บท 34: Ajax Talent selection Day Part 1

Somewhere along the way, Ajax's original purpose as a talent scout became obscured and evolved into a social event aimed at nurturing the club's ethos and satisfying its supporters.

Situated centrally in Amsterdam, within a 60-kilometre radius, young players from neighboring areas could voluntarily enroll. Coaches and scouts from all levels of the club convened at the venue to assess and pinpoint exceptional talent from the final group.

The entire Talent Day selection process spanned four days. The initial three days constituted the preliminary rounds, during which only those who advanced to the decisive final day remained eligible. On this final day, first-team stars and coaching staff actively participated in the activities.

According to official Ajax statistics, more than 1,500 players participated in this year's preliminary rounds over the first three days, setting a new record. Nonetheless, only a handful would progress to the fourth and ultimate day.

In the Amsterdam region, Ajax deployed over 50 scouts and established partnerships with 24 grassroots clubs to recommend players and exchange information. With limited spots available, these clubs could directly nominate their most promising youth players for the final selection.

One of these 24 clubs was Almere.

Following protocol, the three recommended players, including Yang Yang, bypassed the initial three days of preliminaries. Instead, they awaited the final selection day at Ajax's De Toekomst training facility.

In the morning, Dick Van Poer and Johnny Rep drove their car to collect Henk Dimer and Nick, then headed to the residential area north of Almere to pick up Yang Yang, who resided further west.

During the journey, Johnny Rep, seated in the passenger seat, frequently turned to address the three players in the back, outlining what they could expect and emphasizing the significance of Ajax's Talent Day.

Having already received instructions from Ajax's Tonny Bruins Slot and Patrick Radru, both Johnny Rep and Dick Van Poer understood that irrespective of Yang Yang's performance on Talent Day, he would join Ajax thereafter.

As part of the arrangement, Almere would receive compensation, and importantly, Slot had pledged to loan two top-tier youth players to Almere, aiding their promotion to the Eerste Divisie.

Though Johnny Rep and Dick Van Poer felt the loss of Yang Yang, the prospect of acquiring two talented Ajax youngsters was an advantageous deal. Moreover, Yang Yang's arrival at Ajax would significantly bolster Almere's youth development program.

Should Yang Yang break into Ajax's first team, he would undoubtedly become a prominent symbol of Almere's youth development efforts.

Johnny Rep couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as he watched Yang Yang depart, yet he remained optimistic and urged Yang Yang to perform his best on Talent Day to secure a place under Van Basten's guidance at Jong Ajax.

That, after all, was the primary purpose of Yang Yang's journey.

...

The last time they journeyed to the Amsterdam Arena, they had taken a bus through Amsterdam via the A1 motorway, heading north and exiting at the Diemen junction. Following the game in Diemen, they had circled through the southeast of the New City before heading west towards Ajax's home ground.

But this time, upon entering Amsterdam, they proceeded directly west on the A9 motorway, then north on the A2, exiting at the Amstel junction.

"Look, that's De Toekomst."

Johnny Rep pointed north as soon as they left the motorway junction. Alongside the road flowed a small river, bordered on both sides by rows of trees. Through gaps in the trees, green fields could be glimpsed across the river.

Henk Dimer and Nick, seasoned travelers, showed no surprise. Only Yang Yang, seated by the window, couldn't take his eyes off De Toekomst, clearly brimming with anticipation.

According to Johnny Rep, Ajax's Amsterdam Arena lay just east of De Toekomst, a little over 500 meters away. Though the vicinity around the stadium was presently tranquil, it was destined to transform into the commercial hub of southeast Amsterdam with the surge of fans during matches and the development of the new southeastern city.

Ajax had deliberately selected this location due to its promising prospects.

After navigating through three roundabouts, they finally arrived at De Toekomst.

The first thing that caught their attention was a sprawling rectangular car park, reputed to accommodate up to 2,000 cars on match days; upon their arrival, most spaces were already occupied.

As Yang Yang and the others disembarked from the bus, they couldn't help but observe the lively atmosphere of the car park.

"This is what makes Ajax so unique."

"Hey, Johnny, it's really you!"

Just as Yang Yang and the others were retrieving their bags from the bus's rear, a loud voice called out from behind them.

They turned to see a tall, stout middle-aged Dutch man approaching briskly, accompanied by several young players. There was an air of competition in the glances exchanged between Yang Yang and the newcomers, clearly vying for selection.

"Hi, Henk! Great to see you," Johnny greeted warmly.

After exchanging pleasantries with Johnny Rep and Dick Van Poer, the middle-aged man turned his focus to the three Almere players, particularly Yang Yang with his distinctive dark hair and yellowish complexion.

