Chapter 35: Ajax Talent selection Day Part 2
After Vicente Weigel's derision, Henk Dimer surged up in fury. Yang Yang's swift intervention managed to avert what could have escalated into a confrontation between them.
In reality, had Henk Dimer impulsively charged forward, he might have found himself outmatched by Vicente Weigel's prowess.
The selection criteria for FC Emmen's youth team clearly reflected Henk de Koning's preference for physicality and direct competition.
Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer swiftly stepped in to diffuse the tension.
Prior to their arrival, a glimmer of optimism had prevailed. If Henk Dimer had managed to secure a spot in Ajax's esteemed youth academy, it would have wielded a profound influence on Almere, drawing aspiring talents from neighboring towns to its youth ranks.
This influx would have broadened the talent pool available for selection, thereby elevating the overall standard of the team.
However, it now seemed evident that Henk Dimer's performance had failed to meet expectations, significantly diminishing his prospects of being chosen.
Reflection on the situation left them incredulous. In just over three months, everything had taken such a surprising turn that it still seemed surreal.
Who could have anticipated three months ago that Yang Yang would secure a place in the Ajax youth team?
At that time, Yang Yang's name had never even entered their discussions on youth development.
Yet life has a way of surprising us.
As for Henk Dimer, this wasn't the first instance of him crumbling under pressure, his performance wavering when it mattered most. Further missteps could not only endanger his own prospects but also cast scrutiny on Ajax's Almere youth team.
"Yang Yang, when you face him this afternoon, remember not to hold back. Show him no mercy," Henk Dimer urged, his eyes blazing with animosity as he watched Vicente Weigel depart.
"Don't worry, I'll give it my all, with or without your reminder," Yang Yang responded calmly.
Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer exchanged a knowing glance, both acknowledging the unexpected twist of events.
The fact that even a proud player like Henk Dimer would seek Yang Yang's assistance exceeded their expectations.
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The tense exchange between Henk Dimer and Vicente Weigel went unnoticed amidst the bustling atmosphere of De Toekomst, where all attention was focused on the ongoing selection process itself.
As the morning evaluation session drew to a close, the crowd gradually dispersed. Participants, parents, and club staff were offered a complimentary lunch at the players' restaurant in De Toekomst. Despite the restaurant's meticulous preparation to meet professional standards, many spectators chose to dine elsewhere or head home, finding the cuisine lacking compared to gourmet options.
For Yang Yang, however, the nutritious meal provided exclusively for Ajax's youth players was surprisingly satisfying. Having been accustomed to his uncle Shen Ming's exceptional Chinese cooking since arriving in the Netherlands, he welcomed the change.
Nick, Johnny Rep, and Dick Vanpoer enjoyed their meals with laughter, but Henk Dimer's morning frustrations weighed heavily on him, leaving him with little appetite. He picked at his food, visibly disheartened.
Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer exchanged knowing glances, sharing a sense of disappointment. They understood that without a strong mentality and the ability to manage his emotions, Henk Dimer's path to success as a professional player would be challenging.
After lunch, Johnny Rep took the group on a tour of De Toekomst.
De Toekomst, once Ajax's primary youth training ground, held a significant place in the club's history despite its transition to the New Southeast City training facilities a few years prior. Johnny Rep, while not intimately familiar with De Toekomst due to limited visits, respected its legacy and significance as a cherished site for nurturing young talent.
Ajax's relocation to the New Southeast City marked a period without producing standout stars, sparking concerns among fans about the decisions made by chairman Michael Van Praag. The doubts persisted until recent years, when promising talents like Van der Vaart began to emerge, gradually easing apprehensions among the fanbase.
Presently, Ajax's first team boasted a formidable roster featuring local heroes such as Van der Vaart, Sneijder, De Jong, and Heitinga, complemented by international stars like Ibrahimovic, Maxwell, Trabelsi, and Pienaar. This talented lineup stirred anticipation among fans, who eagerly awaited Ajax's resurgence.
Under the stewardship of coach Ronald Koeman, there was a clear ambition to restore Ajax to the lofty heights achieved during the mid-1990s under Van Gaal's leadership. This ambition prompted chairman Michael Van Praag to invite Van Gaal back as technical director, aiming to rejuvenate the club's footballing philosophy and success.
Despite these plans, Johnny Rep sensed lingering skepticism about the team's potential to fulfill these ambitions, hinting at underlying uncertainties within the club's strategic direction and future prospects.
Yang Yang listened intently to Nick's account of the drama involving Mido and Ibrahimović, a tale that underscored the complexities of player dynamics within Ajax. The incident with the scissors and subsequent fallout resonated with him, highlighting the scrutiny and pressure that foreign players faced in Dutch football.
