Jong Ajax vs IJsselmeervogels

Thursday, August 21, 2003, 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

North of Spakenburg, at IJsselmeervogels' De Westmaat sports park.

Despite its small population, Spakenburg buzzes with football enthusiasm. Two semi-professional teams from the Dutch third division converge in the northern part of town, sharing six standard-sized training pitches, each accommodating up to 1,000 spectators.

Both the training pitches and the football field boast high-quality turf and meticulous daily maintenance, leaving Yang Yang impressed. Such facilities are rare in China but commonplace in the Netherlands, as he has learned from his recent experiences playing across the country.

The football fervor extends to the fans, who gather around the stadium even on weekdays. Sportpark De Westmaat, with its two stands accommodating hundreds of fans, typically sells tickets at the gates. However, the open layout allows all spectators to gather and watch the game.

Today's match against Jong Ajax garners significant attention, notably marking Marco Van Basten's debut as coach. IJsselmeervogels coach Philip Dehan, also in his forties, warmly welcomes Van Basten and the Ajax second team upon their arrival. He eagerly arranges autographs for the players and a group photo with Van Basten, fostering a friendly atmosphere off the pitch.

Once the game begins, however, the amiable atmosphere within the stadium dissipates. As a third-division team, KNVB Cup matches like this are rare opportunities for the home team to attract media attention, especially when a renowned coach like Van Basten makes his debut.

IJsselmeervogels' defense frustrates Ajax's second string from the outset, effectively neutralizing their attacking threat. Yang Yang watches keenly from the bench, deeply engaged in the game.

Dutch youth training is renowned for its robustness, even in small towns like Spakenburg with its population of just a few thousand. Despite their semi-professional status, the players benefit from professional youth training, showcasing tactical awareness, teamwork, and individual skills that make them formidable opponents.

Jong Ajax faces both physical and tactical challenges. Sixteen-year-old Babel, slight and inexperienced, struggles in midfield, hampering Ajax's ability to threaten in attack.

As Yang Yang observes, it underscores the competitive depth and strength of Dutch football, even at lower levels.

In the match against IJsselmeervogels, Yang Yang closely analyzes the tactical dynamics unfolding on the pitch, particularly on the right flank where De Mul contends with Pierre Tash.

Robin Muller van Moppes operates on the left wing, instructed to cut inside and pose a central threat if Babel fails to capitalize on opportunities in midfield. This strategic adjustment aims to diversify Ajax's attacking options.

In midfield, Krohn-Dehli's role was crucial as he distributed the ball to both wings to facilitate the attacking maneuvers of Van Moppes and De Mul on the right. However, it was De Mul's performance that captured Yang Yang's attention.

Facing 21-year-old Pierre Tash, De Mul struggled to assert himself. Tash displayed strong defensive awareness, consistently positioning himself at a 45-degree angle against De Mul. This defensive tactic effectively neutralized De Mul's attempts to exploit space on the outside, which was vital for Ajax's right winger.

Moreover, Tash's proficiency as a left-footed defender gave him an edge in handling De Mul's attacks down the right flank. Throughout the game, De Mul's efforts were frequently thwarted or resulted in ineffective crosses, frustrating the young Belgian winger.

From the bench, Yang Yang observed how Tash's defensive strategy and technical prowess limited De Mul's breakthrough opportunities. It was evident that De Mul's frustration grew as the match progressed and his attempts to overcome Tash's defense faltered.

Yang Yang's insights during the game underscored the importance of possessing a versatile skill set in football, especially when confronted with defensive tactics like those employed by Pierre Tash against De Mul. Witnessing De Mul's struggles due to his reliance on his dominant foot reinforced Yang Yang's realization of the necessity to develop proficiency with his weaker foot.

Van Gaal's counsel to Yang Yang about refining his left foot resonated deeply. Mastering both feet not only enhances a player's passing and dribbling capabilities but also offers greater adaptability in attacking and responding to defensive challenges. De Mul's difficulties against Tash illustrated this point vividly.

