A Lesson in Turin

By late November, the crisp air of early winter had descended upon Turin, a city nestled in northern Italy. Ajax arrived with the fierce momentum of six consecutive victories in the Eredivisie and two straight wins in the Champions League, determined to continue their impressive run. The team had traveled from the cold winds of Amsterdam, their confidence high, to face Juventus, a powerhouse in European football. 

However, after 90 minutes of intense play, when Austrian referee Konrad Plautz blew the final whistle, Yang Yang could only look up at the night sky in frustration, the biting cold now mirrored by the chill he felt inside. Ajax, despite their form, had fallen short against Juventus. 

The Italian giants, who were riding the wave of four consecutive wins themselves, hadn't even fielded their absolute strongest lineup. Yet, they were still a formidable force to reckon with. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, a wall between the posts, was shielded by a defense made up of Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, and Hatem Trabelsi. In midfield, Juventus boasted the likes of Pavel Nedved, Alessio Tacchinardi, Emerson, and Mauro Camoranesi, while their attack was spearheaded by Zlatan Ibrahimović and Marcelo Zalayeta. 

For Ajax, the pressure was immense even before kickoff. The Dutch side had already suffered defeats in the group stage, losing 1-0 to Juventus in Amsterdam and enduring a crushing 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich. Those two results left Ajax with no choice but to play on the front foot, seeking victory at all costs if they had any hope of advancing. 

Juventus manager Fabio Capello, known for his tactical astuteness, anticipated this desperate approach. His team was set up to absorb Ajax's pressure and strike on the counterattack. Ajax came out of the blocks aggressively, trying to assert themselves early on. Yang Yang, who had been in fine form, repeatedly posed a threat down the right wing. On one occasion, he whipped in a precise cross to the far post where Wesley Sonck met it with a powerful header, only to see the ball agonizingly skim past the post. 

But in the 15th minute, Juventus showed their class with a clinical counterattack. It was the first time they managed to break into Ajax's penalty area, and they made it count. Camoranesi delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Zalayeta muscled past Johnny Heitinga to head the ball past Maarten Stekelenburg into the net. Ajax's hopes took a significant hit, and Juventus took control of the game. 

The Italian side, renowned for their defensive discipline, tightened their grip on the match after taking the lead. Ajax pushed forward relentlessly, but Juventus, with their trademark defensive solidity, made it almost impossible for them to break through. Yang Yang, who had been Ajax's brightest spark in recent games, found himself stifled for the first time in weeks. Apart from the early chance created for Sonck, he struggled to make any meaningful impact on the game. 

Juventus had devised a masterful plan to neutralize Yang Yang. On his flank, he faced a daunting combination of Zambrotta and Nedved, both relentless in their defensive duties and quick to close down space. Further compounding his frustration were Tacchinardi and Emerson, the Juventus midfield enforcers who provided cover for their full-backs, while the central defensive duo of Cannavaro and Thuram formed an impenetrable wall. 

After Zalayeta's goal, Juventus shifted into a more compact and resolute defensive shape. Capello's side was known for their ability to close out games, and they did so with ruthless efficiency. Every Ajax attack was met with a well-organized defensive block, and Yang Yang, along with his teammates, could find no cracks in the Juventus armor. 

For the young Chinese winger, it was a humbling experience. His recent rise to prominence had seen him bamboozle defenders with his pace and trickery, but against Juventus, he encountered a defense that was a different beast altogether. This was Capello's Juventus, a team that prided itself on defensive mastery, and they showcased why they were considered one of the best in Europe. 

As the clock ticked down, Yang Yang could only shake his head in frustration. Juventus' defense was so solid, so resolute, that it left little room for hope. It was like running into a brick wall, over and over again. His frustration mirrored that of his teammates, who saw their Champions League hopes slip away in front of their eyes. 

Juventus' defense was impenetrable, a fortress built by one of the world's finest defensive minds, Capello. From Buffon in goal, to Cannavaro and Thuram's leadership at the back, they gave a masterclass in how to protect a lead. Even for a team as dynamic and attacking as Ajax, it was a lesson in the harsh realities of top-level European football. 

When the final whistle blew, Ajax's journey in the Champions League was over. The 1-0 defeat marked their elimination, a bitter end to what had once promised to be a bright campaign. Yang Yang, whose meteoric rise had captivated many, was left to reflect on a night where even his best efforts weren't enough. The loss was a reminder that in football, no matter how much momentum you bring into a game, facing an elite side like Juventus requires something extraordinary. 

... 

... 

