to break free. One-on-one with the keeper, he slotted it home.
1-1.
Daniel felt his stomach drop.
The game seemed destined for a draw. But in the final minute, City launched one last attack.
Daniel received the ball at the halfway line. He turned quickly, driving forward. Two defenders closed in on him, but he nutmegged the first and skipped past the second.
The crowd gasped.
Now at the edge of the box, he spotted the winger making a run. Without hesitating, Daniel chipped a delicate pass over the defense.
The winger controlled it and fired—GOAL!
The final whistle blew.
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool.
Post-Match Reactions
Back in the dressing room, the energy was electric. Players cheered, patting Daniel on the back.
Coach Dunne approached him.
"That was impressive, Carter. Keep this up, and you won't just be playing for the U21s for long."
Daniel nodded. He wasn't here to just fit in—he was here to rise.
As he sat down, his phone buzzed.
Sofia: "Saw the highlights. Not bad, Carter. "
Daniel chuckled. "Just wait till you see what's next."