De Topper Part 1

Evening of October 19th, Amsterdam Arena. 

In the third round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Ajax hosted Maccabi Tel Aviv. 

Tel Aviv kicked off the game, setting up in a defensive stance, clearly aiming to absorb pressure and counterattack when possible. 

Ajax lined up in their typical 4-3-3 formation. Stekelenburg stood between the posts, with Maxwell, Vermaelen, Heitinga, and Maicon forming the back four. In midfield, Pienaar, De Jong, and Sneijder worked as a cohesive unit, while Wesley Sonck, Charisteas, and Yang Yang made up the attacking trident up front. 

For Yang Yang, this was his first start for Ajax since late August, and the anticipation was palpable. The stands of the Amsterdam Arena were alive with 50,000 Ajax supporters, waving banners and chanting his name. The fans were eager to see the young talent back on the pitch, a testament to how much they valued his contributions to the team. 

As the match kicked off, Maccabi Tel Aviv sat deep, content to defend and look for counterattacks, but Ajax quickly seized control of the match. Yang Yang was constantly on the move, making darting runs, probing for spaces between the defenders. 

In just the fourth minute, the breakthrough came. Yang Yang timed his run to perfection, slipping into the space between Maccabi's right-back and center-back. Wesley Sneijder, always with an eye for the perfect pass, threaded a precise ball into the gap. The ball bypassed the defense and landed just inside the penalty area. 

Yang Yang's speed saw him arrive first. With a deft first touch, he controlled the ball and, in one fluid motion, found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He kept his composure, waited for the keeper to commit, and then calmly slotted the ball between the legs of the advancing goalkeeper. 

"Goooooooal!!!" 

"Ajax takes the lead inside just four minutes!" 

"Yang Yang! The almost 18-year-old wonderkid does it again, showing his class and maturity on the biggest stage!" 

"After coming off the bench and assisting the winning goal in the previous match, this time Yang Yang makes his mark with the opening goal, his first in the Champions League this season." 

The Amsterdam Arena erupted in a deafening roar as 50,000 Ajax fans leapt from their seats in pure ecstasy. For months, they had been waiting for a moment like this. 

No one expected the defending champions to struggle so much in the group of death, which included European heavyweights like Juventus and Bayern Munich. In the opening two rounds, Ajax had been humbled, losing 1-0 at home to Juventus and suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich. 

For a team that had lifted the Champions League trophy the previous season, these results were unacceptable. While many understood the challenges Ajax faced, few were willing to accept such a dramatic drop in form. 

But tonight, Yang Yang stepped up when it mattered most, providing a vital spark just when Ajax needed it. 

1-0 to Ajax in the fourth minute. 

"Credit must go to Sneijder for that assist," the commentator noted. "His pass cut through the heart of Maccabi Tel Aviv's defense, but it was Yang Yang's intelligent movement and calm finish that made the difference." 

"This is the kind of link-up play Ajax thrives on, especially between Sneijder and Yang Yang. They've developed an understanding that's been crucial to Ajax's attacking threat." 

Yang Yang celebrated passionately, sliding to his knees on the touchline before being mobbed by his teammates. Sneijder, the provider of the assist, was the first to join the celebration, with Heitinga and the rest following closely behind. 

While Maccabi Tel Aviv wasn't on the same level as Ajax, no one expected such a smooth start to the match. This could be the resounding win Ajax desperately needed to restore confidence and get their Champions League campaign back on track. 

... 

... 

After securing the opening goal, Ajax played with greater composure, controlling possession and building play with increased confidence. The players were clearly more motivated, their passing crisp and purposeful as they searched for more opportunities to break through Maccabi Tel Aviv's defense. 

Fifteen minutes later, Ajax once again found an opening. Yang Yang, operating on the right flank, received the ball and quickly cut inside, dragging his marker with him. With a swift change of direction, he drew the defender out of position before slipping a perfectly timed pass into the right channel for Maicon, who was charging forward in support. 

Maicon reached the ball in stride and earned Ajax a corner after his cross was deflected out of bounds. Feeling confident, Yang Yang stepped up to take the corner kick himself. 

His delivery was pinpoint, landing with precision in the heart of the penalty area. Vermaelen rose highest, heading the ball down across the box. It fell kindly for Sneijder, who met it with a clean volley from just inside the area. The ball rocketed into the net—Ajax doubled their lead, 2-0. 

The crowd erupted once more, and with the second goal, Ajax's confidence soared. Their control over the game tightened, and their passing became even more dominant. The Tel Aviv defense looked increasingly stretched as Ajax pressed relentlessly. 

