章節 57: Winter Break

Dream Training System

Within the confines of a four-square-meter training area delineated by precise white lines, Yang Yang was engaged in an intense drill, executing a variety of intricate ball control techniques with skillful precision.

His feet danced through a series of moves: the step-over, Elástico, Cruyff turn, La Croqueta, and the Marseille turn. Each movement was performed repeatedly, often in quick succession, demonstrating a fluid blend of technical prowess and rhythm. The combination of these maneuvers, adjusting seamlessly between his left and right feet, required both physical agility and mental concentration.

Though initially engaging, this repetitive training could become monotonous over time, leading to a sense of tedium and resistance. Yet, Yang Yang's resolve remained unshaken. Immersed in the demanding environment of the super training ground, he found himself losing track of time, driven by an almost meditative focus on his craft.

These techniques, while similar in their technical demands, each had their own nuances. For instance, Ronaldo's step-over, with its rapid changes of direction, closely resembled the flashy freestyle moves popular in Brazilian football. While the step-over could be seen as a variant of the Elástico, Ronaldo had adapted and refined it to suit his physical attributes.

Yang Yang's version of the step-over was uniquely his own, tailored to his specific style and physical capabilities. This personalized approach gave the move a distinctive character, reflecting his own evolution as a player.

In the unpredictable world of football, players are constantly faced with dynamic scenarios. Mastery of these techniques required not just precision, but the ability to apply them effectively in a variety of situations. The Dream Training System had incorporated this drill into Yang Yang's daily warm-up routine, with the area initially set at four square meters. As he progressed, the training area would gradually shrink, increasing the difficulty and pushing him to new limits.

When Zax's voice cut through the air, signaling the end of the session, Yang Yang felt a wave of relief wash over him. Despite his body feeling relatively unstrained, the mental fatigue was palpable. Concentrating on these repetitive drills, while essential for improvement, was a test of his mental endurance.

Yang Yang reflected on a recent interview with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the renowned Dutch striker for Manchester United. Despite being known for his prowess in front of goal, Van Nistelrooy spoke about his daily speed training, even though speed was not his strongest attribute.

"What I seek to enhance is not just my on-field speed, but the speed within my heart," Van Nistelrooy had said. "Through consistent speed training, day after day, year after year, I feel I am making progress, even if it's just a fraction of a second. Every bit of improvement counts."

Van Nistelrooy's words resonated deeply with Yang Yang, reinforcing his belief in the power of perseverance. Many failures in football stemmed not from a lack of ability, but from a lack of belief in one's own potential. This concept, though abstract, underscored the importance of mental strength. The ability to push past one's limits, even by the smallest margins, could be the difference between success and failure on the pitch—whether it be in executing a pass, making a stop, taking a shot, or making a crucial steal.

Yang Yang was still far from achieving Van Nistelrooy's level of excellence, but that remained his ultimate aspiration.

Recently, Yang Yang had begun to see the fruits of his relentless training. His mastery of Ronaldo's step-over skills had become more instinctive on the pitch, particularly when navigating tight defensive lines. The fluidity and precision with which he now performed these techniques were yielding tangible results in matches.

One day, amidst a particularly intense training session, Yang Yang turned to Zax and asked, "Zax, what type of player do you think I'll become in the future?"

His mind drifted to Ruud Van Nistelrooy, whose career had evolved significantly. Initially, Van Nistelrooy played as a central midfielder before gradually shifting to more advanced positions—from attacking midfielder to winger and finally to striker, where he reached the pinnacle of his career.

Yang Yang often pondered whether, had Van Nistelrooy never transitioned to the striker role, he might have remained an ordinary Dutch midfielder rather than becoming one of the world's most prolific goal-scorers.

"As I've mentioned before, the bucket theory is a useful way to evaluate a player's strength and potential," Zax began. "If Van Nistelrooy had not become a striker, his football intelligence and work ethic would have made him a very good player, but he might not have achieved the same level of success."

Yang Yang nodded in understanding. The bucket theory posits that a bucket's capacity is determined by its shortest piece of wood, much like a player's potential being limited by their weakest attributes. This analogy motivated Yang Yang to continuously address and improve his own weaknesses.

