Chapter 36: Ajax Talent selection Day Part 3
"Ha, John, you're having quite an unlucky day," remarked Henk de Koning, suddenly appearing behind Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer, just beside the barbed wire lining the touchline.
"Why do you say that?" Johnny Rep was taken aback.
"Henk Dimer, who showed such promise, had a poor performance, and now Yang Yang unfortunately has to face Vicente Weigel," said Henk de Koning with a proud smile. "As you know, Weigel is renowned for his defensive prowess in the Ajax youth team, and since his departure, their left back has always been a vulnerability."
He emphasized Vicente Weigel's individual skill.
"And what's the issue?" Johnny Rep inquired.
"Nothing really, I'm just concerned that one of your players won't measure up this year," Henk de Koning chuckled.
FC Emmen places significant emphasis on youth development, with many players moving up to Ajax's youth teams annually. Participation in talent selection days is just one aspect. What's more critical is Ajax's ongoing scouting efforts and rigorous trial sessions at De Toekomst.
It's quite understandable.
Ajax employs over 50 scouts across Amsterdam. The truly gifted youngsters are typically identified early, sometimes even joining the team prior to talent selection days.
For instance, Vicente Weigel refused to return to FC Emmen after being released by Ajax six months ago, instead tirelessly working his way back through the scouting process.
"Your player Yang Yang, as thin as he is now, might be blown away with just a slight collision against Weigel, ha, ha, ha..."
Both Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer were seething upon hearing Henk de Koning's words, yet neither chose to retaliate.
Talk is cheap; it's performance on the pitch that truly matters.
"Yang Yang, Yang Yang, don't let me down at this crucial moment," Johnny Rep muttered through clenched teeth.
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The two teams assumed their positions as the match commenced with the sharp blast of the referee's whistle.
On the touchline, fans grew restless, while scouts and youth coaches focused intently on the unfolding action. Armed with pen and paper, each was eager to capture every nuance of the game.
The players participating in Ajax's talent day had prepared meticulously for this chance to impress the Dutch giants. They displayed unwavering determination, each striving to showcase their skills.
This was particularly evident with the left winger from Group A, who, upon receiving the ball, immediately embarked on a penetrating run down the flank. Instead of opting for a pass, he chose to dribble into the box himself.
However, Heitinga swiftly closed him down at the edge of the penalty area, executing a robust challenge that sent the ball soaring.
Yet the young winger persisted in his approach, disregarding Ibrahimovic's calls for a forward pass and shaking his head in frustration.
Some players excel in individual skill and physical prowess but falter in understanding teamwork, often preferring personal glory. Such individuals frequently encounter challenges in achieving success at the professional level.
Fundamentally, football thrives on collective effort rather than individual heroics, underscoring its essence as a team sport.
Having relinquished possession three times, the left winger's fortunes took a turn when Sneijder, positioned in midfield, decisively altered the game's dynamics. Swiftly shifting the play to the right, Trabelsi surged forward to bolster the attack and promptly delivered a cross into the box.
This time, the ball found Ibrahimovic stationed at the far post. Renowned for his towering stature, wide-ranging control, and dominance in aerial duels, he opted to unleash a swift shot without hesitation. However, his effort veered wide, squandering a gilt-edged opportunity.
Meanwhile, Yang Yang remained actively engaged on the field, observing the unfolding events.
From Trabelsi's delivery, he discerned Ibrahimovic's inclination to favor his right foot, coupled with a pronounced penchant for individual expression. Reflecting on the earlier missed chance, Yang Yang speculated that a momentary pause and a methodical buildup might have resulted in a goal. Instead, Ibrahimovic had opted for a direct shot.
Armed with this analytical insight, Yang Yang began formulating a strategy to more effectively feed passes to Ibrahimovic.
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...
"The lad's got undeniable talent, but he's too impetuous," Ronald Koeman sighed, his expression troubled. "If only he could rein in his temperament, we'd have far fewer concerns."
"He doesn't even have Eredivisie football in his heart. His sights are set on the top tier, pushing hard in the Champions League. He netted five goals last season," Van Gaal added somberly.
Van Basten, visibly uneasy, chose to remain silent.