In the 33rd minute, Ajax struck again. After Yang Yang's attempt to break through on the right was halted, Sneijder shifted play to the left. Maxwell combined well with Wesley Sonck, who whipped in a dangerous cross from the left side. Steven Pienaar timed his run perfectly, arriving in the box to slot home from close range. 3-0 Ajax! 

It was a brilliant display of attacking football. Ajax had completely overwhelmed Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first half, pinning them back and creating wave after wave of dangerous attacks. 

Ronald Koeman was full of praise for his team during the halftime break, particularly highlighting Yang Yang's early goal, which had set the tone for the match. His words of encouragement were clear. 

"We're in control, but let's not stop here. We need more goals. We want to win, and we want to win beautifully!" 

Maccabi Tel Aviv made two substitutions at halftime, desperately trying to disrupt Ajax's rhythm and shore up their defense. However, their adjustments only provided temporary relief. 

In the 57th minute, Ajax struck again. Sneijder, constantly pulling the strings from midfield, spotted Maicon surging forward on the right. The Brazilian full-back picked up the ball in stride and delivered a low pass into the gap between the center-back and full-back, finding Yang Yang in the right channel. 

Yang Yang took one touch to control the ball before cutting inside. With his left foot, he delivered a perfect diagonal cross into the box. Wesley Sonck timed his run to perfection, arriving at the near post to meet the cross with a first-time finish. The ball flew past the helpless goalkeeper into the net—4-0! 

Ajax's relentless attacking play left Maccabi Tel Aviv with no answers. The coaching staff on the Ajax bench, including Ronald Koeman, were visibly excited, but they remained pragmatic. In the 60th minute, Koeman decided to substitute Yang Yang, bringing on Daniël de Ridder. With a crucial away match against PSV Eindhoven looming at the weekend, it was important to manage Yang Yang's workload. 

Ajax's offense, however, didn't falter after the substitution. They continued to press Maccabi deep into their own half, searching for more goals. 

In the 88th minute, Charisteas was fouled just outside the penalty area, brought down heavily by a Maccabi defender. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, awarding Ajax a penalty. 

Charisteas himself stepped up to take it, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and slotting the ball into the bottom corner to make it 5-0. 

... 

... 

A resounding 5-0 victory saw Ajax claim a much-needed triumph at home, reigniting the team's confidence. 

The Dutch media and fans alike showered Ronald Koeman's side with praise, and much of the focus fell on Yang Yang, the Chinese teenager who would turn 18 by the end of the month. His growing influence on the team was undeniable. 

At the start of the season, with Yang Yang in the squad, Ajax boasted two wins and a draw in the Eredivisie, keeping pace with rivals PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. However, when Yang Yang left to fulfill international duties, Ajax's form dipped dramatically, managing just two draws and two defeats in the next four games. Those dropped ten points created a worrying gap between Ajax and their title rivals. 

Now, with Yang Yang back in the fold, Ajax seemed revitalized. A 1-0 victory over Roda JC, where he assisted Charisteas for the winning goal, was followed by an even more impressive display in the Champions League. His goal and assist in the 5-0 demolition of Maccabi Tel Aviv signaled that Ajax had rediscovered their form, securing back-to-back wins and reigniting hope for the season ahead. 

"After the departures of Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović, Ajax has been in search of a new talisman, someone who can lead the team and become its soul," the media speculated. "This has been a topic of much debate among fans and analysts alike." 

"Based on this season's performances, Sneijder undoubtedly has the quality, but his position on the field and his generally reserved demeanor make him less suited for the role of a leader. On the other hand, Yang Yang is beginning to display the kind of potential required to fill this void." 

"Earlier in the season, there were whispers that Yang Yang could be that player, but after these past two games, his performances have silenced any doubts. Ajax with Yang Yang is a different team altogether." 

As anticipation builds for the upcoming weekend clash against PSV Eindhoven, the media added, "If Yang Yang truly wants to prove himself as the heir to Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović, this key match against PSV will be the perfect stage." 

Marco van Basten, Ajax legend and current Dutch national team coach, who previously worked with Yang Yang when he coached Ajax's second team, weighed in during an interview with the press. He praised Yang Yang's contributions but also offered a note of caution. 

"Yang Yang has indeed become a key player for Ajax," Van Basten acknowledged. "But we shouldn't heap too much pressure on him. He's not even 18 yet, and we must provide him with an environment where he can continue to develop without unnecessary burdens." 