"Is this Yang Yang?" the middle-aged man asked directly.

"Yes," Johnny Rep confirmed.

The man scrutinized Yang Yang critically and shook his head with mild disappointment. "Too slight. A physique like that may not suffice for professional football."

Yang Yang felt a pang of dissatisfaction as he glanced at the four players accompanying the middle-aged man. They appeared to be around his age but each looked noticeably more robust than him.

"Strength alone doesn't define a footballer," Henk Dimer responded disapprovingly.

"In amateur football, perhaps," interjected the player in the tracksuit next to the middle-aged man, his tone confident. "But in the professional leagues, top physical fitness is crucial. Even though Ajax's youth team emphasizes skill, physical condition is a non-negotiable factor in progressing to the first or second team."

The tracksuit-clad player's demeanor carried a hint of arrogance, seemingly dismissive of Yang Yang and his teammates.

Yang Yang couldn't help but sense the disdain in the player's gaze.

At that moment, Yang Yang and his teammates had no clue about the origin of this self-assured and dismissive player.

The criteria for selection in the youth system had sparked controversy in Dutch football circles in recent years, particularly the debate over whether physical attributes or technical skills should take precedence. It remained a contentious issue with no clear consensus on which held greater importance.

Henk Dimer, provoked by the player's remarks, sneered, "You speak as though you're still in the Ajax youth team."

To Dimer's surprise, the middle-aged man chuckled and nodded toward the player who had spoken, saying, "Do not be mistaken, Vicente here was indeed part of Ajax's youth setup. He spent four or five years there until about six months ago when he returned to our club under certain circumstances."

Henk Dimer's expression changed, revealing his embarrassment at his assumption. He had not anticipated that the player he was debating with had been a significant figure in Ajax's youth system. It underscored Vicente's extensive experience and credentials.

The middle-aged man, still focused on Yang Yang, noted the Chinese player's calm demeanour, despite the fact that his teammates had learned of Vicente's background. Yang Yang remained calm and modest, seemingly unfazed by the revelation.

"I've heard about you," the middle-aged man continued, addressing Yang Yang directly. "You've shown impressive speed and strong attacking skills in amateur matches. But if you want to join Ajax's youth team, that may not be sufficient. At De Toekomst, they look beyond your performance on the pitch."

"I understand," Yang Yang replied calmly.

He was well aware of the additional criteria Ajax considered, as Radru, Arroyo, and Johnny Rep had all emphasized to him. Success at the amateur level could be influenced by various factors, such as early physical development or dominance in youth competitions. However, sustaining that success at higher levels, like the first or second team, required more than initial advantages - it demanded continual growth and adaptation.

As one of the world's premier youth development clubs, Ajax naturally upheld exceptionally high standards for selection. This rigorous approach was also reflected in the assessments made by Almere, one of Ajax's feeder clubs.

Yang Yang understood these stringent standards well, maintaining a calm demeanor that left the middle-aged man uncertain how to respond. His initial inclination to challenge Yang Yang was checked, and with a disdainful snort, he turned and walked away.

As he passed by Yang Yang, Vicente, the player from earlier, deliberately paused and shot a jealous glance at the Chinese player. Unable to resist a parting shot, he remarked, "Emanuelson's useless, only good as a half-hearted left-back. Defense isn't his strong suit. You might have lucked out with him, but you better pray you don't end up against me this afternoon, or else..."

Yang Yang cut him off with a smile before he could finish, "If that's how you see it, then I look forward to facing you even more."

Vicente's eyes flared with anger as he clenched his jaw and hastened back to his teammates.

Henk Dimer and Nick, who had witnessed Yang Yang's exchange, felt a sense of relief. After all, what was the point of being a graduate of Ajax's youth academy if one looked down on others like that?

While they acknowledged that even the dismissed Ajax prospects possessed superior skill levels compared to their own, they were irked by the condescension. Despite their annoyance, they held back their indignation, knowing better than to provoke a confrontation.

Meanwhile, Johnny Rep glanced regretfully at Dick Van Poer before addressing Yang Yang with a wry smile. "I'm sorry, this is all my fault."

Yang Yang was puzzled. How could this be Johnny Rep's fault?

It was a narrative sadly familiar in the annals of professional football teams around the world.

Johnny Rep and Henk de Koning were both products of the Ajax youth system, playing in the same position but with markedly different styles. Johnny, renowned for his speed and dynamism, rose to prominence in Ajax's first team and went on to become one of the top stars in Dutch and European football.