For Yang Yang, months of dedicated training on his left foot—practicing passing, shooting, and honing skills like Ronaldo's step-overs—were beginning to yield results. By ensuring parity between his left and right feet, Yang Yang aimed to eliminate constraints on the field and broaden his repertoire of maneuvers and strategies. This approach promised to enhance his overall performance and versatility, equipping him to handle challenges similar to those De Mul encountered, and elevating his effectiveness on the pitch.

...

...

In the second half of the match against IJsselmeervogels, Jong Ajax continued to face challenges breaking down the home team's defense. De Mul's difficulties cutting inside due to his weaker left foot constrained Ajax's options on the right wing. Similarly, Babel encountered tight marking and struggled to find opportunities to showcase his skills.

In the 55th minute, Van Basten opted for a change, introducing Fred Benson, a 19-year-old striker from Ghana, to inject fresh attacking vigor into the team. The substitution aimed to utilize Benson's pace and skill to unsettle the IJsselmeervogels defense.

From the sidelines, Yang Yang observed the heightened tension and urgency in Jong Ajax's play. Despite dominating possession and displaying overall strength, they struggled to convert their advantage into goals against the resilient home side. Vermaelen's defensive contributions were pivotal in preserving Ajax's lead and thwarting potential equalizers.

As the match progressed into the second half, Yang Yang continued analyzing the evolving dynamics on the pitch, focusing on how Ajax adjusted their tactics and utilized substitutions to confront the challenges posed by their opponents.

With Benson on the field, Ajax attempted to alter their attacking approach. Babel shifted to the left wing, aiming to exploit Benson's speed and movement to create openings in the IJsselmeervogels defense. However, the home side remained steadfast in their defensive resolve, keeping Ajax's key players contained and limiting their scoring opportunities.

Benson, renowned for his agility and quickness, endeavored to exploit gaps in the defense but faced staunch resistance from IJsselmeervogels' seasoned defenders. Meanwhile, De Mul struggled to make significant headway on the right flank, frequently encountering tight marking that prevented him from delivering effective crosses or passes.

As the match drew to a close, Ajax's efforts to break through IJsselmeervogels' defense fell short, resulting in a frustrating stalemate. The game highlighted the challenges of facing disciplined lower-league opponents who are adept at neutralizing higher-level teams' strengths and exploiting their weaknesses.

The game had evolved into a tense tactical battle as Ajax struggled to break down IJsselmeervogels' disciplined defense. Van Basten's strategic substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy and variation into the attack, yet the home team remained organized and resilient against Ajax's pressure.

With time ticking down, both teams intensified their efforts. Ajax sought to maintain their lead or extend it, while IJsselmeervogels looked for any chance to equalize, possibly pushing the game into extra time or penalties. The atmosphere reflected the stakes of the KNVB Cup, with players and fans alike immersed in the contest.

For Yang Yang, this moment was pivotal. Changing into his Ajax jersey, he embarked on his warm-up routine with a surge of adrenaline and determination. Being called up by Van Basten wasn't just an opportunity but a challenge to prove himself in the limited time he would get on the field. Mentally prepared, he focused on the tactics and strategies learned from training sessions and simulations.

As Yang Yang jogged and stretched, the stadium buzzed with anticipation. Wearing the number 21 shirt was a symbol of his journey and a chance to demonstrate his abilities at this level. On the sidelines, Van Basten observed closely, contemplating how Yang's introduction could influence the game's outcome.

After completing his warm-up, Yang Yang received final instructions from the coaching staff. He stood poised on the sideline, eager for the referee's signal to enter the field. These next thirty minutes would define his performance and potentially shape his future with the team.

With determination and focus, Yang Yang awaited his moment, ready to seize the opportunity and leave a lasting impression on his coach, teammates, and supporters.

...

...

Many of the reporters at the stadium noticed the activity around Jong Ajax's dugout, but their attention was not on the players, except for a few familiar faces like Babel. Most of the team members were unknown to them.

Their primary focus lay on Van Basten and his debut game as head coach, which promised to dominate the headlines the next day.

When Yang Yang returned from his warm-up and positioned himself beside Van Basten, the reporters took notice.

It was evident to everyone that Van Basten was preparing to send on a black-haired Asian player. He leaned over kindly, resting his hand on Yang Yang's shoulder, gesturing towards the pitch, and providing instructions for his role once on the field.

