Third Star Skill
When the referee blew the final whistle, the entire Amsterdam Arena erupted. The roar of the crowd swept across the stadium like a tidal wave, washing over the pitch where the Ajax players stood victorious.
Yang Yang, drenched in sweat, heard the thunderous applause and cheers from the stands. It was a surreal moment, as the noise surged through the stadium, surrounding him completely. Ajax had triumphed 3-0 over Monaco, securing a commanding lead in the tie and putting one foot firmly in the Champions League final.
Exhausted, Yang Yang bent over, hands resting on his knees, sweat dripping from his nose and chin onto the grass below. His legs were heavy, his body spent, but his heart was full. His mind raced with excitement, replaying the match and the sheer magnitude of what had been accomplished.
3-0. No one had predicted this scoreline before the match, but it was a testament to Ajax's overall strength, their tactical discipline, and their execution on the night.
For Yang Yang, this victory was especially significant. It was the first time he could truly envision the Champions League final—the ultimate stage for any professional footballer. The thought of it made him smile.
His mind reminded him, however, that the job wasn't done. There was still a second leg to play in Monaco, and anything could happen. Ajax themselves had pulled off an upset against Real Madrid at home, so Yang Yang knew to remain cautious. But even with those thoughts, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy. He allowed himself a brief laugh, the excitement bubbling to the surface.
With a 3-0 lead, Ajax was on the brink of something special. The Champions League final was within reach, and Monaco stood as the only obstacle in their way. The fans in the stadium sensed it, too. The air was filled with hope, celebration, and anticipation.
"You can't play in the final like that," Sneijder's voice suddenly cut through Yang Yang's thoughts.
Yang Yang looked up, still catching his breath, and saw the Dutch midfielder grinning at him from across the pitch. Sneijder had a playful look in his eye, and with a teasing tone, he added, "Your stamina is terrible. It's like we were a man down out there."
Yang Yang laughed and replied, "Well, maybe I should just stay on the bench, then. As long as the team wins, I'm happy to sit out."
Sneijder laughed back. "If you don't play, how are we supposed to win?" He stepped forward and embraced Yang Yang with a friendly hug.
The two were not just teammates; they were roommates at the club, sharing a bond that extended beyond the pitch. Both young, they often spent time together before matches, studying their opponents and discussing how they could improve their play. It was this close partnership that made their teamwork on the field even more effective.
Sneijder wasn't sure if Yang Yang possessed some extraordinary natural talent, but one thing was certain: Yang Yang was the hardest-working player he had ever met. Every time Sneijder saw him, Yang Yang was either training or reviewing match footage, studying his opponents with meticulous attention to detail.
If hard work could be considered a talent, Sneijder knew Yang Yang had it in abundance.
De Jong and Vermaelen soon appeared, joining in the celebration with their own playful dances. The camaraderie between the Ajax players was evident as they laughed and embraced, basking in the glory of the moment.
Soon after, captain Van der Vaart gathered the rest of the team, and together they moved toward the touchline to thank the fans for their unwavering support. The stands were alive with singing, as the supporters chanted about reaching the Champions League final. They, too, could taste the possibility of another European title, and the excitement was contagious.
In the other Champions League semi-final, Porto had held Deportivo La Coruña to a 0-0 draw the night before, leaving that tie finely balanced. Compared to Ajax's dominant performance, there was still much suspense surrounding Porto's match. Who would prevail remained to be seen.
But for now, the focus was on Ajax. They had taken a huge step toward the final, and the entire stadium was caught up in the celebration, dreaming of lifting the trophy once again.
...
...
After the match against Monaco, head coach Ronald Koeman headed to the post-match press conference, while Yang Yang took the opportunity to meet Wei Zhen and the others in the stands. The energy in the stadium was still palpable as the fans slowly filtered out, but Yang Yang was already looking ahead to his next steps.
Arie Haan, the Chinese national team coach, greeted him with praise. "You did very well coming off the bench," Haan said with a smile. "We'll be studying your performance carefully, and I'm planning to build a set of attacking tactics around you for the Asian Cup."
The coach's words carried weight. "I've already requested all of Ajax's match footage from the last six months. That will be our primary focus for the next two months, so make sure you're in top form. I'll be waiting for you in China."
Haan's message was clear: Yang Yang had earned a prominent place in his plans for the national team.
So far, Yang Yang had made history as the first Chinese player to appear and score in the Champions League. Now, with Ajax poised to reach the final, he was on the verge of another groundbreaking achievement. At just 17, Yang Yang was still very young, but his talent and composure on the pitch had already set him apart from his peers, not just in China but across Asia.
Wei Zhen, always supportive, offered his own words of encouragement before departing. "Don't forget to get me that ticket for the final!" he joked, leaving Yang Yang smiling.
