Bab 38: Jong Ajax
Ajax's efficiency remained remarkably dependable.
In just one swift day, Priscilla Jensen orchestrated Yang Yang's transfer and seamlessly coordinated the transition with Almere Club. During this period, Yang Yang made a poignant visit to Almere Club to bid farewell to legends like Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer, among others. From the moment he penned his name on the Ajax contract, Yang Yang officially departed from Almere's ranks.
Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer offered heartfelt encouragement to Yang Yang, urging him to continue his journey at De Toekomst and expressing hopes for his occasional return to Almere. Later that evening, teammates including Henk Dimer and Nick gathered at a local Chinese restaurant to share their goodbyes with Yang Yang.
The following day, the restaurant remained shuttered as Uncle Shen Ming and his family chauffeured Yang Yang to Amsterdam.
Ajax had secured a rental home situated between Amstelveen and the southeastern new town, nestled in the quaint village of Oudekerk, merely three kilometers from De Toekomst. Despite its modest population of seven to eight thousand inhabitants, Oudekerk boasted breathtaking scenery.
The serene Amstel River meandered from north to south along the town's western edge, dividing it into northern and southern sections before converging into Oudekerk Lake in the east. Strategically positioned near the A2 motorway and the burgeoning southeastern new town, the area was flanked by expansive pastures to the north and south.
Yang Yang's first glimpse of the Dutch countryside from the car window, cruising along the A9 motorway, instilled a profound sense of tranquility and contentment.
Exiting at the Oudekerk junction, they swiftly located the town's sports center and library on the river's north bank, following the map. A quick left turn at a nearby intersection less than 400 meters to the east led them directly to Yang Yang's new rented home.
This typical Dutch building, with its traditional architecture, featured a spacious attic above a single-story layout, complete with a utility room adjacent, though lacking a garage.
The entire street was adorned with houses of identical design, making it easy to lose track without house numbers.
Stepping out of the car, Yang Yang surveyed his surroundings. The scene appeared ordinary, save for a few sparsely parked cars along the roadside. Among them, a Porsche 911 Turbo parked directly opposite stood out conspicuously, seemingly out of place, yet belonging to a resident in Yang Yang's building.
Eagerly, Yang Yang hurried to the door and rang the bell, prompting movement within.
As the door swung open, both Yang Yang and the person inside were equally taken aback.
"It's you?!" They exclaimed simultaneously.
To Yang Yang's surprise, the person at the door was none other than the Belgian center-back, Thomas Vermaelen, whom he had encountered in an amateur match.
"So, you're the new player Priscilla mentioned?" Vermaelen asked, visibly surprised.
"Yes, I didn't expect you to be my flatmate," Yang Yang replied, his admiration for Vermaelen evident from their previous encounter.
"Don't just stand there, come in quickly."
Vermaelen enthusiastically helped Yang Yang with his luggage and warmly greeted Uncle Shen Ming and his family.
Explaining that he had only moved in two days prior and had been staying in a hotel until then, Vermaelen admitted with a hint of embarrassment, "Even though I signed with Ajax in 2001, this is my first time playing in the Netherlands, so it's all quite new to me."
The attic on the second floor housed two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, while the first floor accommodated the living room, kitchen, and a shared bathroom.
Although not expansive, the house exuded a neat and orderly atmosphere. Clearly, it had been meticulously cleaned before their arrival. Once settled, they could either maintain it themselves or hire a part-time cleaner, though at their own expense.
With Vermaelen having already claimed one of the rooms, Yang Yang naturally opted for the other. Fortunately, it proved spacious with excellent ventilation and lighting, leaving Yang Yang thoroughly pleased with his choice.
Uncle Shen Ming and his family assisted Yang Yang in tidying up his room and exploring the surroundings. The place was already quite pleasant, requiring little additional cleaning. Seeing Yang Yang and Vermaelen bonding so well put them at ease.
At sixteen years old, by traditional Chinese age reckoning, Yang Yang was nearly eighteen, adding a sense of maturity to his new adventure.
Before departing, his uncle, aunt, and cousin carefully noted down the rental house's telephone number, urging Yang Yang to keep in touch and call them at his earliest convenience. Yang Yang was deeply touched; he had lived with his uncle all his life.