On the contrary, Henk de Koning faced setbacks and eventually departed from Ajax, moving between Dutch clubs without realizing his full potential. Ultimately, he retired prematurely and embarked on a career as a youth coach. After years of dedication, he ascended to the position of youth director at FC Emmen in the Netherlands.

In contrast to Henk's struggles, Johnny Rep took charge at Almere, a recently founded amateur club. Despite their efforts and nearing promotion to the Eerste Divisie, their performance level still lagged behind that of FC Emmen, where Henk now wielded influence.

Significantly, FC Emmen boasted a robust youth development program closely intertwined with Ajax, featuring annual collaborations and personnel exchanges. In contrast, despite Almere's status as a satellite club and occasional triumphs in titles, none of their players had yet ascended to Ajax's youth team.

This backdrop fueled Henk de Koning's competitive spirit, forged from the frustrations of his playing career. Whenever he crossed paths with Johnny Rep, his aim was to surpass his former teammate—a mindset that inevitably influenced the players under his tutelage.

...

As Dick Van Poer elucidated the intricacies and history surrounding Ajax and its players, Yang Yang and the others began to grasp the complexities of the football world. They couldn't help but discern that the middle-aged man's lingering resentment towards Johnny Rep seemed rooted in a longstanding sense of inferiority, his own skills having fallen short of Johnny's decades ago.

Yang Yang's thoughts drifted to Louis van Gaal, recalling how the legendary coach had openly criticized Ajax's iconic figure, Johan Cruyff. Van Gaal had expressed disdain for Cruyff's emphasis on individual brilliance over systematic tactics and discipline.

"He always criticized my tactics and discipline," Yang Yang remembered Van Gaal saying. "But he forgets that his success was built on a foundation of genius, something that can't be replicated. My philosophy is about rigor, discipline, and transforming talented individuals into a cohesive, strong team."

The debate between these football legends - Cruyff and Van Gaal - underscored the ongoing struggle between individual brilliance and team cohesion, prompting Yang Yang to reflect on the complexities of their philosophies and legacies.

Yang Yang also recalled hearing that Van Gaal's failure to break into the Ajax first team was attributed to the presence of Johan Cruyff, then a globally renowned star. Perhaps Van Gaal, much like Henk de Koning, harbored a deep-seated rivalry with Cruyff. However, unlike Henk, Van Gaal's pride and discontent ran deeper, reflecting his own convictions and ambitions.

In the unpredictable realm of professional football, the paths and destinies of players and coaches were often shaped by such rivalries and philosophical clashes.

"Dick Van Poer's mention of Vicente Weill hit the mark," Yang Yang pondered. "If Vicente holds a grudge against Emanuel, they'll be competitors to watch out for in this afternoon's match."

Yang Yang's determination solidified. He didn't want to tread the path of unfulfilled potential and bitterness like Henk de Koning. Instead, he aspired to follow in Johnny Rep's footsteps - a journey marked by perseverance, skill refinement, and the pursuit of excellence. This resolve fueled Yang Yang's ambition as he prepared to face the challenges ahead.

...

The new Eredivisie season loomed close, with Ajax scheduled to kick off away against Vitesse on 16th August. Despite Vitesse's recent struggles - narrowly avoiding relegation last season and being tipped as favorites for the drop this time around - Ajax approached the start of the season with utmost seriousness.

Ajax had a solid pre-season preparation, highlighted by strong showings in the prestigious Amsterdam Invitational. They held Liverpool to a goalless draw and clinched the tournament with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Inter Milan. However, concerns lingered about their attacking prowess, exacerbated by the departure of Van der Meyde, which had impacted their forward capabilities.

The absence of Van der Meyde had created a void in Ajax's frontline, and their strikers had failed to meet expectations in warm-up matches. Compounding uncertainties was the situation involving Swedish striker Ibrahimović, who had requested a transfer amid controversy at Southampton in the Premier League.

A significant addition to Ajax's squad was Wesley Sonck, a six-million-euro signing from Genk, aimed at bolstering their attacking options. Known for his versatility to play as a striker, midfielder, or on the wings, Sonck was viewed as a promising goal scorer who needed time to integrate into the team.

Following the Amsterdam Invitational, Ajax shifted their focus to preparing for the upcoming season at De Toekomst. Despite the departures of captain Chivu and winger Van der Meyde, the club remained steadfast in their determination to retain Ibrahimović, rebuffing offers from other clubs.

In keeping with tradition, the afternoon session of the talent day would be graced by Ajax's first-team stars and coaching staff, filling De Toekomst with bustling activity. The morning session, however, focused on evaluating the core skills of selected players vying for places in the academy and youth teams.

With these preparations in place, Ajax aimed for a strong start to the season, despite squad changes and the anticipated tough competition in the Eredivisie.