As Nick expressed frustration over foreign players using Ajax as a stepping stone, Yang Yang couldn't help but wonder how he would be perceived if he joined the club. Would he, too, be seen as just passing through, aiming for bigger European leagues? The notion troubled him, as he envisioned himself as more than a transient presence.
Visiting the Amsterdam Arena had provided Yang Yang with a glimpse into the intense media scrutiny and fan expectations surrounding Ajax. The club's rich history and tradition of developing local talents like Van der Vaart and Sneijder ingrained a deep-seated loyalty among supporters. For Yang Yang, embracing Ajax meant understanding and respecting this cultural ethos.
Nick's frustration resonated with Yang Yang's own uncertainties about joining Ajax. While he sought to prove himself and elevate his game at one of Europe's premier clubs, he also hoped to forge a genuine connection with the club and its supporters. He wanted to be more than just a foreign player passing through, striving to contribute meaningfully and leave a lasting impact on Ajax's legacy.
Amidst the discussions and speculations about Ajax's locker room dynamics and the ambitions of foreign players, Yang Yang silently resolved to approach his journey with integrity and determination. He would strive to earn the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans alike, aiming to become not only a skilled footballer but also a valued member of the Ajax family. His path ahead might be challenging, but he was determined to navigate it with humility, dedication, and a deep-seated respect for the club's traditions.
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Van Gaal's furrowed brow betrayed his concern as he scrutinized the performance transcript. His expectations for Henk Dimer had been high, especially after witnessing his standout performance during the Almere assessments. The sudden decline in Dimer's performance during the four-on-four drill at De Toekomst was perplexing and hinted at potential issues under pressure.
Patrick Radru, sensing Van Gaal's unease, stepped in to provide context. "Henk Dimer's struggle in the four-on-four drill was unexpected, especially considering his previous track record. It seems he faced challenges adapting to the intensity and tactical demands of Ajax's training regimen."
Tonny Bruins Slot chimed in, "Indeed, Henk has shown promise, but today's performance suggests he may not yet be ready for the leap to Ajax's standards. Perhaps he needs more time to develop and acclimate."
Van Gaal nodded thoughtfully, absorbing their insights. As a seasoned coach and now technical director, he understood the nuances of talent assessment. While Dimer's potential was evident, the rigorous environment at Ajax demanded not just skill, but also mental fortitude and adaptability.
"Could it be nerves?" Van Gaal pondered aloud. "Pressure can affect even the most talented players. It's crucial we consider this before finalizing our selections."
Radru and Slot exchanged a glance, acknowledging the validity of Van Gaal's observation. The selection process wasn't just about raw talent; it was about identifying players who could thrive under the intense scrutiny and competition at Ajax.
Van Gaal's decision to delve deeper into the final selection meeting underscored his meticulous approach to talent evaluation. As they gathered for the afternoon session, the weight of their decisions hung palpably in the air. The future trajectory of Ajax, its youth development, and potential stars rested on the deliberations ahead.
"I've placed significant emphasis on the evaluations of our focus list players," Slot remarked, motioning towards the transcripts spread across the table. "Following the initial reviews, I've reached out to our sideline coaches and scouts for additional insights into their performances. Dimer, in particular, seemed to falter after a few mistakes."
Slot pointed out Vicente Weigel's name on FC Emmen's player list. "Consider Weigel here. Six months ago, he wasn't on our radar, creating a gap for a promising left-back who's just eighteen. However, his recent performance in the four-on-four assessment didn't quite meet expectations."
Van Gaal absorbed their observations, noting the intricate dynamics between Henk de Koning and Johnny Rep, but kept his focus on the assessment results.
"In the end, this is also a test of Henk's mental resilience," Van Gaal added thoughtfully.
Henk Dimer's performance had fallen short of expectations, whereas Nick's had been reasonably satisfactory. Yet, it was Yang Yang's progress that captured Van Gaal's attention the most. "This young man has shown improvement once again."
Radru and Slot exchanged glances, sharing a knowing smile.
They hadn't anticipated Yang Yang's scores this time surpassing those from two months ago in Almere. Not only had he enhanced his strengths, but even his weaknesses—such as first touch, passing, and crosses—had notably improved, particularly his crosses.
It was evident that Yang Yang had diligently worked to refine his game.
"In just two months, he's managed to surprise us once more and exceed all expectations," Van Gaal acknowledged, genuinely pleased.
While others reviewed transcripts, Van Gaal envisioned Yang Yang at the deserted skate park, relentlessly honing his skills day and night—a testament to his dedication and drive.
"This is promising. He's approaching the standard we expect," Van Gaal remarked with a faint smile.
Never one to overly praise players, Van Gaal was mindful not to show favoritism towards Yang Yang. Fairness was paramount in his approach.
"Let's also go over this afternoon's training," Van Gaal suggested, his expression turning serious.