After bidding farewell to his family, Yang Yang quickly settled into the rhythm of his new life, embracing the fresh start.
Vermaelen informed Yang Yang that there was a supermarket a short walk north where they could find all necessary ingredients. The hospital lay northwest, just about 500 meters away, which proved very convenient.
Locating dining options proved slightly trickier. Without Chinese restaurants nearby, Yang Yang felt a pang of disappointment. However, he reasoned that he could eat his meals at school, De Toekomst, or occasionally at the players' restaurant. Failing that, he was confident he could master cooking for himself.
In conversation with Vermaelen, Yang Yang discovered that Oudekerk was a popular choice among Ajax players due to its proximity to De Toekomst.
"Guess who lives across from us?" Vermaelen teased.
Yang Yang immediately thought of the Porsche 911, assuming it belonged to a wealthy resident. Now, learning it was an Ajax player's, he eagerly asked, "Who?"
"Ibrahimović."
"Really?" Yang Yang was genuinely surprised.
"Yeah, he used to live in Diemen but moved here. Not far from him is Maxwell, the Brazilian player. They're best friends in the first team," Vermaelen explained.
Yang Yang couldn't hide his astonishment at discovering so many Ajax players in the area.
"But that's good," he mused aloud. "It's nice to have each other nearby."
...
...
Around midday, Yang Yang and Vermaelen departed from their rented house, retracing their steps to the intersection before walking eastward for 500 meters to catch a bus bound for De Toekomst, located two kilometers away.
Following Jensen's detailed instructions, Yang Yang proceeded to the club to finalize his registration. He paid a €20 insurance fee and received a comprehensive set of Adidas training gear, from boots to tracksuit bottoms, all sponsored for Ajax's youth team.
Under Vermaelen's guidance, Yang Yang located the dressing room designated for the second team and claimed an available locker. After neatly arranging his belongings, he made his way to the office of the second team coach.
Van Basten's office door stood open. As Yang Yang approached, Van Basten warmly acknowledged him with a gesture to enter.
"Boss," Yang Yang greeted him respectfully.
Once upon a time, Yang Yang might have addressed Van Basten more casually as "Marco," but now, as a player under Van Basten's guidance, he referred to him as "Boss," following the tradition among the players.
"Good," Van Basten replied with a smile. After Yang Yang took his seat, Van Basten proceeded to discuss the current state of affairs within the Ajax second team, highlighting the challenges posed by numerous call-ups to the first team.
"We face significant pressure in the upcoming season. We'll be competing in both the league and the KNVB Cup. I expect you to prepare diligently, especially focusing on your physical conditioning during this pre-season period," Van Basten emphasized.
Van Basten's tone conveyed to Yang Yang the weight of his expectations.
Fred Arroyo had informed him that Van Basten had personally requested his inclusion in the second team.
"Rest assured, boss. I'll train hard to surpass your expectations," Yang Yang assured him.
"Good. Don't be nervous; this is your debut season. Both the league and the KNVB Cup will pose challenges, especially the KNVB Cup. In the league, we'll face second teams from lower divisions, but in the cup, it's second teams from the Eredivisie, some of whom are formidable opponents. The KNVB Cup differs from other national cups; our second team has often performed admirably, sometimes even against Eredivisie sides," Van Basten explained.
"In the Beloften Eredivisie, Ajax's second team competes against mainly Eredivisie and a few Eerste Divisie second teams. Every match presents a significant challenge," he added.
Yang Yang had encountered tough battles and challenges in amateur games against teams like Volendam and Ajax, yielding fruitful results. However, cup games posed a different challenge. While facing two or three strong opponents was common, league matches presented a new level of competition. Every opponent, including talented sides such as Feyenoord and Eindhoven, would test Yang Yang's mettle.
"If you can rise to these challenges, your development will undoubtedly accelerate," Van Basten remarked.
"In addition to facing opponents, learning to manage yourself throughout the season is crucial. Sustaining peak performance over an extended period is profound knowledge," Van Basten continued. "Consistency is key; sporadic standout performances won't suffice. Fluctuating form makes it difficult to secure a spot in the team. Strive for consistent competitiveness to establish yourself as a dependable professional."
