Chương 143: Chapter 143 Su Luo Playing Midfield? A New Version Of The Ship That Has Never Been Seen Before!
Regarding Su Luo's positioning, the Union Berlin coaching staff had been deliberating for a long time. Given Su Luo's current abilities, he could dribble, finish, win aerial duels, and organize play. He was the biggest variable in the front line and a nightmare for defenders.
During pre-season, Su Luo's passing wasn't fully utilized. However, after two months, he made significant progress in both vision and footwork. This development rendered some of their pre-season tactics outdated. Union Berlin needed to quickly update their strategies to leverage Su Luo's growing capabilities.
Other teams also adjusted their tactics against Su Luo. No team dared to give him space, especially after Bayern Munich conceded seven goals at home in the opening game.
In the face of tight defenses, Su Luo had to do everything, from winning headers in the penalty area to organizing play, which was a huge burden for an 18-year-old. The first few games went relatively smoothly, so coach Neuhaus didn't address the issue immediately. But facing Juventus, the coaching staff decided to fully unleash Su Luo's potential.
However, there was a problem: who would win headers in the penalty area? The team didn't bring in a top-class center forward this season. Their original center, Soren Brady, was struggling in the Bundesliga, let alone the Champions League.
"I think, Uwe, don't worry too much," Hofstadter suggested helplessly. "Let Su Luo play up front for now, and we'll deal with it after the first half. We'll try to find a suitable striker by the winter transfer window."
Neuhaus nodded in agreement. "But what about this game?"
"Does the result matter?" Hofstadter asked.
"Exactly," Neuhaus realized. Regardless of the outcome against Juventus, Union Berlin only needed one more win to secure first place in the group. They could lock in qualification with just two points. The initiative was in their hands, so there was no need to stress.
As the head coach, Neuhaus often found himself overthinking things, but Hofstadter's reminder helped him focus. Neuhaus then had a one-on-one conversation with Su Luo.
"Su, don't feel burdened. In the second half, play according to your instincts," Neuhaus said.
"Can I play in midfield?" Su Luo asked.
"Eh?" Neuhaus was taken aback. A center forward wanting to play midfield?
"No, I mean you can move more freely, but not that freely," Neuhaus clarified.
"I just think it's easier to play from the back," Su Luo said seriously.
Neuhaus had to consider this seriously. Adapting to a new position wasn't easy; it required experience and game time to master running, passing, receiving, and defending. Transformations like Bayern's Lahm into a defensive midfielder under Guardiola took time.
"But..." Neuhaus hesitated.
"Coach, let me try," Su Luo insisted, his eyes firm.
Neuhaus wavered. If he insisted, Su Luo would play center as instructed. But Neuhaus relented. "Alright, give it a try."
"Trust me, I'll surprise them," Su Luo promised.
Neuhaus quickly gathered the team and drew up new tactics on the board. With little time left before the second half, he needed to explain the adjustments swiftly.
As Neuhaus explained the new strategy, the players listened intently.
"Coach, seriously?" one player exclaimed.
"Yes, any objections?" Neuhaus challenged.
Surprisingly, there were none. Instead, the Union Berlin players were excited.
"This is interesting!"
"Let's surprise these Italians!"
"Remember the plan! Let's show them the strength of the Iron Union!"
As the second half began, nothing seemed different at first. But soon, Director Zhang noticed something.
"Is Su Luo playing in midfield?" he asked.
Zhan Jun was skeptical. "Has Union Berlin made tactical adjustments? Is this ad-hoc or planned?"
"Not sure, let's see," Zhang replied.
Juventus players were also confused. Su Luo, previously near the penalty area and under heavy scrutiny, now seemed to be roaming freely. Juventus's defense lost its focal point, inadvertently letting Su Luo "break free."
"What's going on? Is he scared?" one Juventus player wondered.
"Something feels off. Stay alert," Bonucci warned Buffon.
Allegri on the sidelines frowned. "Could it be what I think? That would be too bold!"
As Allegri pondered, Union Berlin launched an offensive.
Keita received the ball in the backfield, evaded Mandzukic, and passed to Kimmich. Facing Morata's pressing, Kimmich passed to Su Luo, now playing in a deep-lying midfield role.
For a moment, Khedira, Pogba, and Marchisio were unsure whether to press or hold their positions. Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez moved up to act as the striker, with Paredes and Forsberg supporting in the midfield. Full-backs Pavard and Ake were ready to press forward.