Finishing the assessment report brought Van Gaal a subtle sense of relief, knowing they had thoroughly evaluated each player's performance and were now prepared to make informed decisions. The responsibility weighed heavily, but Van Gaal's confidence in the process reassured him that they were on the right track in shaping Ajax's future.
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The afternoon session at De Toekomst buzzed with heightened anticipation as more fans gathered around every training ground. Despite the swelling crowd, they maintained order outside the fenced areas, ensuring minimal disruption to the players immersed in their final selection trials.
Among the chosen few advancing to this stage were Yang Yang and his peers, grouped into age categories. Yang Yang's cohort, aged 16-18, comprised approximately 50 players divided into four teams. Each team was slated to play two intense 30-minute matches, supported by three seasoned Ajax first-team players per side.
Henk Dimer, still shaken from the morning's setbacks, appeared visibly preoccupied, especially whenever he crossed paths with Vicente Weigel, who eyed Yang Yang provocatively from afar.
Coaches overseeing the matches meticulously positioned players to optimize their strengths. Yang Yang, undeterred by Weigel's attempts to unsettle him, focused intently and diligently followed the warm-up instructions provided by the coaching staff.
Suddenly, cheers erupted from the sidelines as the Ajax players burst onto the field, injecting an electric atmosphere into the already charged environment. The presence of these senior professionals added an air of prestige and heightened the stakes for all participants striving to impress.
As Yang Yang took his position on the pitch, he understood the gravity of the moment—these matches were his final opportunity to showcase his skills and secure a coveted spot in Ajax's prestigious youth academy.
The scene around him was bustling and meticulously organized. More than a dozen players, including Van der Vaart, Litmanen, and Pienaar, strode purposefully towards the assessment area designated for younger age groups. Meanwhile, twelve renowned players adorned with captain's armbands made their way to the senior section.
Yang Yang couldn't help but admire Van der Vaart as he passed by the barbed wire fencing. "Not only is he talented, but he's also quite the looker," Yang Yang thought to himself.
"I hear he's dating Sylvia," Nick interjected, always eager for gossip.
"They make a good pair," added Henk Dimer, begrudgingly acknowledging Van der Vaart's appeal.
Van der Vaart, celebrated as a prodigy and the brightest young talent in the Netherlands, had gained recognition across Europe. Rumors swirled about interest from wealthy clubs eyeing him as a future star.
Yang Yang watched him pass and felt a twinge of envy. He recalled his cousin Shen Yuzhu's morning request: "Get Van der Vaart's autograph, no matter what." Well, that would have to wait until after today's trials.
Once the first-team players had assembled, the group assignments were officially announced.
Yang Yang was assigned to Group A as a right winger, while Vicente Weigel found himself in Group B as a left back. Fate had set them up against each other.
Looking at the list, Yang Yang couldn't help but shake his head, feeling somewhat unlucky.
Observing Yang Yang's reaction, Vicente Weigel smirked to himself, interpreting it as hesitation. He taunted from behind, "Already regretting it? I'm not Emmanuel Idiot, you know."
Weigel had always attributed Yang Yang's past successes against Ajax to Emmanuelson's defensive lapses, and he and his teammates had never held the Almere youngster in high regard.
"Regret?" Yang Yang turned to face Weigel, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Why should I? I'm more concerned for you. You're the one who will have to deal with me in this group."
Taken aback by Yang Yang's confident response, Weigel's tone sharpened. "Just wait and see. I won't go easy on you."
Yang Yang remained composed, his demeanor unwavering. "Good. I was hoping for a challenge."
With that, Yang Yang tuned out Weigel's provocations, mentally preparing himself to demonstrate his abilities on the field, determined to prove himself regardless of Weigel's warnings.
Placed in different groups, Henk Dimer and Nick had minimal interaction on the pitch due to their distinct positional roles.
In Group A, where Yang Yang was positioned, three prominent first-team players stood out: Ibrahimovic in the forward line, Sneijder in midfield, and Trabelsi at right-back.
During warm-ups, Yang Yang couldn't help but observe Ibrahimovic closely. The towering Nordic striker, standing nearly two meters tall, carried an aura of controversy during his time at Ajax. Despite his imposing stature, Ibrahimovic was known more for his technical prowess than as a typical goal poacher, a characteristic that diverged from Ajax's traditional striker profile.
Since his arrival at Ajax two seasons ago, Ibrahimovic's efficiency in front of goal had been scrutinized. There were murmurs among pundits that Ronald Koeman might reassess Ibrahimovic's role if another striker could quickly establish themselves.
In contrast, Sneijder had emerged as Ajax's standout performer in the previous season. His versatility and finesse in midfield solidified his position as the team's linchpin, setting a high standard for the academy prospects like Yang Yang to aspire to, following in the footsteps of legends like Van der Vaart.