Yang Yang grasped the significance of Van Basten's advice, recognizing it as invaluable professional wisdom. Van Basten's early focus on him underscored high expectations from the coaching staff, expectations Yang Yang was determined to meet.
Van Basten also cautioned Yang Yang about his training habits carried over from Almere. "While I encourage dedication in training, be mindful not to overexert yourself. Modesty and avoiding burnout are crucial for sustaining peak performance."
Yang Yang felt reassured, knowing his experience with Zax in the Dream training system had prepared him well in this regard.
"Indeed, Zax's methods are truly unique," Yang Yang reflected.
...
...
The initial interview with Van Basten lasted only about 20 minutes. The legendary figure, beginning his coaching career that season, displayed great patience. He shared extensively about his playing experiences and expressed lofty expectations for Yang Yang.
Van Basten's directives were clear: he wanted Yang Yang to replicate his standout performances from Almere and serve as a dynamic force on the right flank, contributing significantly to the team's attacking play. With several players recently promoted to the first team, the second team was notably short of options on the right wing.
Following their discussion, Van Basten introduced Yang Yang to his two assistants. Both were Ajax alumni from the 1980s: John van 't Schip, a former right winger, and Rob Witschge, a midfielder.
Yang Yang found both coaches exceptionally amiable and welcoming, which made a lasting impression on him. Unlike his experiences in Almere, where even minor errors could lead to criticism, the atmosphere at De Toekomst—from Van Basten to van 't Schip and Witschge—was supportive and relaxed.
However, upon entering the second team dressing room with Witschge to meet his new teammates, Yang Yang sensed a degree of hostility, particularly from talented winger Ryan Babel.
Perhaps still affected by their clash in amateur competition, Dutch-born Babel had struggled in subsequent matches, including a disappointing loss to Feyenoord in the final. Despite a brief stint in the first team for summer training and warm-up games, Babel's form hadn't impressed Ronald Koeman, who subsequently relegated him back to the second team, where he appeared discontented.
Upon spotting Yang Yang, who had bested him in their previous encounter, joining as a teammate, Babel couldn't conceal his displeasure. Upon Yang Yang's arrival with Witschge, Babel promptly stood up and exited the room.
In Ajax's second team, Yang Yang encountered a range of reactions from his teammates. While Ryan Babel visibly showed discomfort and walked away upon seeing him, left-back Emanuelson, who had also faced embarrassment from Yang Yang in a previous game, didn't react as strongly.
John van 't Schip introduced Yang Yang to the group and entrusted him to team captain Robert Zwinkels, a 20-year-old goalkeeper who currently led Ajax's second team.
The team reflected Ajax's international makeup, featuring central defenders like Niklas Moisander from Finland, Markus Rosenberg from Sweden, and Thomas Vermaelen from Belgium, along with left-back Jose Valencia from Ecuador and midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli from Denmark. Many of the Dutch players also had African roots. Captain Zwinkels, a predominantly Dutch player, hailed originally from a small town near The Hague but had been with Ajax since childhood after emigrating from Afghanistan.
After brief introductions, Yang Yang shook hands with each teammate. Thomas Vermaelen, his flatmate, was the most familiar. Emanuelson muttered something under his breath during their handshake, indicating some lingering tension.
In terms of age, only four players were born in 1986: De Mul in March, Emanuelson in June, Yang Yang in October, and Ryan Babel in December. Their presence in the second team at their age underscored their exceptional talent, particularly Babel, widely regarded as the team's prodigy.
English and Dutch served as the primary languages at Ajax. While Yang Yang could already read and write Dutch, he aimed to improve his English through team-provided lessons. Despite initial reservations from a few teammates, Yang Yang felt confident in his ability to learn, bolstered by his strong memory and the benefits of the Dream Training System, which had facilitated his learning process.
...
...
The afternoon training session proceeded as usual for Yang Yang, now a member of Ajax's second team, with one notable addition—himself.
From the day he was selected, Yang Yang had observed a stark contrast in training intensity between Ajax and his former club Almere. The training sessions were compact, emphasizing precision under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, demanding a level of commitment akin to formal matches.