"Of course, I won't forget," Yang Yang laughed, playfully reminding himself of the promise.
Returning to the dressing room, Yang Yang showered and changed into his casual clothes, joining his teammates in their usual post-victory celebrations. The Ajax dressing room was filled with youthful energy. It was a group of young players who, having just secured a significant win, let loose and enjoyed themselves, playing games and sharing laughs as they wound down from the match.
When Ronald Koeman finally returned from the press conference, he was quick to praise his team. His first mentions went to Ibrahimovic, who had been outstanding with his two goals, and Van der Vaart, who had also found the net twice. He then turned to Yang Yang, acknowledging the young winger's important contributions off the bench.
"Of course, the defenders also deserve credit," Koeman added, his tone serious. "You kept them from scoring an away goal, which is just as important as the goals we scored tonight. Now Monaco will have to chase three goals in the second leg, and we know that if we score just one, they'll need five."
The enormity of the task awaiting Monaco was clear, but Koeman wasn't about to let his players become complacent. He reminded them of their previous match against Real Madrid, where Ajax had lost 4-2 away but returned home to shock everyone with a 4-1 victory.
"Anything can happen in football," Koeman warned. "We saw Milan, the defending champions, lose 4-0 away to Deportivo La Coruña. No one could have predicted that."
Yang Yang, though still unfamiliar with the strength of AC Milan, listened intently. His teammates, however, knew Milan well. The Rossoneri were star-studded, known for their solid defense and dominance in Europe. But even they had been humbled. It was a stark reminder that no lead was ever safe in football.
Footall is unpredictable. The ball is round, and on any given day, the unexpected can happen.
Koeman's message was clear: Ajax's 3-0 lead was a great result, but they had no reason to be complacent. They couldn't afford to let their guard down.
Despite the cautionary words, Koeman ended on a positive note, expressing his confidence in the team's abilities. "I believe in all of you," he said firmly. "If we stay focused, we'll be playing in the final."
The response in the dressing room was enthusiastic. The players, still buzzing from their dominant performance, were motivated by their coach's belief in them.
...
...
In Ibrahimovic's car, Yang Yang and Vermaelen headed back to the Oude Kerk. The night air in Amsterdam was cool, and the conversation between the three players was light and filled with the excitement of their recent victory.
As soon as Yang Yang arrived home, he locked himself in his room, just as he always did after a big match, and immediately entered the Dream Training System. His routine began with reviewing the game that had just ended, focusing on his performance after coming off the bench. This self-analysis, especially of the mistakes and areas for improvement, had become a critical part of his development.
While the Ajax coaching staff would later conduct a tactical review for the entire team, the Dream Training System offered Yang Yang something more personal. It gave him a detailed, individual breakdown of his decisions, movements, and options on the field. This allowed him to see things from multiple angles and provided clarity on the choices he made in the heat of the moment.
Reflecting on the match as soon as possible, using his fresh memory, had helped Yang Yang improve steadily over the past year. It was one of the key reasons for his rapid progress on the field.
Once the match review was complete, Yang Yang voiced what had been on his mind for some time. "I want to learn a third star skill."
He had been thinking about this for a long while, but Zax, the AI in the Dream Training System, had consistently advised against it. The reasoning was simple: Yang Yang needed to focus. Especially during the second half of the season, when Ajax was competing on multiple fronts, Zax had insisted that Yang Yang specialize in Ronaldo's skills and Beckham's skills, believing this was the best way for him to secure his place in the first team.
Yang Yang understood that Zax's advice came from a good place. Specializing in wing play, particularly dribbling and crossing, had been the perfect choice for the 17-year-old as he worked his way into the Ajax lineup.
But tonight, after witnessing Van der Vaart's brilliant first touch and goal, Yang Yang felt the need to add something new to his repertoire.
According to the theory of the "weakest link" or "bucket theory," Yang Yang knew he needed to address his weaknesses to increase his overall effectiveness on the pitch. Improving in areas where he was lacking would elevate his game to the next level.
As Yang Yang laid out his thoughts, he mentally prepared to convince Zax. He had been formulating arguments all night, believing that he could finally persuade the system to let him learn a third skill. But to his surprise, Zax agreed almost immediately.
"Alright," Zax responded.
"Really?" Yang Yang blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly.
"I said alright."
"Wait, are you sure you're not joking?" Yang Yang asked, still skeptical.
"Do you want me to say no?" Zax replied.
Yang Yang was baffled. He had expected a debate, maybe even a flat refusal, given Zax's previous stance. "But you refused me before. Why are you agreeing now?" He couldn't shake the feeling that there was a catch.
"The last time you asked was two months ago," Zax explained. "At that time, the competition was intense, and my advice was to focus on mastering Ronaldo's and Beckham's skills. And I think you've seen the results—it's made you more effective in Ajax's tactical system."