Van Basten continued, "Compared to when I coached him, Yang Yang has made remarkable progress. His technical skills, particularly his first touch, have improved dramatically, and his ability to take on defenders is now one of the best in the Eredivisie." 

"I believe he can be even more aggressive in front of goal. He has the talent to shoot more often when inside the box," Van Basten added. "I've seen him play for the national team, and his offensive instincts, his explosiveness over short distances, and his awareness inside the penalty area are excellent. These qualities suggest he has the potential to become a prolific scorer." 

"With the current situation at Ajax, it makes sense for him to take on more of the team's scoring responsibilities." 

Van Basten's comments were widely seen as both protective and encouraging toward his former player. However, they also sparked intense discussion in the Dutch media and among Ajax supporters. Many agreed that Yang Yang should take on more responsibility, especially given the inconsistency of some of Ajax's other forwards. 

While Charisteas offered tactical value with his hold-up play, his finishing had been erratic. Similarly, Wesley Sonck's scoring efficiency had been unreliable, particularly during Yang Yang's absence, when he struggled to lead the line effectively. 

With Ajax needing a focal point in attack, Yang Yang seemed the ideal candidate to step up. 

Although his finishing might not yet be at the level of a proven goal scorer, there was a sense that he could be nurtured into that role. Given his rapid development, many believed it was only a matter of time before he became a reliable source of goals for Ajax. 

After all, he hadn't even turned eighteen yet. 

While Ajax celebrated their return to form in the Champions League, their rivals PSV Eindhoven had a much tougher time in their group stage match. 

Guus Hiddink's side faced a difficult away trip to Rosenborg in Norway. PSV took the lead in the 26th minute, only to concede an equalizer before halftime. The match remained finely balanced until the closing stages when John de Jong scored a late winner to secure a narrow 2-1 victory for PSV. 

With two wins and one defeat, PSV now sat second in their group behind Arsenal, while Rosenborg and Panathinaikos languished further behind. 

... 

... 

Evening of October 23, Philips Stadion, Eindhoven. 

In the ninth round of the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven hosted Ajax in what was widely considered the clash of the weekend. 

As the game neared halftime, the score remained 0-0, despite the high intensity and numerous opportunities on both sides. But in the 44th minute, just before the break, Yang Yang broke free, dribbling past South Korea's Young-Pyo Lee and charging into PSV's penalty area. 

"We must contain Yang Yang completely!" This was the repeated warning PSV coach Guus Hiddink had given his players in the lead-up to this Dutch football showdown. 

No one at PSV had forgotten that it was Yang Yang's stunning performance last season that helped Ajax secure a vital victory over Eindhoven. From that point forward, Hiddink had singled out the young Chinese forward as one of Ajax's most dangerous players. 

And with the summer departures of Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović, Yang Yang had stepped up, becoming Ajax's most lethal attacking threat and the player PSV feared the most. 

Ajax's season thus far had been less than ideal. Their form had dipped in September, earning only four points from four matches—two draws and two losses—causing the team to slip down the league table and face growing criticism. PSV, confident and playing at home, had been determined to win this fixture and assert their dominance over a struggling Ajax side. 

However, Yang Yang's return had seemingly revived Ajax. His presence had sparked a resurgence, leading them to a 1-0 win over Roda JC in the league, followed by a 5-0 thrashing of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League. These back-to-back victories convinced many in Dutch football that Ajax was regaining its strength. 

The return of Yang Yang brought a formidable offensive force to Ajax, a threat that PSV could not take lightly. Hiddink had focused heavily on shoring up PSV's left flank, where Young-Pyo Lee was tasked with neutralizing Yang Yang's threat. The South Korean defender had been a trusted figure under Hiddink since their days together in the Korean national team, and now, Lee was a key player in PSV's defense. 

But deep down, Lee carried a grudge. In the previous season, Yang Yang, another rising star from East Asia, had completely outshone him in their first encounter. This humiliation had made headlines in South Korea, where Yang Yang's rapid rise to stardom had caused waves. 

What made the sting worse was that Yang Yang's success had continued. He had led Ajax to a Champions League final victory, becoming the first Asian player to win Europe's most prestigious club competition, which reignited debates among South Korean fans and media. 

Historically, South Korea had looked down on Chinese football, often dismissing it with arrogance. But with Yang Yang's emergence, those sentiments were being challenged. Chinese football suddenly had a star who surpassed the expectations of many, and South Korean media were left grappling with this new reality. 