As a Dutch footballing icon, he understood intimately how the Bosman ruling had ushered in an era of heightened player mobility across Europe. This had precipitated Ajax's decline, necessitating a recalibration of the club's business approach. Players like Ibrahimovic, Van der Meyde, Trabelsi, and Chivu viewed Ajax merely as a platform to validate their abilities.
"But Ajax has always thrived on collective effort. We can't allow individuals to overshadow the team ethos. He needs to grasp that sooner rather than later," Van Gaal asserted sternly.
Chivu and Van der Meyde had already departed, and Trabelsi teetered on the brink of a move to Old Trafford. Ferguson had tabled €8 million, yet Ajax stood firm on their €15 million valuation. Would he stay? Could United meet the asking price? These questions lingered unanswered.
In the pipeline were players like Ibrahimovic, Pienaar, Maxwell, alongside promising talents such as Van der Vaart and Sneijder.
For now, Ajax's focus remained on cultivating fresh talent, reinforcing the senior squad, and maintaining competitiveness. But for how long could this strategy endure?
Van Basten understood that Koeman and Van Gaal were striving to adapt, yet he recognized that certain shifts were beyond their immediate control.
As Van Basten pondered, a roar of excitement erupted from the touchline, drawing his attention back to the pitch.
There, Yang Yang received a precise pass from Sneijder on the right flank.
The Ajax midfielder's delivery found Yang Yang unmarked and in space beyond the defense. Swiftly controlling the ball, Yang Yang turned to confront left-back Vicente Weigel.
As they clashed, Yang Yang attempted a series of feints and rapid changes of direction to evade his marker. However, Weigel swiftly closed the distance, using his shoulder to disrupt Yang Yang's balance and cleanly steal the ball.
Caught off guard, Yang Yang stumbled and crashed to the ground.
"Haha, see? I told you he's too lightweight. A slight nudge and he's down," Henk de Koning chuckled triumphantly as he witnessed Yang Yang hitting the ground after Weigel's challenge. To him, Weigel had made Yang Yang appear amateurish, which reflected poorly on Johnny Rep.
Dick Vanpoer looked uneasy, questioning why the referee hadn't blown his whistle.
"What was Yang Yang thinking? He knows he's physically outmatched, so why challenge Weigel?" the assistant coach lamented, disappointed with Yang Yang's decision against Weigel.
Johnny Rep, however, remained composed and entertained another possibility: "Perhaps Yang Yang is trying to provoke Weigel," he murmured.
Dick Vanpoer paused, then his eyes widened in realization. Maybe Johnny was onto something.
Casting a glance at the smug Henk de Koning, Johnny Rep reassured his assistant, "Don't fret, let's continue observing."
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...
On the pitch, Yang Yang rose from the ground and faced Vicente Weigel with a wry smile as he brushed himself off. He shrugged, acknowledging his mistake.
In that moment, he hadn't given his all—not merely a test of his opponent, but a lapse in controlling Sneijder's pass that led to the hasty encounter with Weigel.
Despite the setback, Yang Yang keenly assessed Vicente Weigel's abilities, noting his reaction time and speed, insights that would guide his next move with greater assurance.
Falling back into defense, Yang Yang seized a lull to approach Sneijder. He complimented the midfielder on his recent pass with a nod of appreciation.
"Could you release the ball to me quicker next time?" Yang Yang asked.
Sneijder hesitated momentarily, then nodded, "Yes, I'll do my best."
As Sneijder turned and hurried away, Yang Yang silently pondered. Did Sneijder truly grasp his request, or was it a superficial agreement?
With the game in rapid motion, Yang Yang had scant time for reflection.
Soon after, Group A found themselves with another opportunity, this time involving Sneijder in midfield.
The midfielder's distribution appeared routine. After receiving the ball, he glanced left before swiftly switching to the right.
This time, Yang Yang positioned himself flawlessly on the right flank to receive the ball. It reached his feet with precision, slowing down enough for him to exploit the gap in their defense.
In that instant, Yang Yang experienced a revelation.
The unassuming Dutch midfielder had indeed understood him, delivering a perfectly timed pass.
Had Sneijder been studying Yang Yang's playing style all along, just from that single pass?
Was this the caliber of Ajax's first-team midfield?
Yang Yang silently lauded Sneijder, but swiftly redirected his focus to Vicente Weigel.
This time, there would be no mercy.
