Chapter 37: Ajax Talent selection Day End
In the first five minutes of the match, the visitors conceded two goals in quick succession, which significantly dampened the morale of the Group B side. Vicente Weigle, in particular, struggled at left-back.
Driven by their determination to secure victory, Group A increasingly relied on Yang Yang's ability to break through one-on-one. Consistently outpacing Vicente Weigle on the right flank, Yang Yang frequently delivered crosses into the penalty area.
In the eleventh minute, Yang Yang once again surged down the right flank, delivering a precise cross that Ibrahimović confidently converted for his second goal of the game.
The Swedish centre-forward lunged towards Yang Yang, playfully punched his shoulder, and embraced him tightly—an iconic celebration.
With Group B tightening their defense, Yang Yang swiftly capitalized on another opportunity. Collecting the ball on the right, he cut inside, deftly feinted past Vicente Weigle, and accelerated to send a cross along the goal line.
Ibrahimović, ever poised in the box, completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish.
The goal spree not only thrilled the crowd but also reinvigorated the players, especially Ibrahimović, whose celebrations on the touchline showcased his confidence to the coach and technical staff. He cemented his position as Ajax's indispensable striker, overshadowing talents like Wesley Sonck and even Rafael van der Vaart.
As Yang Yang glanced back at Ibrahimović, his emotions were mixed.
He deeply admired Ibrahimović for his exceptional personal skills, which enabled him to effortlessly convert even the most challenging chances into shots on goal. Ibrahimović's power and physical prowess were undeniable.
It was as Ibrahimović had told Yang Yang before the match: he could handle any pass—high, short, near, or far. True to his word, Ibrahimović demonstrated this ability throughout the match, earning Yang Yang's genuine admiration.
However, Yang Yang also perceived Ibrahimović as too sharp, akin to a razor blade that no defense could fully contain. This perception may have contributed to the controversies surrounding him.
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Shortly after taking a commanding four-goal lead, Yang Yang was substituted by the coach. It wasn't a decision that surprised anyone. Keeping Yang Yang on would have tilted the attacking advantage too heavily in Group A's favor, leaving Group B with little chance to respond, especially with Vicente Weigle struggling to contain Yang Yang's relentless runs down the flank.
With Yang Yang and Trabelsi combining on the right, Group B's left side looked vulnerable.
After the game, as Yang Yang approached Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer, he noticed Henk de Koning slipping away into the crowd. Sensing something was amiss, Yang Yang immediately inquired.
"Hah, he's probably too embarrassed to show his face," Dick Vanpoer chuckled knowingly.
Yang Yang, quick-witted, pieced together what had happened. In a buoyant mood, he couldn't help but smile.
The match ended with a convincing 5-2 victory for Group A. Vicente Weigle endured a difficult game, visibly frustrated at his inability to contain Yang Yang, and was eventually substituted.
Before leaving the pitch, Ibrahimović smiled and gestured towards Yang Yang. Both Sneijder and Trabelsi nodded in agreement with Yang Yang before departing.
Clearly, Yang Yang's abilities had been duly recognized by his teammates.
Johnny Rep watched from the sidelines, unsurprised by the unfolding events. On the field, merit spoke volumes, and those who excelled would naturally receive recognition and affirmation from their peers.
Upon reflection, Johnny Rep realized that he may have underestimated Yang Yang's current abilities and future potential.
"After today's match, how do you feel?" Johnny Rep asked, showing genuine concern.
Yang Yang smiled, "It was incredible. Ajax's first-team players are exceptional, and I can see that there's still a considerable gap between us. I'll have to work even harder from now on."
Johnny Rep nodded thoughtfully. What he admired most about Yang Yang was his relentless drive and determination. No matter what challenges or setbacks he faced, Yang Yang never seemed willing to give up.
"Don't worry, with your talent, in two or three years, you could very well be one of them," Johnny Rep encouraged warmly.
Yang Yang understood exactly what Johnny Rep meant—that he could potentially be part of the Ajax first team within the next few years.
And that was precisely what he was aiming for.
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After the match between Groups A and B, the staff quickly moved to tidy up the ground, and soon the match between Groups C and D was underway.
Group C was represented by Henk Dimer, who had a shaky start in the morning session but redeemed himself with a brilliant performance in the afternoon, impressing the crowd with his skill and tactical acumen.