Finally, Van Basten gave Yang Yang an encouraging pat on the shoulder before gently nudging him towards the fourth official.

This marked Van Basten's second substitution of the match.

The earlier substitution had clearly not yielded the desired effect. Would this one fare any better?

Could Coach Van Basten alter the course of the game with this change and demonstrate his prowess both tactically and strategically?

Unlike the reporters, Yang Yang's mind was focused on a singular objective: how he could perform and positively impact the game.

De Mul's performance had fallen short, presenting Yang Yang with a golden opportunity to prove himself, provided he could contribute effectively to the team.

He needed to convince the head coach and everyone else that he was the superior choice for the right-wing position.

As Yang Yang completed the substitution process with the fourth official on the touchline and awaited his chance during a dead ball, shouts suddenly erupted from the stands. Glancing back, Yang Yang spotted his uncle Shen Ming and his family in the crowd.

He had phoned his uncle last night to announce his inclusion in the 18-man squad and the coach's promise of 30 minutes of playing time. His uncle and family were thrilled, though they hadn't confirmed their attendance, making their presence a delightful surprise.

"Come on, Yang Yang, you've got this!" shouted his cousin Shen Yuzhu with enthusiasm.

Yang Yang waved at them, grateful for their support, then refocused on the stadium, steadying his emotions.

Finally, during a break in the game, Yang Yang heard the referee's call.

Yang Yang entered the field, replacing Tom De Mul.

The Belgian right winger appeared somewhat dejected, knowing his playing time was limited to an hour. He swiftly made his way to the touchline, approaching Yang Yang.

"Be cautious out there. This guy likes to play rough with sneaky moves. Watch out for his subtle tricks," De Mul whispered, gripping Yang Yang's hand.

Despite competing for the same position, they were teammates.

"Thank you," Yang Yang nodded gratefully.

Observing these tendencies from the sidelines, Yang Yang stepped onto the soft turf, excitement coursing through him. He couldn't resist a quick sprint to warm up. Passing by Vermaelen, they exchanged handshakes before Yang Yang approached Krohn-Dehli.

"Boss wants you to push forward more and leave Maduro behind," Yang Yang informed him.

Krohn-Dehli glanced towards the touchline where Van Basten signaled agreement, urging them to attack down the right flank together. The Danish midfielder nodded in understanding. Turning back to Yang Yang, he asked, "Should I aim to feed you the ball as much as possible?"

"Absolutely," Yang Yang replied.

Shifting to the right side, Yang Yang encountered Pierre Tashi. It felt somewhat surreal, recalling his intensive simulation training against Tashi's defensive tactics in the Dream Training System the previous night.

Meeting Tashi's gaze, Yang Yang smiled confidently. This encounter would be different from facing De Mul.

...

...

The game resumed.

IJsselmeervogels had a free kick in their own half and quickly launched a long pass upfield.

Lindgren, tasked with defending the long ball, headed it away after a struggle with the IJsselmeervogels striker. The ball landed at Maduro's feet, who promptly squared it to Krohn-Dehli.

Even before receiving the ball, the Danish midfielder spotted Yang Yang making a run from the right. Without hesitation, Krohn-Dehli attempted to pass to Yang Yang, but the delivery was slightly off target.

This marked their first time playing together in an official match, adding an extra layer of coordination challenge.

Meanwhile, Yang Yang hurried to control the ball as Krohn-Dehli's pass veered astray. With Pierre Tashi swiftly closing in, Yang Yang found it challenging to gather the ball cleanly.

Unfamiliar with newcomer Yang Yang, Pierre Tashi approached cautiously in their initial encounter. As Yang Yang accelerated, Tashi matched his stride.

Anticipating Yang Yang to reach the ball, Tashi was caught off guard when Yang Yang abruptly stopped and flicked the ball with his left foot.

The ball slipped past Yang Yang, who pivoted sharply, halting abruptly before sprinting after it.

Pierre Tashi was momentarily surprised, but Yang Yang showcased nimble footwork to swiftly change direction. Spectators on the sidelines watched in awe as the young substitute nearly stumbled during his first touch against the IJsselmeervogels left-back.