Even within the second team, the training intensity matched that of actual games, with coaches expecting match-like effort from every player.
Initially concerned about Yang Yang's physical readiness, given his slight build, Van Basten was reassured to see him not only keep pace but also impress with his dedication, meticulously executing each drill.
Yang Yang's standout quality lay in his ability to collaborate with teammates, particularly on the right flank. Eighteen-year-old Dwight Tiendalli, Ajax's primary right-back and a product of their esteemed youth academy, brought exceptional speed, technical prowess, and defensive acumen, making him a valuable asset in both attacking and defensive roles.
Swiftly adapting to the team's tactical frameworks, Yang Yang seamlessly integrated with his new peers. Van Basten and his coaching team were pleased with Yang Yang's early displays, anticipating improved cohesion as he grew accustomed to his teammates' playing styles.
At the conclusion of the session, Van Basten personally commended Yang Yang, urging him to maintain his dedication and continue supplementary personal training.
As Yang Yang and the other players headed back to the dressing room, the groundwork was being laid for his journey with Ajax's second team.
"Why don't you head in?" Thomas Vermaelen asked upon returning to find Yang Yang still on the training ground, juggling the ball.
"You go ahead, I'll stay a bit longer," Yang Yang replied, focused on his ball control.
"You want to keep training? Aren't you tired after practice?" Vermaelen chuckled.
Yang Yang chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I need to work on my basics. I have to put in extra effort to catch up with everyone else."
"Did you do the same at your previous club?" Vermaelen inquired.
"Yes, but the intensity in our youth team was nothing like this," Yang Yang explained.
"Do you usually train alone? Haven't you found anyone to train with?" Vermaelen asked.
"No," Yang Yang replied, still absorbed in his ball work.
Vermaelen smiled. "Then I'll join you today."
With that, Vermaelen swiftly intercepted the ball as Yang Yang attempted a move. He controlled it skillfully and looked over at Yang Yang with a smile.
"It's no fun training alone," Vermaelen remarked, before passing the ball back to Yang Yang sharply and accurately.
Unexpectedly, Yang Yang's first touch with his right foot was clumsy, and the ball slipped away from him.
Vermaelen shook his head teasingly from a distance. "You really need to work on your first touch."
Unaware that Vermaelen was teasing him good-naturedly, Yang Yang's competitive spirit ignited. He quickly retrieved the ball and returned it with determination.
To his surprise, despite being a defender, Vermaelen's first touch was flawless and decisive. After controlling the ball, he smoothly passed it back.
"Alright, from now on, whoever fails to control the ball properly will be in charge of cooking and cleaning," Vermaelen declared with a grin.
Yang Yang laughed at Vermaelen's remark, acknowledging that his weak first touch was indeed something he needed to improve. However, having a training partner made the sessions much more engaging and motivating than training alone, so he readily agreed.
The duo spent their time both on and off the pitch, relishing the camaraderie and the challenge their sessions brought. Predictably, Yang Yang often found himself on the losing side.
During one particular training session focusing on headers from corners, crosses, and free kicks, Vermaelen took charge to demonstrate his skills.
"Don't think I'm joking. There was a time when my youth coach seriously suggested I play as a striker. They thought my height wasn't suited to defense, but I never quite bought into that," Vermaelen explained.
"Really?" Yang Yang was genuinely surprised.
"You'll see," Vermaelen teased.
Shortly after, as Yang Yang delivered a cross from the right flank into the penalty area, Vermaelen showcased his knack for anticipating the ball's path, executing a powerful header. Yang Yang was duly impressed.
While Vermaelen was renowned for his defensive prowess, discovering his adeptness with the ball and attacking instincts, superior even to some offensive players like Emanuelson, was truly enlightening. It underscored the truth in the saying that looks can be deceiving.
Having such a skilled teammate to train with ignited Yang Yang's competitive drive. Their training sessions became more intense and purposeful. Occasionally, Yang Yang would intentionally send challenging crosses Vermaelen's way, injecting a bit of complexity and enjoyment into what might otherwise have been routine drills.
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