Yang Yang nodded. That much was true.
"There's a principle in kinematics that applies here," Zax continued. "The more complete a player's technique, the greater their tactical versatility. Conversely, the simpler a player's skill set, the more limited their tactical role."
Yang Yang recalled Zax explaining this to him before: having one trick might work for young players, but for seasoned professionals, it became a limitation. Players with narrow skill sets often found themselves stuck in rigid tactical roles, unable to adapt.
Right now, Yang Yang was a key component in Ajax's system, playing as a dynamic right winger. But he didn't want to stop there. He aspired to become a more complete player, one without obvious weaknesses.
He knew that relying solely on his current abilities wouldn't be enough in the long term. What if Ajax's tactical needs shifted? What if he found himself on the bench because his skill set was no longer required?
There was a saying from Yang Yang's hometown: "If you're a thief, you should always have three days' worth of provisions." The idea was that no matter what you were doing, you should always plan ahead and prepare for any scenario. It was a principle his parents had instilled in him from a young age, one that taught him the importance of being independent and forward-thinking.
Currently, Yang Yang's proficiency with Ronaldo's skills and Beckham's skills had earned him a spot in Ajax's first team, and he was performing well. But he knew that this was partly due to the team's tactical needs. It wasn't because he was on the same level as stars like Ibrahimovic or Van der Vaart.
Things could change. Coaches could leave, new players could arrive, and Ajax's playing style could evolve. If Ronald Koeman left in the summer, and a new coach came in with different ideas, would Yang Yang still fit into the team?
Even if Koeman stayed, key players like Ibrahimovic, Van der Vaart, or Trabelsi could leave, forcing Ajax to adjust their tactics. Would Yang Yang still be useful in that new system?
Yang Yang understood that the only way to ensure his place in the team—and to thrive in professional football—was to become more complete. He needed to be adaptable, capable of excelling no matter how the game or the tactics changed.
And so, Yang Yang knew it was time to take the next step in his development.
...
When Yang Yang and Zax reached an agreement, the Dream Training System quickly shifted into action. Stars and shadowy figures emerged around the Dream Training System, each representing a football legend. Among them was Dennis Bergkamp, the Dutch legend, renowned for his extraordinary first touch, which was rated the best in the Dream Training System after evaluation. Bergkamp, now playing for Arsenal, had started his career at Ajax, and Van Gaal had often likened his development to Yang Yang's. Like Yang, Bergkamp had honed his skills by relentlessly practicing, kicking the ball against a wall for hours on end, turning raw talent into refined brilliance.
Without hesitation, Yang Yang chose his third star skill: Bergkamp's first touch.
As the star light and shadows converged into a beam of energy, they surged toward Yang Yang with the force of a thunderclap, entering his mind. In an instant, vivid scenes from Bergkamp's career flashed before Yang Yang's eyes—brilliant first touches, the kind of control that made Bergkamp's play legendary. Each movement was like a perfectly edited highlight reel, showing Yang Yang every angle of Bergkamp's technical mastery.
No matter how Yang Yang adjusted the replay—zooming in, slowing it down—it was as if Bergkamp himself were demonstrating the techniques right in front of him.
"It's incredible," Yang Yang whispered in awe. Watching Bergkamp's first touch up close was even more stunning than seeing Van der Vaart's touch during the match against Monaco.
"As you can see," Zax's cool, analytical voice rang out in Yang Yang's mind, "Bergkamp's first touch is not just a technical skill; it's a game skill—a star skill."
"Is there a difference?" Yang Yang asked, still trying to process the distinction.
"There is a big difference," Zax replied. "First touch technique is a specific action—it's about how you control the ball using your body. You've already learned that, haven't you?"
Yang Yang nodded. "And the first touch skill?"
"The first touch skill," Zax explained, "is about making the right decision in the game—choosing the appropriate first touch at the right time, based on the situation on the field."
Yang Yang frowned, still slightly confused. "Aren't those the same thing?"
Sensing his confusion, Zax broke it down more simply. "Think of each first touch as an exam. Ball control—your 'feel' for the ball—is the basic question, worth about 20 points. The technical execution of the first touch is the improvement question, worth about 30 points. But the remaining 50 points come from the game situation—your ability to judge what's happening on the field and select the best first touch technique for that specific moment. That's what we call the first touch skill."
Understanding dawned on Yang Yang. "So the skill lies in the judgment, not just the technique?"
"Exactly," Zax confirmed. "Getting the first 50 points is relatively easy—you've already mastered that. But the last 50 points? That's what makes Bergkamp's first touch a star skill."
Yang Yang felt a wave of clarity. A star skill wasn't just about technical mastery; it was about applying that technique flawlessly in real-game scenarios.