Breaking through, Yang Yang wasted no time waiting for the defender to close in. He delivered a curling cross into the penalty area, sailing over the heads of the IJsselmeervogels defenders. Both Babel and Benson leaped to meet the ball, but their attempts were thwarted as the opposing central defender cleared it, rallying his teammates with shouted instructions.

Undoubtedly, this was Jong Ajax's most threatening attack since the start of the second half.

Yang Yang felt a twinge of frustration. His cross had not been perfect. If it had been Ibrahimovic or Vermaelen on the receiving end, they might have converted it into a goal.

However, Babel and Benson lacked the aerial prowess. Their positioning and ability to predict the ball's trajectory were inadequate.

As he pondered his next move, Yang Yang glanced back and caught Pierre Tashi's irritated stare.

While not apparent to others, Tashi, Yang Yang's direct opponent, recognized that he had been outmaneuvered by the young substitute in their initial encounter.

In their first clash, Yang Yang had come out on top.

...

...

In their initial encounter, Pierre Tashi was outwitted by Yang Yang. Learning from this, he decided to closely mark him to prevent a repeat.

Despite receiving the ball multiple times, Yang Yang found himself without a clear opportunity, resorting to passing it back whenever he got possession.

He maneuvered around his position on the field, ensuring quick passes with minimal errors—a notable evolution in his game towards rational play and increased stability.

However, Pierre Tashi remained vigilant, persistently marking Yang Yang, shadowing him closely without respite, as if Yang Yang were his constant shadow.

Undeterred, Yang Yang covered extensive ground on the pitch. While he energetically pressed in the attacking half when the home team was defending, he rarely tracked back once the ball crossed the halfway line.

As the match entered the seventieth minute, Jong Ajax intercepted the ball in midfield. Krohn-Dehli swiftly passed it to Yang Yang on the right.

For the first time since their initial encounter, Pierre Tashi made an error, failing to keep pace with Yang Yang, allowing him space to turn after controlling the ball.

Turning swiftly, Yang Yang surged forward. Pierre Tashi moved towards him at a forty-five-degree angle, attempting a defensive maneuver similar to what he used against De Mul.

But Yang Yang didn't follow the expected path. Instead of continuing straight, the crafty Chinese player surprised Tashi by cutting inside.

"He's right-footed, why is he cutting inside?" Tashi wondered, momentarily thrown off guard.

Without hesitation, Yang Yang pressed on. Tashi instinctively moved to block him.

As soon as Tashi moved, Yang Yang executed a step-over with his left foot, swiftly changing direction and nudging the ball with his right. This sudden shift from an inside cut to an outside line caught Tashi completely off guard.

Reacting instinctively, Tashi reached out to grab Yang Yang's jersey in a desperate attempt to regain control. But Yang Yang, anticipating this move, deftly evaded Tashi's grasp with a subtle feint, accelerating forward as quickly as possible.

From the sidelines came an audible gasp.

Yang Yang blew past Pierre Tashi in a blur, collecting the ball and driving towards the IJsselmeervogels penalty area at a sharp forty-five-degree angle.

The opposition's left center-back reacted swiftly, rushing to intercept Yang Yang.

But Yang Yang's speed was unmatched. They met just outside the right corner of the penalty area. Another step-over bamboozled the defender, allowing Yang Yang to swiftly push the ball towards the goal line before delivering a precise cross into the box.

Striker Fred Benson, who had been navigating the penalty area, surged towards Yang Yang's cross and slotted it neatly into the bottom corner of IJsselmeervogels' net.

As the referee blew the whistle, Fred Benson leapt up in celebration. Landing back on the ground, he dashed over to Yang Yang, shouting, "You saw me perfectly! How did you see me?"

The Ghanaian striker was clearly elated with his goal.

Yang Yang would never reveal that he had used his [God Vision] ability at the moment he passed the ball, assessing the penalty area's situation. Presented with two options—Babel or Benson—he chose Benson, recognizing it offered the best chance to score.

After netting Jong Ajax's first goal of the new season, Fred Benson embraced Yang Yang, joining in the wild celebrations.

Soon, other Jong Ajax players joined in, surrounding the duo in jubilation.

With the score now two-nil, Jong Ajax had effectively sealed victory.