"Huh, you dare challenge me again?" Vicente Weigle sneered as he saw Yang Yang approaching once more.
A left-footed player since childhood, Vicente had established himself as a left-back in the Ajax youth team, renowned for his exceptional physical strength and ruthless defensive style. His physicality and defensive prowess were the bedrock of his standing within the Ajax youth ranks.
Unlike the more attacking Emanuelson, Vicente seamlessly mixed defence with attack. He certainly didn't underestimate the slim Chinese kid in front of him, especially after successfully thwarting his earlier advances. Each successful block had only boosted his confidence.
"Fine, I'll teach you a lesson again," Vicente muttered, eyes narrowing as Yang Yang approached.
Years of rigorous training at Ajax had sharpened Vicente's defensive skills. As Yang Yang advanced, dribbling the ball with intent, Vicente studied his opponent, ready to pounce at the opportune moment. Silently calculating the distance, he shuffled his feet, attempting to disrupt Yang Yang's rhythm. But Yang Yang remained unfazed, advancing steadily with his own calculated steps.
"This boy is asking for trouble," Vicente grumbled through gritted teeth.
Suddenly, Yang Yang shifted his left shoulder, turned his head to the left, and made a deceptive move with his hands. This forced Vicente to commit to defending the left side, exposing a vulnerability on the right inside channel.
"He's playing mind games. Does he think that will work on me?" Vicente thought, feeling a surge of frustration.
Determined to maintain his dominance, Vicente lunged forward, hoping to replicate his earlier defensive success by physically overpowering Yang Yang and forcing him to relinquish possession.
But as he moved, so did Yang Yang.
In a split second, Yang Yang darted to the outside when Vicente was expecting him to cut inside. Caught off guard, Vicente realized his miscalculation and struggled to recover, but it was too late. Yang Yang accelerated past him, bursting forward with a sudden surge of speed, leaving Vicente in his wake.
In their second head-to-head encounter, Yang Yang emerged victorious.
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...
With Vicente Weigle trailing, Yang Yang sprinted after the ball with determined strides, silently calculating his next move. He assessed not only his own position and the trajectory of the ball but also the distance to the penalty area on the right.
Ibrahimovic had already positioned himself in the area, anticipating a pass. However, the Group B defenders shadowed him closely, wary of his threat. Yang Yang's keen spatial awareness allowed him to make a quick decision, meticulously calculating each step as he dribbled down the right flank.
As he approached the goal line, Yang Yang stopped the ball, planted his left foot firmly, and raised his right. With a precision reminiscent of Beckham's famous technique, he flicked the ball with his instep. A thunderous roar echoed through the stadium as the ball soared like a rocket from the right flank, arcing low and fast before dropping sharply into the small penalty area.
Ibrahimovic, like a predatory cheetah, quickly outmanoeuvred Heitinga and his marker to get to the ball first. With his towering stature and long legs, the Swedish striker had the advantage. He deftly struck the ball with his right foot, converting the chance into a goal with far more assurance than Trabelsi's earlier cross.
The thunderous volley found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock in Group A. Ibrahimovic leapt to his feet in celebration, roaring triumphantly as he grinned in Yang Yang's direction. Yang Yang couldn't help but light up and join in the celebrations.
The crowd erupted in cheers, the stadium buzzing with energy as the scoreboard reflected the new score. Teammates swarmed Ibrahimovic, patting him on the back and ruffling his hair, while Yang Yang received nods of approval and pats on the back for his exceptional assist. This was the culmination of their hard work, and it showed in every exuberant cheer and every broad smile on the pitch.
Yang Yang savoured the moment, knowing that his efforts had paid off. He glanced at Vicente Weigle, who stood some distance away, a look of grudging respect on his face. The game was far from over, but this moment belonged to Yang Yang and his team.
In reality, Yang Yang's cross hadn't been perfectly controlled, but Ibrahimovic's precision in reading the trajectory and dominating the penalty area made up for any imperfections in the pass. To the crowd, it looked as if Yang Yang's delivery had been spot on. However, only Yang Yang was aware of the pass's shortcomings. Had it been better placed, Ibrahimovic could have easily tapped it in with a subtle touch of his instep.