On the other hand, Nick, playing at right-back for Group D, faced a tough challenge from Tom Soetaers, the 23-year-old left-winger recently signed by Ajax from Roda JC for a reported €1 million. Despite his slender frame, Soetaers was a constant thorn in Nick's side, leaving him exhausted.
The match ended 4-3 in favor of Group C, led by the impressive Belgian striker Wesley Sonck, who scored two goals in an outstanding performance.
Yang Yang watched attentively from the sidelines, witnessing firsthand the talent of Ajax's first-team players.
Alongside the likes of Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Ibrahimović, Trabelsi, and Litmanen, players like the impressive Soetaers showcased the high standard of the Ajax first team.
Reflecting on his time in Almere, where he might not have fully appreciated these distinctions, Yang Yang now clearly understood the caliber of players in the Eredivisie's top flight.
Dutch football, represented by the Eredivisie, might not enjoy the same popularity as the top four leagues—Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and the Premier League—in European football. However, the players competing in the Eredivisie still possess a high level of skill. Comparatively, players in these top leagues, especially those from prestigious clubs, set an even higher standard.
Thinking about this, Yang Yang couldn't help but reflect on his own position. Viewing the skills of his idol Ronaldo, alongside teammates like Zidane and Figo—top stars who have made their mark on the footballing world—he couldn't help but feel small. But that realization didn't discourage him.
Just over three months ago, he was struggling in the Almere youth team. Now, on the verge of joining Jong Ajax, Yang Yang persevered through rigorous training. He believed that with continued dedication, he would earn a chance to play in the Ajax first team and possibly move beyond the Eredivisie to the illustrious stages of the top four.
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As usual, the final results of the Talent Day selection were not immediately announced.
Ajax would be contacting the selected players in the coming days to arrange their reporting to De Toekomst as soon as possible.
After the match, Yang Yang and the others made their way back.
Before leaving, Yang Yang asked Johnny Rep to wait for him. He quickly grabbed a pen and paper and rushed to the youth training ground, where he saw Van der Vaart and his teammates about to leave. Yang Yang joined the crowd of fans seeking autographs. With a smile on his face, Van der Vaart graciously fulfilled every request, including Yang Yang's.
Seeing Yang Yang's sweat-soaked training jersey, Van der Vaart inquired if he had also participated in the Talent Day selection.
"I was in the 16-18 age group," Yang Yang replied.
Van der Vaart nodded knowingly. "Then I wish you good luck."
"Thank you."
As Yang Yang watched Van der Vaart depart, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
Van der Vaart was a globally recognized talent, widely expected to become one of football's top stars. With Chivu's departure, he was now captain of Ajax, carrying the hopes of both the club and the Netherlands.
Even his girlfriend Sylvia, who Yang Yang couldn't help but admit was exceptionally beautiful, seemed a perfect match for the charismatic Van der Vaart.
Yang Yang couldn't shake the feeling that Van der Vaart was almost too perfect, admired by men everywhere.
Looking at the autograph in his hand, Yang Yang grinned to himself.
"Well, I've finally found his flaw - his signature isn't waterproof after all."
Upon returning and sharing that they had sought Van der Vaart's autograph, Henk Dimer and Nick teased Yang Yang about being a star chaser, much to their amusement. They hadn't expected Yang Yang to idolize anyone in particular.
Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer didn't find it unusual at all. They understood that every footballer had their idols, even if Yang Yang didn't resemble Van der Vaart in any obvious way.
With little interest in explaining himself, Yang Yang packed up his pens and belongings before heading to the changing rooms provided by Ajax to shower and change.
As they left De Toekomst, the sun was setting in the west.
Before getting into the car, Yang Yang glanced up at De Toekomst in the twilight, anticipating his next return. This visit was for the selection process; the next time he hoped to return for a match.
Ajax represented a dream platform he had never dared to imagine before, and he cherished every moment since his arrival. He had no intention of leaving.
Aware of his strengths and weaknesses, Yang Yang knew he had to work harder than anyone else. His ultimate goal was to one day step onto the pitch just 600 meters east of where he stood.
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After the four-day Talent Selection event, De Toekomst buzzed with activity.
As the new season loomed ahead, the Ajax first team diligently prepared for upcoming challenges. Ronald Koeman, ever watchful, dreaded each call from the Amsterdam Arena, fearing the potential loss of a key player.