Yang Yang's assist sent the entire stadium into a frenzy.

"Wow!!!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the referee blew the final whistle. Fans were left in disbelief by the sudden turn of events. A substitution by Jong Ajax had unexpectedly led to incredible results.

Even the media reporters in the stands were astonished.

"Who is this number 21?"

"What is his background?"

"What country is he from? How old is he? When did he join Ajax?"

After the initial shock, everyone clamored for information about this player, but no one seemed to know anything concrete.

Who was he?

During his time on the field, he made a spectacular individual breakthrough, but it had gone largely unnoticed at the moment. After all, brilliant moves were not uncommon in an Ajax game.

Yet, this moment felt different because he had swiftly bypassed two opponents before entering the penalty area.

It could be argued that if credit for Ajax's second goal were to be attributed, he deserved the primary acknowledgment. Fred Benson, the hero of the second goal, simply seized a superb opportunity. The boy was the true catalyst.

But who was he?

Amidst the confusion, a young man nearby, sporting thick black-rimmed glasses, timidly raised his hand and spoke softly, "I might know him."

The reporters turned to look at the young man, who blushed under their scrutiny.

"Who are you?" inquired one of the senior reporters.

The young man swiftly retrieved a stack of business cards from his pocket and distributed them. "Hello everyone, I am Michel Vandersma, editor-in-chief of the Super Football website."

"Super Football website?" The room fell silent with surprise.

All the prominent figures in Dutch football media were present, yet none had heard of such a website.

"I apologize, our website has only been operational for less than two months, and currently, I... I..." Vandersma hesitated. He wanted to explain that he handled everything from reporting to editing as the sole editor-in-chief, but couldn't find the words. Fortunately, no one seemed interested in his website.

"Never mind that. Tell us what you know about number 21," urged another senior reporter.

Vandersma nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I know him. I've gathered information about him before. His name is Yang Yang. Born in October 1986, he's not yet 17 years old and only joined Ajax a few days ago."

"Joined just a few days ago?" The reporters were suddenly intrigued and puzzled.

"No other details yet?" someone pressed.

"Yes." Vandersma quickly flipped through his notebook and located the relevant notes. "Yang Yang previously played for Almere's youth team. He made a name for himself in amateur games over the summer, attracting interest from several clubs including Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Utrecht."

"Anything else?"

"He chose Ajax because he's a fan of Van Basten. Both Van Gaal and Van Basten have high hopes for him. He was also recommended by scout Fred Arroyo. His specialty is breaking through on the right wing, utilizing his step-over dribbling. Many compare his playing style to Ronaldo's."

"Oh, so it's him," someone exclaimed, slapping their thigh.

"I remember now, Aaron Moy's football website featured him in three consecutive reports."

"Yeah, that's the one. Many say he plays like Ronaldo."

"Wow, I didn't expect him to skip straight to Jong Ajax from the youth team."

"Look at his breakthrough and performance just now, especially his dribbling. It's reminiscent of Ronaldo."

"His wing play is impressive. Van Basten and Van Gaal clearly have an eye for talent."

Aaron Moy's football website was a prominent radio show in the Amsterdam area, consistently covering Yang Yang. While many had heard of him, his youth and low-profile youth team initially limited widespread attention.

Now, Vandersma's mention of him triggered a sudden recollection among the reporters.

Meanwhile, the young man who founded the Super Football website stood by, listening to the seasoned reporters' discussions. He wanted to interject several times but awaited the right opportunity.

He hoped this moment would foster stronger relationships with his predecessors and expand his small website's reach.

...

...

Yang Yang was oblivious to the movements of the reporters in the stands.

After assisting Fred Benson's goal, he celebrated with his teammates, embraced Vermaelen, and then returned to his position just to the right of the halfway line.

The game resumed.

Having conceded two goals in quick succession, the morale of IJsselmeervogels' players had plummeted, while Jong Ajax's spirits soared, eager to further dominate their opponents.

It was the inaugural match of the new season, and a strong performance could solidify their positions in the team.

Yang Yang began to appreciate the advantages of being part of such a formidable team.

During his time at Almere, his team often struggled defensively, making it challenging for him to receive the ball on the right wing. Every opportunity he had with the ball was precious, and he felt the weight of responsibility not to let his teammates down.