For a time, Union Berlin displayed an imposing aura, like "black clouds overwhelming the city, ready to destroy it."
Juventus players felt inexplicably pressured!
"Su Luo has the ball! Pogba moves in for the tackle! Successfully bypasses Pogba and passes to Paredes!"
"Paredes returns the pass! Su Luo charges forward! Straight through the middle!"
"Khedira moves in to press... Su Luo passes to Forsberg! It's another quick one-two!"
"Su Luo has the ball in front of the penalty area! Bonucci and Barzagli close in!"
Su Luo faced two defenders ahead of him, with Khedira, Marchisio, and others closing in from behind. Calmly, he shifted the ball to his right, then sent a precise pass!
"Left wing!! Mahrez crosses!!"
Surrounded by Juventus players, Su Luo found Mahrez with a perfect diagonal pass!
Juventus's defense was breached!
"One-on-one! Mahrez against Buffon!!!"
Barzagli rushed towards Mahrez in desperation, and Buffon firmly covered the near post. Everyone knew Mahrez often went for goal himself.
As Mahrez prepared to shoot, he suddenly cut back and swept the ball into the middle!
Su Luo had already moved into position, completely losing Bonucci!
"..."
Allegri slumped in his chair.
"There's the finish!!! Su Luo!!!" Zhan Jun shouted excitedly.
After a dull first half, Su Luo's position change worked wonders! A series of dazzling plays completely disrupted Juventus' defense! Su Luo's poise in front of the goal made it easy, and he scored into an empty net!
"The home team, Union Berlin, leads Juventus 1-0!"
"The Serie A champions, last season's Champions League runners-up, have no answer for Union Berlin!"
"Su Luo initiates the attack himself and finishes it himself!"
"In his first Champions League appearance, Su Luo has now scored in four consecutive games! He leads with 11 goals!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo has only 4 goals so far! Messi only 3!"
"The Bundesliga can't contain Su Luo; he needs to shine on the European stage!"
After scoring, Su Luo briefly high-fived his teammates to celebrate. This even sparked jokes among netizens.
"Scoring world-class goals, celebrating like it's a local match!"
The Old Forest Management Office stadium erupted into a sea of red!
Their opponent was the giant Juventus! A year ago, fans wouldn't have dared to dream of this. Now, it was a reality!
In a two-story house in Berlin, Anya waved her arms excitedly in celebration. Mrs. Hans sighed softly:
"If only you could be there... what a rare opportunity."
"Don't worry, Mom. Next time, we'll definitely get tickets. I'll be there for sure."
"Yes, it will happen," Mrs. Hans reassured, holding her daughter close.
After the goal, Zhang Lu finally understood the tactical shift.
As play resumed, he began his analysis.
"It seems Union Berlin has fixed Su Luo in the midfield position."
"From that goal, it seems successful!"
"Su Luo's retreat creates space. With space, he excels whether rushing forward or passing."
"Mahrez steps up as the striker, able to hold the ball with his back or move as he did just now."
"Forsberg and Paredes play on the wings, effectively creating a dual midfield setup."
"This lineup resembles Pep Guardiola's striker-less formation, focusing on quick passes and front-line movements."
"Su Luo's role is akin to a blend of Barcelona's Iniesta and Xavi, or Real Madrid's Modric."
Zhang Lu continued, but Zhan Jun quickly interrupted.
Union Berlin pressed forward again, Su Luo speeding up and making a run!
"Su Luo pulls to the side... Chiellini steps up to defend!"
"One-on-one against Su Luo."
"Su Luo... beautiful!!!"
Zhan Jun was ecstatic.
Su Luo feinted left, tricking Chiellini into shifting his center of gravity. Then, with a swift move, he performed a "bull's tail" flick with his left foot, accelerating past Chiellini along the baseline!
"Su Luo drives inside! Buffon blocks the angle!"
"Beautiful pass!"
At the critical moment, Su Luo sent a precise low pass!
The ball bypassed Buffon and Bonucci, finding Mahrez in the crowd. All Mahrez had to do was extend his foot!
The ball hit his foot and bounced into the net!
"2:0!! Union Berlin extends their lead!"
"Juventus is in serious trouble!"
"Their defensive tactics have completely failed! Su Luo moves fluidly and is everywhere!"
"He's unstoppable!"
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