Following a season without silverware, the pressure to perform was immense. This pressure trickled down from management through the coaching staff to the players, instilling a sense of urgency and commitment across the board.
Amidst swirling transfer rumors, with Manchester United eyeing Trabelsi, Barcelona pursuing Van der Vaart, and a Serie A powerhouse interested in Ibrahimović, separating truth from speculation proved daunting.
The club found itself in a restless state, grappling with an uncertain and uncontrollable future.
Meanwhile, the youth team maintained a relatively serene demeanor.
Technical director Van Gaal swiftly convened a high-level meeting with the youth team just two days after the Talent Selection concluded. Discussions revolved around standout performers from the talent days and the strategic composition of the squad for the upcoming season.
During the first-team training session back in July, Ajax had already implemented significant changes, promoting Ryan Babel, Maduro, Tom de Mul, Daniel de Ridder, and others to the senior squad.
Among those promoted, Maduro stood out as the lone midfielder, while the others predominantly filled winger roles. Nicolae Mitea, a left-footed player versatile enough to operate on the right, stood as an exception, contrasting with the predominantly right-footed players like Ryan Babel, accustomed to the left flank.
Ronald Koeman's intentions with this squad were evident: concerns lingered over the right-wing position in the new season following the departure of Van der Meyde. Despite having options such as Pienaar and Sneijder in that position, depth remained a pressing issue.
The sudden promotion of numerous players to the first team left the reserves with a significant lack of depth. Van Basten found himself needing to call up several players from the youth team, including central defender Thomas Vermaelen, recalled from Belgium for the season.
"I've just spoken with Ronald. Several young players, including Ryan Babel, Maduro, and Tom de Mul, are not yet ready for the first team and will return to the reserves," Van Gaal relayed to his colleagues, emphasizing the developmental path for these promising talents.
At the outset of the meeting, technical director Van Gaal divulged the outcome of his discussions with Koeman.
"These players, including Thomas Vermaelen, Emanuelson, and Rasmus Lindgren, are now on the first-team shortlist and can be called up at any moment."
Following the departure of captain Chivu, a void emerged in the center-back position. Despite the presence of three center-backs in the first team following Escudé's arrival, Heitinga, at nineteen years old, while highly regarded by Koeman, was ultimately deemed too youthful. The performances of the Finnish center-back also failed to convince Koeman, thereby creating an opening at center-back.
Vermaelen and Lindgren, both young talents in the center-back position, stood out. Vermaelen, recruited by Van Basten following an outstanding performance in Almere's amateur match with the second team, naturally prompted Koeman's desire for potential adjustments at any given time.
Today, Ajax faced the challenge of player retention. With a vacancy in the first team, the immediate solution was to scout talent from the second team and the youth academy. The youth team needed to be mentally prepared and adequately supported.
Van Basten, well-versed in Ajax's operational methods, listened attentively to Van Gaal's strategy without much interjection. While he readily agreed, he also voiced his own request. "I want Yang Yang."
Though Van Gaal maintained a composed demeanor, inwardly, his heart swelled with satisfaction as he glanced subtly at the others present—Tonny Bruins Slot, Ruud Krol, and Patrick Radru.
"Yang Yang has made a significant impression throughout the talent selection process," Chief Scout Tonny Bruins Slot remarked after a brief pause, breaking the silence. "Whether during the morning assessments or the afternoon matches, he consistently stood out as one of the top performers. I believe he's ready for the challenge of the second team."
"I agree with Tonny's assessment. Yang Yang clearly needs a higher level to push his limits and develop further," added Patrick Radru, echoing Slot's sentiments.
Ruud Krol paused thoughtfully before chiming in, "I support this suggestion. In fact, I think we should consider putting him on a special training program."
The suggestion stunned everyone in the room, including Van Gaal and Van Basten, who had both expressed optimism about Yang Yang but were surprised by the proposal.
Special training was a longstanding tradition at Ajax, typically reserved for exceptionally talented players such as Van der Vaart, Sneijder, and Ryan Babel. It involved personalized coaching focused on enhancing specific skills and addressing weaknesses to accelerate a player's development.
However, players selected for this intensive program were usually seen as prodigies. Yang Yang, on the other hand, didn't initially fit that mold.