With Jong Ajax, the situation was markedly different. He no longer needed to fret about defensive duties in midfield or at the back. With their dominance on the flanks, his teammates constantly created scoring opportunities.

Maduro and Krohn-Dehli orchestrated the attack, actively seeking to exploit Yang Yang's strengths on the right wing and provide him with ample chances.

His task now was to judge the timing and seize those opportunities.

Even after squandering a couple of chances, Yang Yang felt remorseful, but his teammates were quick to regain possession and didn't dwell on his errors.

This environment was a stark contrast to his days at Almere—a new experience for Yang Yang.

He grasped that he was now playing for the Dutch giants Ajax. Though it was the second team, he needed to adapt to this elevated level of play. He couldn't approach the game as he had in Almere.

For instance, he couldn't afford to track back and defend as he did before. His focus was on conserving energy and staying forward, awaiting chances to launch attacks.

In the 76th minute of the match, Jong Ajax initiated an attack from the left. After Babel's attempt to penetrate the box failed, he passed the ball back to Maduro in midfield, who quickly fed Krohn-Dehli.

The Danish midfielder deftly controlled the ball and instinctively launched a high, diagonal pass to the right.

Yang Yang sprinted down the right sideline while Pierre Tashi tracked the ball's trajectory. Anticipating its path, Yang Yang surged forward, delicately flicking the ball over Tashi's head with a feather-light touch, executing a sombrero move to evade the defender. He then accelerated to reach the ball first.

The left central defender reacted swiftly, pursuing Yang Yang's breakthrough.

Both players sprinted towards the ball from different angles.

Yet, Yang Yang had the shorter route and anticipated the trajectory well. He reached the ball a step ahead of the defender, halting abruptly as he entered the penalty area.

Seeing Yang Yang poised for another breakthrough, the defender reacted instinctively, grabbing his shirt and using the momentum to pull him down.

At that instant, the referee's whistle pierced the air.

The crowd erupted in excitement.

The breathtaking breakthrough had them on edge, anticipating another potential assist. Instead, the defender's foul in the penalty area placed IJsselmeervogels in jeopardy.

Teammates Fred Benson and Krohn-Dehli rushed over to check on Yang Yang's condition.

Yang Yang rose from the ground, adjusting his shirt where it had been tugged by his opponent. He gestured to the referee for an explanation.

The referee promptly awarded a penalty and brandished a red card to the defender.

As the last man, the penalty decision was clear-cut.

Seeing Yang Yang unscathed, Fred Benson flashed a broad grin, revealing his white teeth.

Vermaelen, observing from behind, shouted encouragement to Yang Yang and gave him a thumbs-up.

He had genuinely been concerned for Yang Yang's well-being after the defender's challenge.

Krohn-Dehli confidently stepped up to take Jong Ajax's penalty. The Danish midfielder exchanged high-fives with Yang Yang, showing his appreciation before guiding him towards the trainer's bench to change his shirt. Yang Yang was in high spirits, preparing himself for the penalty kick.

During the brief interval while Yang Yang changed shirts, Van Basten seized the opportunity to commend his performance. Emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on their numerical advantage to secure a decisive victory, Van Basten's words resonated with the team.

Observing Yang Yang's slender frame as he changed, Van Basten turned to his assistant, John van 't Schip. "He's quite lean. We need to build him up quickly. Let's have our conditioning coach develop a program for him and adjust his training accordingly."

Van 't Schip nodded in agreement, jotting down notes in his notebook. It was clear that Yang Yang was approaching a specialized training regimen.

Reflecting on Yang Yang's sensational debut performance, it was astonishing how he had made such an immediate impact. His influence had exceeded all expectations.

Meanwhile, De Mul had struggled to contain Pierre Tashi for much of the match. Yang Yang's introduction had swiftly led to two goals for Jong Ajax.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Ajax pressed for another goal.

Aware of Van Basten's desire for a resounding victory, van 't Schip, as his assistant, understood the urgency.

Krohn-Dehli calmly converted the penalty, extending Jong Ajax's lead to three goals.

Three goals behind and a man down, IJsselmeervogels' morale plummeted.