The success didn't stop there. Yang Yang had also played a pivotal role in helping China's U20 side win the Toulon Tournament and then went on to lead China to its first-ever Asian Cup victory. His individual accolades included defeating Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura to win the Asian Cup's Best Player award, making him the youngest player to ever receive that honor. 

In stark contrast, South Korea had been eliminated by Japan in the same tournament, only adding to the frustration of South Korean fans. This culminated in a widespread sense of unease—some even wondered if the long-standing "fear of the Korean wave" in football might soon be broken. 

Their concerns weren't without merit. In the final of the Asian Youth Championship, Yang Yang once again led China to victory over South Korea, securing the title of Best Player and Top Scorer. By now, the world had taken notice: a football genius had emerged from China. 

Despite Yang Yang's achievements, South Korea was reluctant to acknowledge his rise. They weren't ready to fully accept that a Chinese player had surpassed their best talents on the international stage. 

The 2004-2005 Eredivisie season further fueled this rivalry. Park Ji-sung and Young-Pyo Lee had both become key players for PSV, and the upcoming match against Ajax was hyped in South Korean media as a showdown of East Asian stars. The narrative focused heavily on the battle between PSV's South Korean duo and Ajax's Yang Yang. Many South Korean journalists had even traveled to the Netherlands to cover the game at the Philips Stadion. 

The media framed this match as a decisive China-South Korea confrontation, suggesting that Park Ji-sung and Young-Pyo Lee could help PSV defeat Ajax. The spotlight, however, was on Young-Pyo Lee, tasked with stopping Yang Yang. The South Korean defender vowed before the match, "I won't give him any chances. I will completely shut him down." 

Dutch media also recognized this subplot, understanding that PSV's ability to neutralize Yang Yang would be key to their success. 

... 

... 

Before the match, no matter how much praise is heaped on a player, it's on the pitch where reputations are truly forged with real effort and skill. 

Three games, eight days, and nearly 20,000 kilometers of travel. 

This was the story dominating the headlines about Yang Yang leading up to the game. The media had showered him with praise, almost placing him on a pedestal. His performances had drawn admiration from all corners. 

After returning to the Netherlands, Yang Yang played two matches in less than a week. Against Roda JC, he came off the bench and made an impact, while in the midweek Champions League clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv, he was substituted before full time. 

Everyone knew that these appearances were carefully managed. The ultimate goal was to ensure he had enough energy for the showdown against PSV Eindhoven. 

Young-Pyo Lee had confidently spoken to the media before the game, but he knew all too well that there was no room for complacency against Yang Yang. The South Korean defender understood perfectly that the slightest lapse in focus would provide Yang Yang with the opportunity he needed. 

Throughout the game, Lee reminded himself constantly to stay sharp and concentrated. Hiddink had even given him the sole responsibility of marking Yang Yang. His task was simple: track the Chinese forward relentlessly. Everything else was secondary. 

Lee performed his duties diligently. He clung to Yang Yang with unwavering determination, never letting him out of his sight. Wherever Yang Yang moved, Lee followed. It was a shadowing job, with Lee almost glued to Yang Yang, like a persistent dogged defender that couldn't be shaken off. 

This man-to-man marking stifled Yang Yang's usual dynamic play. While he managed to create a few half-chances and moments of threat, they were nothing too dangerous, and his teammates couldn't capitalize on those opportunities. 

As for Yang Yang's individual performance, it was limited by Lee's tight marking, combined with the robust left-sided defensive setup PSV had employed. Yang Yang found it difficult to make a significant impact, and the entire first half passed without him producing anything that would make the highlights reel. 

As the half wore on, Young-Pyo Lee was starting to feel the effects of his efforts. After more than 40 minutes of constant chasing, he was exhausted—more tired than he had felt in a long time. 

The last time he remembered being this fatigued was during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The game that stuck out most in his memory was their encounter with Spain, where he had been tasked with marking Spain's elite winger, Joaquín. 

Like tonight, Lee had to be on high alert for the entire match, constantly reacting to Joaquín's sudden bursts of speed, quick stops, and aggressive changes of direction. The relentless demands of that game had left him drained. 

But tonight, Yang Yang posed an even greater challenge than Joaquín. The Chinese forward's range of movement was far wider, and his ability to drift into dangerous areas put more pressure on Lee. 

Lee almost couldn't believe it. Here he was, comparing a 17-year-old Chinese kid to one of Europe's most renowned wingers. And what startled him even more was that he found himself considering the possibility that Yang Yang was the more difficult opponent. To admit that out loud would surely have raised eyebrows and provoked laughter, but it was the truth he was grappling with. 