"Hey, buddy, are you all right?" 

Zlatan Ibrahimović walked over, concern evident on his face as he looked at Yang Yang. 

It was the first time Yang Yang had seen the towering Swede since Ibrahimović left the Netherlands to join Juventus. He hadn't expected their reunion to happen under these circumstances, on a night marred by defeat and frustration. 

"I'm fine," Yang Yang replied, shaking his head, trying to maintain his composure. 

But was he really fine? 

Ibrahimović, despite his brash exterior, understood the weight of losing, especially when it signaled an early exit from a competition as prestigious as the Champions League. It was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly for a young player like Yang Yang, who had been so pivotal to Ajax's campaign. 

Though they had only shared a brief period together at Ajax, Ibrahimović knew Yang Yang well enough. Beneath the humble, low-key demeanor, Ibrahimović had seen Yang's fiery determination. Yang Yang wasn't just competitive; he was obsessed with winning. His hunger to succeed was palpable, and losing wasn't something he accepted lightly. 

"Brother, it's not on you. You've given it everything you've got," Ibrahimović said, trying to offer some reassurance. 

"I know," Yang Yang nodded, though the acknowledgment did little to ease the sting. 

The reality of the situation was painfully clear. Whether you looked at individual player quality or the overall strength of the teams, Ajax was simply outmatched by Juventus. The gap between them wasn't something Yang Yang could bridge alone, no matter how hard he tried. 

Last season, Ajax still had a fighting chance, with a team brimming with talent and confidence. But this season, things were different. The squad had been weakened, and the losses had piled up, leaving Ajax in a vulnerable position. It wasn't something Yang Yang could change single-handedly, but even knowing that, it didn't stop the gnawing dissatisfaction inside him. 

Yang Yang hated losing. It wasn't just a dislike; it was a deep-seated hatred. He wanted to win, always. The more he tried to put on a calm front, the more it became apparent to Ibrahimović that Yang was carrying the weight of the defeat heavily on his shoulders. But Ibrahimović knew there was nothing more he could say. This was something Yang would have to process and overcome on his own. 

Soon, Hatem Trabelsi also came over to offer his support. The two hadn't been especially close at Ajax, but they had formed a solid partnership on the right side, working well together during their time on the pitch. 

Ibrahimović had adapted quickly to life in Serie A after his move to Juventus. The Swedish forward had been thrown into the fire, immediately becoming a key player for the Italian giants. Though his goal-scoring record wasn't spectacular, his performances had been impressive, and his development under Capello was evident. He was steadily rising to become one of the top strikers in Europe. 

Trabelsi's situation, however, wasn't as promising. At Juventus, he found himself in and out of the starting lineup, often used in a rotational capacity. Capello, known for his pragmatic, defensive style, preferred the more conservative Thuram on the right. Trabelsi, with his attacking instincts, didn't fit the mold of what Capello wanted in his rigid defensive system. The coach's famed "one-nil" philosophy was all about security at the back, and Trabelsi's offensive tendencies were seen as a risk. 

This was the harsh reality of professional football. Talent alone wasn't always enough; sometimes, the tactical preferences of a coach could make or break a player's career at a club. 

Ajax had won the Champions League title just last season, but the team had since been gutted. Five of their core players from that triumphant campaign had been sold, a clear reflection of Ajax's business model of developing and selling talent. Of those who left, Bogdan Lobonț, the Romanian goalkeeper, had arguably fared the best. He had established himself as a key player for Fiorentina, where his consistent performances earned him recognition in Serie A. 

Ibrahimović, of course, had found his footing at Juventus, but not all of his former teammates were as fortunate. Trabelsi was struggling to secure regular playing time, while Rafael van der Vaart and Julien Escudé were facing similar challenges at Real Madrid. Van der Vaart, in particular, found it nearly impossible to break into the starting lineup, as Madrid's star-studded front line left little room for anyone else. 

For Yang Yang, witnessing the struggles of players like Van der Vaart and Trabelsi was a sobering reminder of how tough the journey could be. Leaving Ajax might seem like a step up, but securing a place at a bigger club was a whole different challenge. Even for players as talented as Van der Vaart and Trabelsi, making their mark in teams filled with world-class talent was proving to be a difficult task. 

If these seasoned players were facing such struggles, Yang Yang knew that his own path would be even more demanding. 

... 

... 

The reunion of good friends on the field had turned into a bitter battle, where, in the end, no one came out victorious in spirit. Though Yang Yang had crossed paths with Ibrahimović and Trabelsi, there was no time for joyful reconnection after the game. The loss weighed too heavily on his heart. 