Jong Ajax's confidence soared as they intensified their attacking efforts.

Responding swiftly, Van Basten made a third substitution, aiming to bolster his team's offensive prowess. His determination was palpable in the substitution.

Eager to carve out a reputation for himself as a coach, especially against former Dutch teammates like Gullit, now coaching the Dutch youth team, and Rijkaard, leading Barcelona, Van Basten felt a heightened sense of urgency.

Following the coach's directives, Jong Ajax continued to apply pressure on IJsselmeervogels, focusing their attacks down Yang Yang's dynamic right flank. He grew increasingly influential, drawing multiple defenders' attention, notably in the 81st minute. Despite creating a clear chance for Babel, who narrowly missed, IJsselmeervogels responded by assigning two players to shadow Yang Yang, inadvertently exposing gaps in their central defense.

In the 86th minute, Jong Ajax exploited this vulnerability when Maduro surged forward from midfield and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, extending their lead to 4-0.

Ajax subsequently eased their attacking tempo against a resilient IJsselmeervogels defense, with both teams unable to create further scoring opportunities. However, in stoppage time, Yang Yang once again broke through on the right, delivering a tantalizing cross into the box. Fred Benson hesitated and missed the chance, but the sheer quality of the cross ignited the crowd.

As the final whistle blew, Yang Yang felt a rush of relief followed by uncontrollable laughter. A profound sense of comfort and accomplishment enveloped him.

This was his inaugural official match. Despite it being against a third-division Dutch team in the KNVB Cup's first round, the experience left him with an indescribable satisfaction that was deeply fulfilling.

Fred Benson was the first to rush over, embracing Yang Yang. His jubilant expression contrasted with his dark skin, clearly expressing his delight. Benson recognized the significance of scoring after coming off the bench, foreseeing a promising future in the second team, and he was immensely grateful to Yang Yang for the exceptional assist.

Krohn-Dehli, also radiant with joy after scoring himself and demonstrating impeccable passing throughout the match, congratulated Yang Yang next. Among his teammates, Yang Yang found comfort in Krohn-Dehli's precision, reminiscent of Sneijder's accuracy and surpassing Henk Dimer's skill. Each pass from Krohn-Dehli facilitated fluid movement and contributed to their success.

In team sports, shared triumphs often strengthen bonds among teammates, blurring distinctions between individual contributions.

Babel, however, appeared the most despondent. Whether playing as a striker or on the left wing, he failed to find the net and missed several good chances in the team's 4-0 victory. His first game of the season was far from ideal, and the look on his face betrayed his inner disappointment. Watching Yang Yang celebrate with his teammates only deepened his mood, and his expression grew notably darker.

Babel had never quite warmed to Yang Yang, a sentiment that dated back to their days together in the Summer Youth Amateur Competition.

Yet, Babel's personal feelings couldn't dampen the team's camaraderie.

Vermaelen joined in, rushing over to embrace Yang Yang and turning the celebration into a playful exchange.

Even the coaching staff on the touchline couldn't help but smile. Van Basten, focused on the jubilant scene on the pitch, didn't notice Babel, who had already retreated to the dressing room, lost in his own thoughts amidst the celebrating players.

...

...

"Uncle, Aunt, Cousin!"

Yang Yang finally broke away from his teammates and dashed towards the touchline, where his uncle Shen Ming's family awaited him.

"Oh, you smelly boy!" Shen Ming's eyes welled up as he enveloped Yang Yang in a tight embrace, disregarding his nephew's sweat and grass-stained jersey. Pride and love filled his voice, beyond words.

Just a few months ago, Yang Yang had faced adversity with Almere's youth team. Now, clad in an Ajax jersey, he had helped secure a 4-0 victory against IJsselmeervogels—a team that had never lost to Almere's first team. It was an incredible achievement.

"Alright, alright, don't get too sentimental in front of everyone," Auntie gently teased, playfully pulling Shen Ming away.

Only then did Yang Yang notice his uncle's teary eyes, clearly overwhelmed with joy.

"It's okay, let them see," Yang Yang replied with a grin.

"Yes, let them see," Uncle Shen Ming chuckled, holding back his emotions.