"My problem is that when I'm tightly marked by opponents or when the game gets more intense, I tend to make mistakes with my first touch," Yang Yang admitted. "Especially when I'm tired."
This was an issue Yang Yang was well aware of, and the Ajax coaching staff had noted it too. Their advice had been consistent: keep working on the basics, and with time and experience, those mistakes would diminish.
"That's normal," Zax reassured him. "Most players go through four stages when learning first touch techniques: confusion, instability, stability, and reflex."
Zax continued, "In the confusion stage, players struggle to judge where the ball is going and how to control it. They're often unsure of what move to make. Over time, they start to improve, but in the unstable stage, they still lack consistency. When pressured by an opponent, they may misjudge or make unnecessary movements, reducing the effectiveness of their first touch."
Yang Yang nodded. He was currently in this unstable stage, sometimes losing control when under pressure.
"In the stability stage," Zax explained, "players develop a solid judgment mechanism. They can consistently make the right first touch, even under pressure. Finally, in the reflex stage, the player's body instinctively knows how to handle any pass or situation. That's where Bergkamp is."
Hearing this, Yang Yang felt as if a lightbulb had gone off in his mind. Watching Bergkamp glide effortlessly across the field, his first touch seeming so natural and easy, was now making sense. It wasn't just talent; it was the result of years of practice, conditioning, and experience.
"Most amateur players remain stuck in the first two stages," Zax continued, "and even those who have had youth training may only reach the third stage. But professional players must reach the fourth stage to be considered truly capable. For you, Yang Yang, you've made it to the second stage, but you still have a lot of room for improvement, especially if you want to compete at the Champions League level."
Yang Yang winced slightly. It was a blunt assessment, but one he knew was accurate. His first touch wasn't where it needed to be, and it often left him exposed when opponents closed in on him.
"Alright, I admit my first touch needs work. So what do I do?" Yang Yang asked, determined to improve.
"Simple. Focus on two things," Zax replied. "First, analyze every first touch in Bergkamp's star skill. Understand not just the technique but also the decision-making process behind it. Second, train hard. You need intense, match-like training sessions to push your skills further."
Yang Yang nodded. He knew that training in conditions as close to real matches as possible was the only way to truly improve. The analysis would sharpen his judgment, and the hard training would develop his instincts.
"And one more thing," Zax added. "I'll increase the focus on your first touch during match replays and training sessions. Each first touch will be analyzed and broken down to help you identify your mistakes and correct them."
Yang Yang smiled with determination. "Alright, let's get started."
As soon as Yang Yang finished speaking, a vivid scene of Dennis Bergkamp controlling the ball appeared on one of the stands of the Dream Training System. In the simulation, a defender was pressing from behind, but Bergkamp's first touch remained smooth, elegant, and calm. There was a sense of grace and beauty in the way he moved, effortlessly maintaining control.
"A truly high-level first touch," Zax commented in his usual calm, detached tone. "Every movement is textbook."
Yang Yang watched intently, not daring to miss a detail. He had played in enough matches to understand the subtleties of the game, and the more he studied Bergkamp's movements, the more he realized how refined the Dutch legend's technique was.
"This is a half-volley, and yet his first touch is still so precise," Yang Yang observed aloud. "His sole and calf are at a perfect ninety-degree angle, and he lifts his foot just enough to cushion the ball. Then, as he stops it, his calf drops, pulling down to control the ball while leaning back to block the defender's approach. By doing that, he uses his body to shield the ball, leaving the defender with no chance to steal it."
His analysis was on point, and the replay confirmed it. After Bergkamp had controlled the ball, his body positioning was perfect. The defender, though physically close, was completely neutralized. All the defender could do was watch as Bergkamp calmly held his position, controlled the ball, and then made a pass.
Yang Yang was right, but he didn't feel overly excited. He was watching from the comfort of the Dream Training System, where he could analyze the play calmly and carefully. But what made Bergkamp remarkable was that he could make such a complex judgment in a split second, in the heat of a real match. That was the level Yang Yang aspired to reach.
It wasn't just Bergkamp, either. Van der Vaart's first touch and goal earlier in the night had left a lasting impression on Yang Yang. The speed of decision-making, the technique, and the composure—it was something to admire and emulate.
But instead of feeling discouraged, Yang Yang's fighting spirit flared. The gap between himself and players like Bergkamp or Van der Vaart only motivated him more. He understood that to compete at the highest level, he needed to elevate not only his first touch but several aspects of his game—his passing, his shooting, and his overall tactical awareness.
This drive for improvement was now his primary focus. It wasn't enough to simply be a professional player at Ajax. Yang Yang had bigger ambitions.
He wanted to be more than just a talented winger. He wanted to be complete—a player who could contribute in every phase of the game, one who could excel in any situation on the pitch. The idea of settling for where he was now seemed absurd to him. He knew there was so much more he could achieve.