Van Gaal observed the reactions around him, pondered for a moment, and then stated, "Yang Yang will join the second team. As for the special training program, we will reconsider it in due course. However, the scouting department should closely monitor Yang Yang's progress in training and matches."
His statement implied a current exclusion with the possibility of future inclusion, representing a compromise in itself.
"If there are no objections, I will proceed to finalize the paperwork, arrange for his immediate reporting to begin team training, and instruct the logistics department to facilitate this promptly."
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Yang Yang received the news from Ajax two days later, just after returning from training at the skatepark and stopping for lunch at a Chinese restaurant. Fred Arroyo, the Ajax scout responsible for him, was already there, accompanied by a logistics worker named Priscilla Jensen.
Arroyo introduced Priscilla Jensen as a key member of Ajax's logistics team, responsible for managing the arrangements for foreign players among other responsibilities.
They had been waiting in the restaurant for over an hour, chatting with Uncle Shen Ming. Among the topics discussed, Shen Ming and Yang Yang's parents expressed particular concern about Yang Yang's education.
Ajax presented two options: the first was for Yang Yang to continue attending Helen Parkhurst School in Almere. However, as Yang Yang would be the only Ajax youth player there, arranging daily private car transfers to De Toekomst would be challenging.
The second option was for Yang Yang to enroll at a school arranged by Ajax in Amsterdam's southeastern New Town. This school was renowned and attended by nearly all Ajax academy players. The club provided shuttles to transport players to De Toekomst every day.
"The second team's training schedule overlaps with the school's class hours, so regardless, Yang Yang will only attend school for half a day. After lunch, he will focus on club activities from around 2:30 to 7:00, including training and meals," Priscilla Jensen explained.
"But won't that affect his studies?" Shen Ming asked, concerned.
Yang Yang's parents stressed that they didn't want his studies to be compromised.
Jensen smiled reassuringly and shook her head. "Rest assured, the school we've chosen has a longstanding partnership with us, and the quality of education will be on par with Helen Parkhurst. Even though he'll miss afternoon classes, the academy employs over ten professional tutors to support players, ensuring they keep up with their homework."
"After hearing this, Shen Ming felt somewhat relieved. He trusted Ajax's commitment to responsibility, yet he wrestled with the choice between the two options, glancing over at his nephew, Yang Yang, who seemed equally contemplative.
The first option undoubtedly offered familiarity. Yang Yang was already well-versed in Almere's surroundings, from his studies to daily life. However, the logistical challenge of daily transportation—more than 20 kilometers each way to De Toekomst—would disrupt meal times and likely prove inconvenient amidst busy restaurant hours.
On the other hand, the second option required Yang Yang to relocate to Amsterdam's southeast. It meant leaving behind Almere and adapting to a new environment.
Sensing their hesitation, Jensen offered reassurance with a gentle smile, elaborating further: "Under the first plan, the club provides a monthly transportation allowance. With the second option, besides covering accommodation costs, Ajax assists in finding a place near De Toekomst, often shared with fellow teammates."
Yang Yang glanced at Uncle Shen Ming, weighing the implications of each choice carefully."
Ajax's offer to cover rent and provide shared accommodation struck Yang Yang as practical. Living with teammates posed no issue; he primarily needed a place to rest between rigorous training sessions.
Additionally, upon signing, he would receive a monthly salary of 400 euros, sufficient to cover his daily expenses.
While this amount paled in comparison to the earnings of senior players like Heitinga and De Jong, who took home over two thousand euros after contract renewals, or the top-tier salary of fifty thousand euros commanded by Van der Vaart, it was enough for Yang Yang to sustain himself.
"After careful consideration, I've decided to go ahead with the move," Yang Yang announced, his decision made after thorough contemplation.
Uncle Shen Ming grasped the practicality of the situation and agreed that the transfer was the most sensible choice. The daily commute from Almere to De Toekomst simply wasn't feasible.
"Very well. I'll immediately coordinate with the school and Almere Club to finalize all necessary procedures, ensuring there's no delay in starting the new semester," Jensen reassured confidently, clearly adept at managing such transitions.
As Yang Yang contemplated leaving Almere and his uncle's family behind, a tinge of sadness touched him. Yet, he was more driven by the excitement of the challenges awaiting him at Ajax, eager to once again prove his worth.
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