Since their arrival in Amsterdam, they hadn't spoken face-to-face for a while, despite occasional phone calls. There was much to catch up on—Yang Yang's life in Amsterdam, his new school, and updates about their Chinese restaurant were all part of the conversation.

In return, Yang Yang showed genuine interest in the restaurant's affairs. When he heard that business had thrived since their move to Amsterdam, he nodded approvingly.

"We thought your move to Ajax would make things easier for us, but it's been quite the opposite. Henk Dimer and Nick, along with many Almere first-team players, still visit our restaurant. Business is better than ever," Uncle Shen Ming exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he shared the restaurant's success story.

Yang Yang genuinely rejoiced in his uncle's flourishing business. "Then invite more people, but don't overwork yourselves."

"We've already brought in two more staff members, including an international student from China. They're honest and dependable," Uncle Shen Ming replied warmly.

"That's great to hear," Yang Yang said, visibly relieved.

With his parents in China, Uncle Shen Ming's family were Yang Yang's closest relatives in Amsterdam. He always wished them well.

"Remember to call your parents when you get home. I'll call them too and share the good news," Uncle Shen Ming exclaimed excitedly.

Observing Yang Yang's stellar performance that afternoon, Shen Ming felt reassured, knowing that his nephew had lived up to his brother-in-law and sister's trust.

After chatting for a while, Yang Yang bid farewell to his uncle upon hearing the coaching staff calling for him in the distance.

As he turned, he noticed a young man in his twenties standing nearby.

"Hello, Yang Yang. I'm a reporter from the Super Football website, Michel Vandersma," the man introduced himself with a friendly smile.

Yang Yang shook his hand, intrigued by his first interaction with the media. Though unfamiliar with the Super Football website, he sensed its influence.

"I watched your match from the stands. You played great. I believe you'll be in the first team soon. Could I interview you about your journey?" Vandersma asked eagerly.

"An interview?" Yang Yang hesitated, unsure how to respond to his first media request.

"If you're busy now, we can arrange it for another time. Here's my business card," Vandersma said, handing it over.

"Sure, thank you," Yang Yang accepted the card with an apologetic smile before hurrying into the dressing room.

Unbeknownst to Yang Yang, Vandersma breathed a sigh of relief as he departed. He had approached confidently, fearing rejection but relieved that it had gone well. Today was about making a positive impression on Yang Yang for a potential future interview.

Once Yang Yang had left, Vandersma noticed the Shen Ming family nearby. Sensing an opportunity to gather more insights about Yang Yang, he approached them with a warm smile and offered his business card.

Learning that a reporter wanted to interview his nephew, Shen Ming beamed with pride. He readily accepted Vandersma's invitation, assuring him that he would share everything he knew about Yang Yang.

...

...

"In today's match, I'm delighted with both the result and our performance. Everyone played to their strengths, contributing to our 4-0 victory over IJsselmeervogels," Van Basten announced in the dressing room after the game.

The coach's spirits were high after such a decisive win.

"I want to give a special shout-out to Yang Yang, whose role today was crucial. His contribution was outstanding, and I urge everyone to take inspiration from his performance in the upcoming games," Van Basten continued, turning to Yang Yang. "Keep pushing yourself, Yang. Stay hungry, and I'm confident you'll continue to improve."

Yang Yang nodded attentively. "I understand, coach. I won't let you down."

All eyes in the changing room focused on Yang Yang.

It was evident that Van Basten was considering Yang Yang as the new starting right winger, a position previously held by De Mul, who appeared somewhat frustrated. Babel, visibly displeased with Yang Yang's promotion, stood in contrast to Vermaelen, who genuinely seemed happy for him.

Throughout it all, Yang Yang remained composed.

With experience against Eerste Divisie-level opponents in the Dream training system, today's match against a third-tier side held few surprises for Yang Yang. Having already faced IJsselmeervogels' left-back in training, his performance wasn't unexpected. However, Yang Yang was acutely aware that the real challenges lay ahead.

Having secured qualification for the second round of the KNVB Cup and with the league season on the horizon, Yang Yang felt a strong desire for more competitive matches to continue his development. Each upcoming game represented an opportunity to refine his skills and prove himself in higher-stakes competitions.