"Was Van Nistelrooy's transition from the amateur league to Den Bosch and then to Heerenveen a process of him finding his optimal position?" Yang Yang inquired further.

In his early days at Den Bosch, Van Nistelrooy had played as a midfielder, gradually moving to more attacking roles. His impressive scoring ability, combined with his physical prowess, led him to Heerenveen, where he ultimately excelled as a striker. At the time Van Nistelrooy joined Den Bosch, he was precisely the same age as Yang Yang was now.

"It's difficult to pinpoint," Zax replied. "There are both active and passive factors involved."

Yang Yang reflected on Zax's words. As a professional player, especially a young one, decision-making power often lies with the club and the coach. The role and position a player occupies are frequently dictated by the team's needs and the coach's strategies. Yang Yang understood that, despite his current success at Ajax, a change in tactics or a shift in the club's lineup could see him relegated to the bench if his style no longer fit.

"Football is a team sport," Zax continued. "Every player must integrate seamlessly into the team's overall strategy. You help the team, and the team helps you in return. It's a mutual process of achievement."

Zax elaborated on the necessity of adaptability: "You must adjust your style according to the team's needs. For example, playing alongside a striker like Ibrahimović, a partner like Wesley Sonck, or a midfielder like Van der Vaart would each demand different approaches."

"Currently, the team needs you to excel on the right wing, so you should continue refining your skills for that role. However, it's crucial to be versatile. The team might change coaches, or new players might join, altering the overall style of play. You need to be prepared to adapt."

"A player's career is a continuous process of self-adjustment," Zax added. "Van Nistelrooy's career saw him playing as a midfielder in the amateur leagues, transitioning to attacking midfield at Den Bosch, and eventually becoming a striker at Heerenveen. While these shifts were influenced by team requirements, his personal adaptability was key. Without his own adjustments, he wouldn't have achieved what he did."

Zax's advice struck Yang Yang with the force of a revelation. "This is part of career planning. At 17, you're still young and can rely on your speed to excel on the wing. But you should also consider what you'll do if your speed diminishes in the future."

The reminder struck Yang Yang profoundly, serving as a crucial wake-up call about the significance of long-term planning and versatility in a professional football career. His thoughts immediately turned to a prime example of adaptability within Ajax—Rafael van der Vaart. Van der Vaart's career had demonstrated the vital importance of evolving one's game to remain relevant and successful at the highest level.

Van der Vaart had debuted at Ajax as a prodigious talent. His skill set, marked by extraordinary speed and technique, had everyone convinced he was destined to become a global superstar. His ability to weave through defenses with breathtaking pace and finesse was widely acclaimed.

However, a severe injury—a torn meniscus—sidelined Van der Vaart, stripping him of his previously explosive speed. This forced him to reinvent his game, shifting from a dynamic attacking role to a more orchestrating position in midfield. Yang Yang had trained alongside Van der Vaart and had witnessed firsthand the Dutch maestro's exceptional footwork and technical prowess. Yet, he knew that without the speed that had once defined him, Van der Vaart's impact on the field was considerably diminished, his agility now hidden beneath the constraints of injury.

The parallel was sobering: if Yang Yang were to lose his speed, could he adapt and transform his game as effectively as Van der Vaart had?

Back in his hometown, Yang Yang's parents had often imparted a piece of wisdom: "Prepare for adversity as you would prepare for a shortage of provisions." This ancient adage was a call to plan ahead and stay prepared for any eventuality.

At just seventeen, Yang Yang was at the dawn of his career, with countless challenges and opportunities awaiting him. The realization of his need for adaptability and foresight was clear.

In response to his growing self-awareness, Zax promptly rewarded Yang Yang with a significant boost. The virtual player accompanying him in his training was elevated from a standard Eredivisie player to a top-tier Eredivisie talent. This upgrade was a welcome affirmation of Yang Yang's progress and potential.

Yet, the pressure and difficulty of the professional game weighed heavily on him. Football, Yang Yang realized, was akin to a pyramid—the higher one climbed, the more challenging the ascent became. The increasing difficulty of each upgrade underscored the relentless nature of the sport.

Zax had also imparted another crucial lesson: at higher levels, the gap in technical skills between players narrows significantly. What becomes paramount are tactical acumen, the application of skills, game experience, and mental resilience.