Trabelsi, the seasoned Tunisian right-back, at 26 years old was a formidable presence in European football, drawing comparisons to greats such as Cafu. Despite interest from clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, Ajax were resolute in retaining his services.
Yang Yang reflected on these dynamics as the Group A coach blew the whistle, signaling the start of their session.
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As Yang Yang approached Ibrahimovic, he couldn't help but feel dwarfed by the towering Swede's imposing presence. Standing at 1.93 meters tall, Ibrahimovic loomed over Yang Yang, who found himself constantly craning his neck to meet his gaze.
Despite his height, Ibrahimovic's physique was lean and slender, resembling that of a tall bamboo pole. Yang Yang couldn't help but think that if Ibrahimovic had more muscle, his presence on the pitch would be even more formidable—a quality Ajax desired in their strikers.
"Hey kid, keep staring at me like that and I might have to knock you out," Ibrahimovic teased, his voice laced with amusement as he broke the tension with a wide grin.
"Sorry," Yang Yang replied with a sheepish smile.
"Just kidding, relax," Ibrahimovic reassured him, his tone lightening.
Yang Yang chuckled nervously, understanding that Ibrahimovic was playfully asserting his dominance over the younger player.
"So you play on the right wing?" Ibrahimovic asked conversationally after their brief exchange.
"Yes," Yang Yang nodded.
"Will you be crossing the ball to me?" Ibrahimovic inquired further.
"Well... I'll certainly try, but I can't promise they'll be pinpoint accurate," Yang Yang admitted honestly.
Despite recently practicing Beckham-esque crosses, the training time had been brief and his technique was still developing. Yang Yang believed in giving his best effort without overreaching—keeping true to his character.
"Well, it's advantageous to distribute the ball. Once the match commences, disregard any irrelevant instructions from the coach. Simply move swiftly, retrieve possession, and deliver passes opportunistically. Pass it to me, alright?" Ibrahimovic asserted with a stern tone.
Yang Yang hesitated momentarily, struck by Ibrahimovic's authoritative demeanor. He found himself pondering the best approach to fitting into the team's flow while meeting the expectations of such a seasoned striker.
"Don't fret, I'll secure the ball. Heitinga in defense can't contend with me. I demonstrated my dominance over him in training. No one can dispossess me," Ibrahimovic continued, exuding unwavering confidence and authority.
Yang Yang was somewhat swayed by Ibrahimovic's assertiveness and imposing presence. He wondered about the origins of such unyielding self-assurance.
"So tell me, which foot do you prefer to receive the ball with? What type of delivery do you prefer?" Yang Yang inquired, attempting to steer the conversation toward more practical matters.
"It's straightforward. Just avoid aiming for my head. Place the ball anywhere within the penalty area in front of the goal - left, center, right, low, high - I can handle it," Ibrahimovic responded nonchalantly, displaying complete faith in his ability to convert any service into a scoring opportunity.
Yang Yang chuckled inwardly, privately acknowledging, This individual certainly enjoys boasting.
"Alright, Zlatan, cease teasing him. How can you keep him waiting like this?" Trabelsi intervened, leaning over to gently pat Yang Yang's shoulder. "Ignore his banter. He's been dealing with pressures recently, and there's some anxiety up here," Trabelsi added, tapping his own head knowingly.
"Do you want to repeat that?" Ibrahimovic's expression darkened slightly, his competitive edge resurfacing in response to Trabelsi's remark.
Trabelsi shrugged innocently, his round eyes conveying a message of innocence: "I didn't say anything, don't get me wrong."
Ibrahimović didn't dwell on it either. He casually picked up a ball from the grass and began to demonstrate various fancy moves with it.
Despite his imposing stature, Ibrahimović's display of fancy footwork was anything but clumsy. His feet moved with remarkable flexibility, performing dazzling and intricate moves that left Yang Yang in awe.
Tall and graceful, Ibrahimović seemed pleased with Yang Yang's astonished expression. He continued to play with even more flair and skill.
This was the first time Yang Yang had been in close contact with Ajax's first-team stars and it felt somewhat surreal. Watching Sneijder nearby, Yang Yang noticed that the midfielder hadn't exchanged a single word with Ibrahimović and Trabelsi.
Nick's earlier comments about potential tensions between Ajax's home-grown players and their foreign counterparts crossed Yang Yang's mind. He wondered if there really was a conflict brewing, but ultimately understood that it was out of his hands.
Yang Yang's primary objective now was to secure a place in Jong Ajax under Van Basten's guidance. Lost in thought, he suddenly realised that he hadn't seen Van Basten all day. Scanning the touchline, he spotted a familiar figure among the fans.
Louis van Gaal was there.
Next to him was Van Basten, flanked by other middle-aged Dutchmen who were noticeably shorter. Noticeably absent was Ajax head coach Ronald Koeman.
Yang Yang couldn't help but feel nervous at the sight of Van Basten.
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