Ajax's training facilities and methods contrasted starkly with those of Almere, showcasing the Dutch giants' extensive resources and advanced equipment. At De Toekomst, Yang Yang was awestruck by the dedicated infrastructure tailored for training, such as specialized running tracks equipped with automated systems for monitoring and data collection. This level of sophistication far surpassed anything Yang Yang had experienced in Almere, contributing to his enthusiastic participation and improved performance.

The meticulous attention to detail in Ajax's training program was evident from the outset. Coaches guided players through warm-up routines with precision, ensuring each movement minimized injury risk. From intricate agility drills to specific leg exercises, every aspect was refined to optimize physical readiness for ensuing drills.

Passing and receiving drills unfolded in a structured 100-square-meter area, where players executed precise one-touch passes and rapid transitions under the vigilant gaze of coaches. Despite the apparent simplicity of Almere's daily regimen, the pace and intensity demanded by Ajax were markedly higher, requiring flawless ball control and swift decision-making.

The training sessions progressed through various phases, transitioning from passing drills to shooting exercises, each marked by intense focus and exacting standards upheld by sideline coaches and scouts like Patrick Radru and Fred Arroyo. Their meticulous observations and real-time performance evaluations contributed significantly to a thorough assessment of each player's capabilities.

The morning session reached its climax with competitive four-on-four matches aimed at refining collective defensive pressing, a fundamental element of Ajax's playing philosophy. In a compact 25x35 meter space, players engaged in high-tempo confrontations where physical fitness and tactical astuteness were pivotal in gaining an edge.

Ajax's commitment to excellence and continual improvement was underscored by their training environment, which featured world-class facilities and rigorous methods to nurture future talent. For Yang Yang, every session at De Toekomst presented not just a challenge but also a chance to refine his skills in one of football's most advanced training settings.

Reflecting on Vicente Weigel's earlier remarks regarding Ajax's evolving selection criteria, particularly the emphasis on strength and physicality for the first and second teams, Yang Yang recognized this focus during the demanding four-on-four drills that left everyone, including himself, both drained and exhilarated. The intensity of Ajax's training regimen surpassed anything he had experienced at Almere, starkly highlighting the contrasting development platforms between the two clubs.

The rigorous physical demands of Ajax's training regimen prompted Yang Yang to contemplate the potential advantages of daily immersion in such a competitive environment. Sharpening his skills alongside exceptional peers under the watchful eye of Ajax's coaching staff could undoubtedly propel his development to new heights.

Comparing Ajax and Almere, Yang Yang recognized the stark contrast in resources, training methodologies, and, ultimately, opportunities for development. Ajax's top-notch facilities, coaching expertise, and emphasis on physical excellence represented a pathway to elite football and set a higher benchmark for talent cultivation.

This realization solidified Yang's resolve to establish himself at Ajax. The prospect of leveraging Ajax's superior platform to advance his career deeply resonated with him, fueling his commitment to fully embrace the challenging journey ahead. In his mind, bridging the gap between his current potential and Ajax's exacting standards became a steadfast objective - one requiring relentless effort and unwavering dedication.

As he caught his breath amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Ajax training ground, Yang Yang was determined to thrive in this competitive arena, knowing that every moment spent here would propel him closer to realizing his footballing dreams at one of the world's premier clubs.

...

"How did it go?" Dick Vanpoer asked Yang Yang with concern as they walked off the pitch.

Although he knew that Yang Yang would be joining Ajax regardless of his performance, Dick still hoped that Yang Yang would give his all. If nothing else, he didn't want Henk de Koning to underestimate him.

"I gave it my best shot," Yang Yang gasped, managing a smile in return.

They say money is the measure of a man's courage, but on the football pitch it's a player's strength that counts.

Yang Yang has always been confident. After months of rigorous basic training, even though his skills weren't perfect, he believed he could compete in Almere's middle and upper divisions and perform even better.

After this morning's training session, he felt exhilarated and thought he had played very well.

"Just keep doing your best," Dick nodded knowingly. He understood that Yang Yang's strengths lay beyond these basic drills.

Shortly afterwards, Nick finished the last training session. When he came back, he said he had played well, but wasn't quite sure of his performance.

Then came Henk Dimer, visibly annoyed.

Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer asked him worriedly about his performance. Almere's hopeful star vented his anger at Vicente Weigel, accusing him of sabotaging him during the final four-on-four group drill, claiming that Weigel had made him make mistakes he shouldn't have made.

Unbeknownst to him, Vicente had approached Weigel from behind and overheard.

"Why don't you admit that your basic skills aren't up to scratch? Who else is to blame?" Weigel sneered.