Yang Yang understood this deeply. His transition from the youth team to the first team had not yielded instant progress. The real difference was his burgeoning confidence. This newfound self-assurance transformed his performance on the field, making him feel reborn in his role.

The entire Ajax team had experienced a similar resurgence. After a challenging two-game losing streak in the Champions League, which had left them teetering on the brink of elimination, Ajax had struggled with a lack of confidence. However, their decisive victory over Club Brugge, which secured their advancement to the knockout stages, had revitalized their spirits. They began to regain their confidence in domestic competitions, gradually rebuilding their form.

Although the team's improvement might not have been immediately evident on the pitch, Yang Yang was confident that Ajax would impress in the latter half of the season. Ronald Koeman's young squad, with their quarterfinals appearance in the previous Champions League season as proof of their potential, was poised to make a significant impact.

With confidence restored, Ajax and Yang Yang were set to continue making waves in European football, and Yang Yang was determined to be an integral part of that exciting journey.

...

During the Christmas season, while the English Premier League buzzed with activity, the rest of Europe's football leagues had come to a halt. Yet, despite the break in domestic play, European football continued to produce headline-worthy news.

The biggest story was the crowning of Zinedine Zidane as FIFA World Player of the Year. The French legend triumphed over his compatriot Thierry Henry and his Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo to claim the prestigious award for the third time. It was a testament to Zidane's enduring brilliance on the world stage.

Yang Yang watched the award ceremony live, captivated by the French superstar's grace and humility. But what truly shocked him—and the rest of the football world—was Zidane's announcement during an interview that he planned to retire at 33. The news sent ripples of disbelief across the globe, including to Yang Yang.

At 31, Zidane was still in magnificent form, orchestrating the play for Real Madrid's Galácticos, a team widely regarded as the most powerful in football. With his unparalleled vision, technique, and leadership, Zidane could easily continue to dominate European football for several more years. So why announce his retirement so soon?

The media frenzy that followed Zidane's revelation was immense. Speculation began immediately about who would step into the immense void he would leave behind. The search for the "next Zidane" became the hot topic across the footballing world, with various outlets nominating potential successors.

Topping the list was Ronaldinho, who had recently joined Barcelona. At just 23, the Brazilian was already hailed as a football genius, capable of magical feats on the pitch. Many believed he was destined to become the sport's next global icon.

Another name that drew significant attention was Kaka, the 21-year-old phenomenon from AC Milan. Bursting onto the scene in Serie A, Kaka had quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, with his blend of elegance and explosive power.

Adding to the Brazilian trio was Robinho, the 18-year-old sensation from Santos. Though still plying his trade in Brazil, Robinho was seen by some as having even greater potential than Kaka, with a dazzling array of skills that left fans and pundits alike in awe.

Beyond the Brazilian stars, the list included Argentina's Pablo Aimar, England's Frank Lampard, and Italy's Cassano and Pirlo. These players were all young, supremely talented, and seen as the future of European football—each a possible heir to Zidane's throne.

Among the names mentioned was Rafael van der Vaart, the young Ajax captain. Once a winger, Van der Vaart had transitioned to a central midfield role, where his vision and technical ability shone through. While his talent was undeniable, there was a consensus that for him to truly fulfill his potential, he would need to move away from Ajax and join a top-tier European club.

The mention of Van der Vaart highlighted the changing fortunes of the Eredivisie. Once considered a breeding ground for Europe's elite, the Dutch league had fallen in status, now regarded as second-tier. Ajax, too, had slipped from their former heights as a European powerhouse, and their presence in mainstream media and fan discussions had waned.

Yang Yang couldn't help but reflect on this reality. He might not have been familiar with all the players on the list, but he knew of Kaka's prowess and, of course, Van der Vaart's abilities as his teammate. The recognition of Van der Vaart's talent, even as Ajax struggled to maintain its former glory, was a bittersweet acknowledgment of both the player's potential and the club's decline.

Through this lens, Yang Yang saw clearly how the landscape of European football had shifted, with the Eredivisie no longer commanding the respect it once did. For Van der Vaart and many others, the path to true stardom now seemed to lie beyond the confines of Dutch football.

...

