Chapter 22: In terms of intelligence

On the football field, a player's performance depends on three main factors: physical fitness, technique, and football intelligence.

Physical fitness determines a player's minimum level. Generally, players with excellent physical attributes are considered to have potential because technical skills can be further developed later on, but it is nearly impossible to make significant breakthroughs in physical attributes.

The two factors that determine a player's maximum potential are technical skills, which can be trained later, and football intelligence.

football intelligence, in simple terms, is the ability to read the game, understand the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, constantly analyze and judge the situation during the game, and make the right decisions at the right time. This is crucial because almost no player can guarantee that every offensive choice they make is correct, such as whether to attack themselves or pass the ball to a teammate. A small decision can potentially influence the outcome of the entire game.

The Blue lock Plan was developed to cultivate a superb forward with a powerful physique and exquisite technique, but it neglected the most crucial aspect: football intelligence.

This is the key to determining victory or defeat.

Although Baro Shoei has almost reached the peak in terms of physical fitness and technique, he is clearly lacking in football intelligence.

He can dominate the field, but his emotions are easily affected. He becomes difficult to control when provoked by opponents. He is extremely eager to defeat the opponent on the field, and his proud personality prevents him from passing the ball to his teammates. This makes it easier for the members of Team Z to limit him on the offensive end.

As a result, Team X's offense falls into a vicious cycle. Baro Shoei faces double-teaming, which greatly reduces the efficiency of their attacks. He becomes increasingly impatient and eager to score, which leads to him passing the ball even less.

Furthermore, Baro Shoei's behavior undoubtedly harms the team atmosphere and completely erodes the respect his teammates had for him as a rookie.

Consequently, Team X's failure is almost a foregone conclusion.

"Pass me the ball! You useless servants!"

Once again, it's Team X's turn to attack, and Baro Shoei harshly berates his teammates without any courtesy.

"But..."

Regardless of who it is, hearing their teammate speak to them without any courtesy is uncomfortable to some extent. However, even if they feel unhappy, they can only swallow their pride and find a way to provide Baro Shoei with the ball.

However, all of this is within Kira Ryosuke's calculations.

The presence of Baro Shoei brought the once scattered and chaotic Team X back together, but at the same time, it made their attacking style incredibly predictable.

His teammates would find ways to pass the ball to Baro Shoei, which limited their passing options.

This made it easier for the opponents to intercept the passes.

Just as the ball was about to reach Baro Shoei, Kira Ryosuke suddenly appeared from the side and successfully intercepted it.

The counterattack begins!

"You useless fool!"

Baro Shoei angrily berates his teammate.

But while he scolds his teammate, Kira Ryosuke has already dribbled into the opponent's half.

"Quick, double-team him!"

The members of Team X see Kira Ryosuke gaining possession of the ball again and immediately rush forward to double-team him, not giving him another chance to score!

There is a significant difference between 2-1 and 3-1. If Team Z scores another goal, it will be challenging for Team X to catch up.

Team X goes all out, aiming to completely lock down Kira Ryosuke. Even if they have to commit fouls, they absolutely cannot let Kira Ryosuke score again. Baro Shoei also joins in, wanting to redeem himself by stopping Kira Ryosuke.

And this is exactly the situation that Kira Ryosuke wants to see.

He has already used Thunderclap Flash, a move that requires full concentration, with both legs once. Using it again in a short time could strain his legs and it wouldn't be worth it. He needs some time to adjust his physical condition, allowing his legs to rest. During this period, his attacking ability will inevitably be affected.

However, the others are unaware of this. They still believe that Kira Ryosuke poses a significant threat in the attack, so they mobilize a large number of players to defend against him. That's also why he chose to use his skills to score two quick goals in the first half.

"We can't let him do whatever he wants!"

"Even if we have to foul him, it doesn't matter!"

"Stop him, stop him!"

Not only the other players but Baro Shoei also angrily stands in front of Kira Ryosuke:

"I won't let you pass me anymore! Don't you dare stand in front of me! I'll kill you!"

"Oh."

Kira Ryosuke smiles on his face--

In the next moment, he's kicking the ball out and accurately slotting it to a teammate who has already arrived at his side.

Raichi.

"What?"

The members of Team Z are dumbfounded. They didn't expect Kira Ryosuke to choose to pass the ball at this moment.

"Great pass!"

Even Raichi, who previously had some doubts about Kira Ryosuke, receives the pass from him at this moment and can't help but praise him.

All the defensive focus was on Kira Ryosuke, and Raichi, who just arrived from the backcourt to support, now has a great shooting opportunity!

Shoot!

GOAL!

3-1!

"Great pass, Kira!!"

Raichi immediately cheers. Just an hour ago, he was very unhappy with Kira Ryosuke, but now he quickly runs to Kira Ryosuke's side, high-fives him, and all the animosity disappears completely in this moment of collaboration.

"Beautiful shot!"

Kira Ryosuke nods.

His biggest role now is to draw the opponent's defense and create more space for his teammates.

Moreover, the pass just now allowed him to gain Raichi's complete trust, turning this hot-tempered and unstable factor into his supporter, further gaining control over the team.

In addition, his actions can be sharply contrasted with Baro Shoei, and in the eyes of Team X members, the difference between the two is evident.

"You scum!"

Baro Shoei angrily addresses Kira Ryosuke, expressing his strong dissatisfaction with his choice to pass the ball.

"I seem to have scored in front of you not long ago. And your tone seems to suggest that you've already won."

Kira Ryosuke just smiles faintly and doesn't pay any further attention to Baro Shoei, leaving him standing there in frustration.