Regardless, the resulting shot was undeniably magnificent. The thunderous strike that found the back of the net left no room for doubt; it was a testament to Ibrahimovic's skill and Yang Yang's tenacity. As they celebrated, Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
Ibrahimovic's spectacular volley from a right-wing cross brought the fans on the touchline to their feet. Even in an unevenly matched friendly, it was worth watching a strike of that magnitude.
Ronald Koeman chuckled helplessly for a moment, acknowledging Ibrahimovic's innate flair for such moments. "That right-footed cross was not that bad," said Van Basten with a slight smile.
A legendary striker himself, Van Basten could read the nuances of Ibrahimovic's goal with ease. He was also familiar with Yang Yang's strengths and weaknesses, knowing that precise ball control and passing were areas he needed to develop. Observing Yang Yang's improved crossing ability, Van Basten felt a sense of satisfaction.
When it came to Ibrahimovic, however, Van Basten couldn't help but be concerned. Not long before, during first-team training, Van Basten had advised Ibrahimovic to concentrate more on attacking in order to increase his goal tally and intimidate opposing defences.
In a subsequent warm-up game, Ibrahimovic refused to engage in active defending and retaliated on the spot. After the game, Ronald Koeman and Van Gaal called for a training session, but the result was a confrontation. The Swede openly challenged Van Gaal, citing Van Basten's teaching that strikers should not be involved in defensive duties.
As tensions escalated, Ibrahimovic asked Van Gaal a provocative question: should he follow the advice of a legendary striker like Van Basten, or should he follow Van Gaal, whose playing career was less illustrious? The confrontation became heated, with Van Gaal and Ronald Koeman vehemently expressing their displeasure. Despite their protests, Ibrahimovic waved them off and walked away.
The incident was a harsh lesson for Van Basten. He realized that Ibrahimovic's rebellious streak had to be managed carefully, lest it escalate and disrupt the harmony of the team.
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"I knew it was just a provocation," laughed Johnny Rep as Ibrahimovic scored.
Yang Yang shone in the attack, not only beating his defender one-on-one but also delivering a precise cross, in stark contrast to Vicente Weigle's earlier efforts.
"Haha, this is Yang Yang going all out. That was just a warm-up," remarked Dick Vanpoer, ignoring the increasingly sour expression on Henk De Koning's face. He wasn't going to let him off the hook after such arrogance.
As he approached Henk, Almere's assistant coach grinned, "Don't be fooled by his size; he's lightning fast. Even if you try to take him down, you'll miss."
Henk De Koning's face darkened as he glanced at Dick Vanpoer before turning to Johnny Rep, whose smile was impossible to miss. He gritted his teeth, unwilling to admit defeat. "Hm, it's just luck, okay? Just luck."
Before he could finish, another cheer erupted from the touchline.
Sneijder once again found Yang Yang with a pinpoint pass. The Chinese player beat Vicente Weigle to control the ball first. On receiving the ball, Yang Yang quickly performed a feint that left Vicente Weigle trailing. He then burst down the flank and into the penalty area. Once again, he crossed neatly into the centre. Sneijder, unmarked as he raced into the box, calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
Henk De Koning swallowed hard and tried to calm himself, but he couldn't shake off the embarrassment. His face flushed with disbelief. Vicente Weigle had been outmanoeuvred twice by Yang Yang—how was that possible? Was this kid really just a teenager from the Almere youth team?
"It is unbelievable. Yang Yang is definitely good enough for the Dutch third division. How can a player like that not be in Almere's first team?" Henk muttered to himself, troubled by the realization.
Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer weren't surprised at all. They knew that while Yang Yang's fundamentals might be lacking, his trademark feints and changes of direction made him an unstoppable force once he got going.
"Vicente Weigle was fooled twice because he underestimated Yang Yang and gave him the space to operate," Johnny remarked. "Yang Yang capitalized on that and set up both goals."
"This is just a temporary team arrangement. The defence and offence aren't synchronized, relying more on individual skill and improvisation," Dick added thoughtfully.
Yang Yang seemed to be in perfect sync with Ibrahimovic and Sneijder, able to keep up with their rhythm and understand their intentions better than any other player on the pitch.
Dick Vanpoer applauded with a smile, then looked back at Henk De Koning, whose face had darkened. "You have no one to blame but yourself," he said quietly.
The words hit Henk De Koning hard. He coughed violently, unable to respond.
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