Following Zidane's triumph as FIFA World Player of the Year, the prestigious French football magazine quickly unveiled the results of the Ballon d'Or. In a surprising turn, Czech star Pavel Nedvěd, playing for Juventus, clinched the award, outshining other football greats like Thierry Henry, Paolo Maldini, and Andriy Shevchenko. Zidane, despite his recent FIFA accolade, only managed to secure fifth place on the Ballon d'Or list.

Yang Yang's idol, Ronaldo, experienced an even steeper drop, landing in the eleventh spot.

The Ballon d'Or rankings further highlighted Real Madrid's dominance, with four players from the club making it into the top ten: Zidane, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, and David Beckham. With Ronaldo just outside the top ten, it was clear that Real Madrid's Galácticos had a strong presence in world football, commanding significant attention on the international stage.

The selection processes for both the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or sparked lively debates among fans and media alike. Conversations quickly shifted to which award carried more prestige and accuracy in recognizing the world's best player. However, Yang Yang's focus soon shifted away from these discussions as his attention was drawn to a more immediate concern: the upcoming cup draws.

The KNVB Cup quarterfinal draw was announced shortly afterward, revealing that Ajax would face their fierce rivals, Feyenoord, at home. The match was scheduled for February 4th, marking Yang Yang's first major encounter with one of the traditional giants of Dutch football.

The second half of the Eredivisie was set to commence on January 24th. Following two rounds of league play, Ajax would turn their attention to the KNVB Cup, with the Champions League knockout stages looming in late February. The fixture congestion in February promised a grueling period for Ajax, with little room for error.

The anticipation surrounding the KNVB Cup draw was soon followed by the announcement of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 pairings. As group runners-up, Ajax were set to face one of the top teams from the other groups. The draw pitted them against Arsenal, one of the most formidable teams in Europe.

The news sent shockwaves through Dutch football. Arsenal, under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, were having a phenomenal season in the Premier League, boasting an unbeaten record of 13 wins and 6 draws in 19 matches. Despite a few too many draws, they trailed only Manchester United by a single point, firmly positioned as title contenders.

Arsenal's Champions League journey had been a rollercoaster. They started poorly, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Inter Milan at home, followed by a goalless draw with Lokomotiv Moscow and a 2-1 loss to Dynamo Kyiv. But Wenger's squad quickly found their stride, defeating Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 at home, demolishing Inter Milan 5-1 at Highbury, and securing a 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow. Their resurgence was a clear indicator of their strength and form.

The draw result was met with widespread pessimism across the Dutch football community. Arsenal's formidable reputation and their strong showing in both domestic and European competitions left many doubting Ajax's chances. The sense of impending doom permeated through the fanbase and inevitably seeped into the Ajax camp as well.

As the team prepared for a daunting February, the weight of expectation and the enormity of the challenge ahead loomed large. For Yang Yang, these upcoming fixtures would be the ultimate test of his resolve and ability to perform on the biggest stages.

...

As the calendar flipped to 2004, Ajax players reconvened at De Toekomst, the club's renowned training ground. The festive season had come to an end, and it was time to refocus on the challenges that lay ahead. The atmosphere at De Toekomst, however, was noticeably subdued. Despite the holiday cheer, the looming difficulties of the season cast a shadow over the team's spirits.

Yang Yang, returning from his break, was glad to see familiar faces like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thomas Vermaelen, and Maxwell, who had all gone home for Christmas. But it was clear that the general mood was somber—no one enjoyed the sense of impending doom that hung over the squad.

Captain Rafael van der Vaart, ever the leader, organized the team for a thorough medical examination led by the club's medical staff. The results were not promising. Several players had let their fitness levels drop below the required standards, a fact that did not sit well with head coach Ronald Koeman. His stern expression reflected his disappointment; before the holidays, he had explicitly warned the players not to slack off, but it seemed his words had fallen on deaf ears.

To Yang Yang's surprise, one player's results stood out for all the right reasons. The Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, despite his relaxed holiday demeanor, had physical data that exceeded expectations. This anomaly caught Yang Yang's attention.

"Didn't you say you were spending all your time eating and drinking with Helena?" Yang Yang asked, genuinely curious.

Ibrahimovic, with a smug grin, responded confidently, "Hey, I was born with this kind of body. I understand if you're a bit envious," he said, raising his eyebrows in mock superiority.