Thankfully, the first half was drawing to a close. 

"I just need to hold out a little longer," he thought to himself as he saw the fourth official on the touchline raise the board, signaling two minutes of added time. 

But in that brief moment of mental relief, just as he allowed his guard to drop ever so slightly, Lee realized something was wrong. 

He scanned the pitch, frantically looking for Yang Yang—only to realize he had lost sight of him. 

A chill ran down his spine as panic set in. In that fleeting moment of distraction, Yang Yang had disappeared from his view, leaving Lee feeling as if he had been plunged into an ice-cold abyss. 

... 

... 

Yang Yang was exhausted, panting heavily as he struggled to maintain his pace. Dealing with Young-Pyo Lee's relentless marking had taken its toll. He had no choice but to keep running, pushing his body to the limit. 

"Didn't Van Basten always say it?" Yang Yang reminded himself. 

"The offensive player who keeps moving is hard to stop." 

When he saw Maicon taking possession in Ajax's defensive half, Yang Yang instinctively dropped back to offer support, his legs aching with fatigue. 

Maicon, who had been playing conservatively all night, didn't take any risks. Instead of delivering a direct pass to Yang Yang, he played it safely to De Jong in midfield. De Jong, with one touch, then played it forward to Yang Yang, completing a neat triangle of passes. 

As the ball rolled toward him, Yang Yang realized something unusual—Young-Pyo Lee wasn't on him immediately. For the first time in the match, the Korean full-back was caught off guard. Yang Yang seized the moment, taking control of the ball with ease, a surge of relief mixed with excitement rushing through him. 

Lee, reacting too late, was now charging back, trying to recover the lost ground, but his delayed reaction meant he approached at too much speed. 

Yang Yang knew exactly what to do. 

Before Lee could recover and close him down, Yang Yang executed a quick turn, pulling the ball with him in a smooth motion. 

"Oh my God, a Marseille turn!" 

The commentators' voices rang out as Yang Yang spun past Young-Pyo Lee with a fluid pirouette, leaving the Korean defender grasping at air. Immediately after the turn, Yang Yang accelerated, gritting his teeth, summoning every ounce of energy left in his legs. His speed increased with every stride as he raced toward PSV's penalty area. 

Phillip Cocu, the experienced Dutch midfielder, saw the danger and rushed toward Yang Yang, but the young forward was moving too fast. Before Cocu could make any meaningful challenge, Yang Yang threw in a series of step-overs, weaving left and right in rapid succession, easily bypassing the veteran. 

"What a beautiful set of step-overs, this is amazing!" 

"Yang Yang has stormed through, beating two PSV players in a row. He's charging straight into the penalty area!" 

Now, only one defender stood between Yang Yang and the goal—Brazilian center-back Alex. Having just moved from Santos to Chelsea in the summer, Alex had been sent on loan to PSV, and he was determined to make his presence felt in the Dutch league. 

As Yang Yang closed in on him, Alex backpedaled, trying to maintain his position. He was PSV's last line of defense, just outside the penalty box, and couldn't afford to make a mistake. 

The two players inched closer, the tension palpable. Yang Yang, ball at his feet, danced around with instinctive precision, waiting for the right moment to strike. 

Alex, realizing he was running out of room to retreat, planted his feet and made his move, stepping forward to block Yang Yang's path. He had no other option; if Yang Yang got past him, it would be a clear shot on goal. 

Yang Yang, still in full stride, took the ball under tight control, his every move precise. He watched as Alex shifted his body weight, anticipating a cut inside. Yang Yang feinted with his left shoulder, sending a clear signal that he might use his left foot. 

Alex's instincts kicked in—he reacted, moving to block the inward cut. But it was a trap. Yang Yang suddenly shifted his weight, cutting the ball outside instead, completely wrong-footing the Brazilian. 

Caught off balance, Alex scrambled to recover, but he was a step too late. As Yang Yang accelerated past him, Alex did the only thing he could—he reached out and grabbed a fistful of Yang Yang's jersey, yanking him back with desperate force. 

Yang Yang lost his balance, stumbling forward before crashing to the ground just inside the box. 

Alex immediately cleared the ball out of play, but it was too late. The referee's whistle pierced the air. 

The PSV players froze, waiting anxiously for the decision. 

"Is it a corner kick? Or... could it be a penalty?" 

The tension in the stadium was electric, the entire crowd holding its breath for the referee's call.