Many of Ajax's players were visibly upset, their expressions reflecting the sting of the defeat. This wasn't just a typical loss—this was a loss that effectively signaled the end of their Champions League journey. Ajax had been pushed to the brink of elimination, their hopes of advancing from the group stage all but extinguished. The best they could hope for now was to drop into the UEFA Cup as the third-placed team in the group. 

The club would take a financial hit from failing to qualify, but more painfully, the players themselves felt the weight of underperforming on Europe's grandest stage. Losing 1-0 to Juventus, combined with the crushing 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich earlier, left Ajax in a near-impossible position. To have any chance of progressing, they would need to beat Bayern by more than 4-0 in Amsterdam, a task everyone knew was far-fetched. 

If Ajax had the strength to defeat Bayern by that margin, they wouldn't have been humiliated 4-0 in Munich. 

Yang Yang felt the frustration eating at him. He hated losing more than anyone, but the reality of the situation was inescapable. He had to accept it, no matter how much it gnawed at him. 

"Come on, don't get too down," Yang Yang said, extending a hand to Thomas Vermaelen, who sat on the pitch, staring blankly ahead. 

Vermaelen had been tasked with marking Ibrahimović throughout the game, and though he had done a commendable job containing the Swedish striker, Ajax still fell short. Ibrahimović had been kept quiet, but it was Zalayeta who slipped past Heitinga to score the decisive goal. 

Vermaelen grasped Yang Yang's hand and pulled himself up, his eyes red with frustration. He had given his all, but it hadn't been enough. 

"Keep your head up," Yang Yang encouraged. "Losing isn't the end of the world. What matters is learning from it, understanding where we fell short, and coming back stronger next time. We'll get our chance at revenge, I promise." 

Vermaelen nodded, though the sting of the loss still weighed heavily on him. 

As Yang Yang turned, he noticed Maxwell standing a few yards away, staring at the ground with a look of sheer disappointment. The Brazilian left-back had been involved in the crucial play that led to Juventus' goal. Caught out of position, Maxwell had been too slow to recover when Camoranesi broke down the right, giving Juventus the opportunity to deliver the ball into the box. 

Normally a steady presence with a cheerful demeanor, Maxwell looked a shadow of himself now, his guilt evident in his posture. 

"Hey, it's not the first time we've lost a match," Yang Yang said, trying to lighten the mood with a soft smile. 

Last season, Ajax had endured an embarrassing defeat at the Bernabéu, and they had bounced back from it. This was no different. 

"I know…" Maxwell muttered, his voice shaky. "I was too eager to push forward. I thought I could get back in time, but… I wasn't fast enough." 

He stopped, choking on his words, unable to finish. Though he wasn't crying, the pain on his face was unmistakable. He knew that when the press and the fans dissected this match, he would bear a large portion of the blame. 

Yang Yang gave his shoulder a firm pat. "It's all right. None of us were at our best today. The important thing now isn't dwelling on what went wrong. We don't have time to lick our wounds slowly. The season's not over yet." 

Maxwell took a deep breath and nodded, visibly trying to shake off the disappointment. The league campaign was pressing on, and Ajax couldn't afford to wallow in self-pity. 

The team was sitting in fourth place in the Eredivisie, a position that wouldn't grant them Champions League football next season. If they didn't turn things around quickly, they would miss out on Europe's premier competition, a fate the club simply couldn't accept. There was no time for dwelling on what could have been. The only way forward was to push harder. 

Yang Yang moved on, his eyes scanning the rest of his teammates. Heitinga was visibly upset, replaying the moment Zalayeta beat him to the header. The Argentine striker had gotten the better of him, and it showed in the Dutch defender's dejected posture. Unlike Maxwell, who had lost position due to his offensive surge, Heitinga was simply outmatched in that critical moment—a stark reminder of the gap in quality between players at this level. 

Wesley Sneijder, too, was subdued. Throughout the match, Juventus' midfield duo of Emerson and Tacchinardi had completely shut down Ajax's creative outlets, leaving Sneijder with little room to operate. Every time the young Dutchman tried to take control, he found himself quickly closed down, unable to dictate the play as he usually did. Juventus' solidity in the center of the park was a testament to their tactical discipline, and it left Ajax's midfield with no breathing space. 

Yang Yang approached Sneijder and Heitinga, offering words of encouragement to each. "We'll be back," he said with conviction. "This was just one game. We have to keep pushing." 