"Would it kill you not to brag for once?" Yang Yang shook his head, but couldn't suppress a smile.

Listening to Ibrahimovic's playful boasting, Yang Yang felt a warmth that he hadn't realized he missed. The camaraderie among teammates was a comforting reminder of why he loved being part of this team.

Maxwell, the Brazilian left-back, chimed in with a grin, "I bet he's just imagining he was with Helena all the time."

The group burst into laughter, understanding the innuendo behind Maxwell's comment.

"Maxwell, if you're tired of living, just say so. I can help you with that," Ibrahimovic retorted, playfully lunging at his teammate, which only made everyone laugh harder.

Despite the light-hearted banter, Yang Yang knew that the road ahead would be tough. During the Christmas break, he had maintained his training regimen diligently, and his medical examination results reflected his hard work. But the coaching staff, led by Ronald Koeman, still provided him with a tailored exercise plan focused on improving his physical fitness and stamina—areas where Yang Yang still needed to strengthen.

Although this meant that his winter break would involve grueling training sessions, Yang Yang viewed it as a positive sign. The coaching staff's high expectations indicated their belief in his potential and his importance to the team for the remainder of the season.

After the medical assessments, Koeman didn't hold back. He sternly reprimanded several players who had let their fitness levels drop significantly, attributing it to overindulgence during the holidays. He issued a clear warning: anyone failing to meet the required physical standards would be benched, no exceptions.

Koeman's strict approach to team management was well-known, and the players respected him enough to take his words seriously. No one dared to take their place in the squad for granted.

On the first day back at training, the focus was on adjustment and recovery. The sessions were designed to gradually bring the players back into peak condition, easing them into the rigorous demands of the upcoming fixtures.

Ajax's solid performance in the first half of the season has led to favorable results across all competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, the Eredivisie, and the KNVB Cup. The management, recognizing the team's potential, is keen to maintain the stability of the first-team lineup. This decision aligns with the club's ambitions to compete at the highest level on all fronts.

An important factor in this stability is the agreement that Sporting Director Louis van Gaal has reached with key players like Hatem Trabelsi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Rafael van der Vaart. These core stars have committed to staying with Ajax until the end of the season, focusing solely on their performances. As a result, there are no plans to sell any significant players during the winter break.

This sense of stability and commitment has positively influenced the mood and mentality of the squad as they returned to training.

Notably, for the upcoming winter training camp in Portugal, the Ajax coaching staff has included several promising players from the second team in the squad. Ryan Babel, Tom De Mul, Hedwiges Maduro, and Rasmus Lindgren have all been selected to train with the first team. This opportunity allows them to prove themselves and potentially earn a place in the senior squad.

For these young players, the situation is somewhat bittersweet. Just a few weeks ago, they were all teammates on the same level as Yang Yang. In fact, Ryan Babel, who had a leading role among them, now finds himself overshadowed. Yang Yang, after all, has not only secured his spot in the first team but also made a significant impact on Dutch football in a remarkably short period. This rapid rise has left Babel, who wasn't on the best terms with Yang Yang, feeling particularly frustrated and downcast.

In the broader context of Dutch football, the transfer market is also buzzing. The day before Ajax's training resumed, the Dutch media reported that Collins John, an 18-year-old Liberian-Dutch striker from FC Twente, had completed a transfer to Fulham for £600,000. Collins John had made a name for himself early in the season, becoming one of the youngest goal scorers in the Eredivisie with nine goals in eighteen league appearances. His impressive form attracted attention from Fulham, who secured his services for a relatively low fee due to his youth contract with Twente.

The transfer of Collins John has inevitably drawn media attention to Yang Yang. Given Yang Yang's breakout performances in the latter half of the first half of the season, many are now speculating whether he will follow a similar path. The question on everyone's mind is: with Collins John having moved on to the Premier League, what does the future hold for Yang Yang? Will Ajax manage to keep hold of their rising star, or will bigger clubs soon come knocking?

As the winter training in Portugal begins, the spotlight on Yang Yang is only growing brighter. His continued progress and performances in the coming months could very well determine the trajectory of his career and whether Ajax can count on him as they push for success on multiple fronts.