The atmosphere in the team was somber, but Yang Yang's words were a small source of comfort. The players knew that the only way to move forward was to stay united and keep fighting. The league was still in play, and Ajax had to fight for every point to secure Champions League qualification for the following season. 

... 

... 

On the sidelines, Ronald Koeman silently observed the events unfolding on the pitch. 

Like Ruud Krol, his colleague, Koeman was pleased to see Yang Yang showing signs of maturity. They both understood Yang Yang's character well, and they knew that despite his calm exterior, he was probably feeling the defeat more intensely than any of his teammates. Yet, instead of succumbing to his own frustration, Yang Yang had been making the rounds, comforting his teammates one by one. This, Koeman thought, was a clear sign of growth. 

In many ways, this match had been a harsh but necessary lesson for Ajax. Juventus, a team with vast experience and resources, had taught them the realities of European football at the highest level. 

Professional football, Koeman knew, was all about investment and resources. Last season, Ajax had sold five key players, earning nearly 100 million euros in transfer fees. But rather than reinvesting heavily into the squad, the club had used much of that money to repay debts, including those owed to General Motors. As a result, their activity in the transfer market had been minimal, which led to a significant drop in the team's overall strength. 

The 4-0 thrashing by Bayern Munich earlier in the season had been a clear indicator of Ajax's diminished capabilities. A team that had once competed at the highest level in Europe now found itself struggling to keep pace with the continent's elite clubs. 

If it weren't for Yang Yang's remarkable growth this season, along with the progress of promising talents like Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Vermaelen, Ajax's situation could have been even more dire. The performances of these young players had kept the team afloat, but it was clear that their inexperience and the lack of squad depth were holding them back. 

In this year's Champions League, Ajax had also been dealt a tough hand in the group stage draw, facing two European giants in Juventus and Bayern Munich. Given the relative strength of their opponents, it wasn't unreasonable for Ajax to fail to qualify from the group. But while the external factors were understandable, Koeman couldn't shake the concern that this defeat might have a lingering effect on the squad. 

His biggest worry now was whether this loss would weigh heavily on the team's morale in the weeks to come. Could these young players—many of whom were still in their early twenties—shake off the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League? Could they recover quickly enough to focus on the rest of their season? 

While Ajax's Champions League campaign had ended in disappointment, Koeman knew they had little time to dwell on it. In the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven had been dominant, showing both internal and external stability. PSV's form in the domestic league was ominously consistent, and they were building a commanding lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Ajax found themselves in fourth place, dangerously close to slipping out of the top positions that guaranteed European qualification for the following season. 

Ajax simply couldn't afford to let this Champions League exit derail their domestic ambitions. There was no time to lick their wounds or feel sorry for themselves. The young players needed to regroup and channel their frustration into their Eredivisie campaign. If they didn't, they risked missing out on Champions League football next year, which would be an even greater blow for the club. 

Koeman watched Yang Yang, still making his way around the pitch, and felt a glimmer of hope. If anyone could help the team move past this setback, it was him. Yang Yang's rapid development had been the bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, and his attitude, his refusal to give in to defeat, could inspire his teammates to push forward. 

But it wouldn't be easy. Ajax's road ahead was filled with challenges, both in the league and in the UEFA Cup. Koeman knew that the true test of this team's character would come not in the wins, but in how they responded to the defeats. 

Ajax had no time to lose. The season was far from over, and every game from here on out would be crucial. 

... 

... 

On the flight back to Amsterdam from Turin, the atmosphere within the Ajax squad was heavy and somber. The sting of defeat hung over the team like a dark cloud. No one spoke. The quiet was palpable, the silence broken only by the hum of the plane's engines. 

Yang Yang sat motionless in his seat, pretending to be asleep, though his mind was far from restful. In truth, no one paid much attention to him. Each player was lost in their own thoughts, reliving moments from the game, silently processing the loss. 

But for Yang Yang, it wasn't just about the team's defeat. His mind raced through the entire match, replaying every interaction, every confrontation with Juventus' stars. He thought about the times he had succeeded, but also the moments when he had made mistakes. The opportunities he missed flashed before him, tormenting him with what could have been. 

Two conflicting voices echoed in his mind. 

One voice, rational and calm, reassured him. Zambrotta is one of the best full-backs in the world, it said. He's fast, defensively sound, and dangerous going forward. Then there's Nedved, a Ballon d'Or winner, and Emerson and Tacchinardi—top-class midfielders. Considering the caliber of his opponents, Yang Yang hadn't embarrassed himself. He had held his own against world-class players. That, in itself, should be enough. 

You've only just turned eighteen! the voice reminded him. 

But then there was the other voice, the one that was far more critical, far more demanding. It whispered that he could have done better. That despite Zambrotta's pedigree, there had been a moment, a chance where Yang Yang could have made a real impact. He had burst down the wing with the ball at his feet, racing toward the penalty area. But in the crucial physical confrontation, Zambrotta had outmuscled him, forcing him off the ball. 

If only I had held my ground. If only I had made it into the penalty area... Yang Yang thought. His speed, his dribbling—he had full confidence that had he managed to get past Zambrotta, he could have had a clear shot on goal. And who knows? Maybe he would have scored. Maybe it would have changed the game. 

But those "what-ifs" weighed heavily on his mind, turning into guilt, self-blame, and frustration. A storm of conflicting emotions swirled within him, leaving him restless. 

As he sat there, lost in thought, Yang Yang began to realize something. Without even noticing when it had started, he had begun taking more and more responsibility on his own shoulders, especially in attack. He had started to feel like the team's fate rested on his performance. 

Maybe it had begun when the media started calling him Ajax's new standard-bearer. Or perhaps it was the sight of fans wearing his jersey, cheering his name outside the training ground in De Toekomst. Maybe it was when Marco van Basten, one of his idols, had pulled him aside and told him that his moment to lead would come. Or maybe it was the moment Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart left, leaving a void that needed to be filled. 

Who could say when it had all started? 

But one thing was clear: Yang Yang's role in the team had grown. His importance had increased, and with that came a new kind of pressure, the kind of pressure only leaders feel. 

The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. 

He knew that if he was going to pick up the mantle left behind by Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart, he would have to carry that weight. He would need to learn how to perform under pressure, to thrive when the burden of expectation was heaviest. 

Now, for the first time, Yang Yang was beginning to understand the suffocating pressure that had weighed so heavily on Van der Vaart. The responsibility, the expectation—it was like a weight pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. 

He didn't know if he could bear the burden, but one thing was certain: he was ready to try. He was willing to embrace the challenge, no matter how daunting. 

... 

... 

The flight touched down at Amsterdam Airport late into the night, the lights of the city flickering in the distance. As Yang Yang disembarked with his teammates, the weight of the defeat still lingered in the air, like a shadow that refused to leave. Exhausted, both physically and mentally, he switched on his phone as soon as they cleared customs. 

Two text messages from China appeared on his screen almost immediately. 

"Although you lost, you tried your best. Don't be sad." 

The message brought a small, unexpected warmth to his heart. It was from Su Ye, someone who had always known how to lift his spirits, even when they were thousands of miles apart. 

A second message quickly followed: 

"Secretly telling you the good news—my dad has agreed to my application for the exam! Thank you for your encouragement!" 

Reading the texts, Yang Yang couldn't help but picture Su Ye's bright, flowery smile. Her laughter, always crisp and infectious, seemed to echo in his mind, softening the heaviness he had been carrying since the final whistle. For a moment, the bitter taste of the loss faded away. 

With a slight smile, he quickly typed a response: 

"I'm okay, don't worry about me. And congratulations on getting what you wanted!" 

After sending the message, he pocketed his phone and followed his teammates out of the airport terminal, heading towards the team bus. The night air was cold, but it felt refreshing after the stifling mood of the flight. 

As soon as he settled into his seat on the bus, his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, surprised to see another message from Su Ye. 

"Nothing has been written yet, and I might not pass the exam for the Chinese drama school." 

Yang Yang raised an eyebrow. It was so late, and yet Su Ye was still awake, texting him. 

Has she been waiting for my reply this whole time? he wondered, amused by the thought. But then he quickly shook his head, dismissing the idea. It seemed too far-fetched, and yet the thought lingered, making him smile. 

He typed back: 

"It's okay. Even if you don't pass this time, there's always next year. And if you still don't make it, I'll do my best to help you fulfill your dream. At the very least, I'll make sure you get to star in a movie on the big screen one day." 

A few seconds later, another reply came through: 

"You said it yourself, so I'll count on you from now on!" 

Yang Yang couldn't help but laugh. Su Ye had a way of turning things around, her playful tone always putting him at ease. 

Then another message followed almost immediately: 

"But you can't slack off! You need to keep playing well, or how else will you have enough money to take me to the movies?" 

Her teasing words brought another smile to his face, but Yang Yang quickly realized this was her way of comforting him. She knew how much the loss had affected him, and this was her subtle way of reminding him that everything would be okay. 

"Thank you," he typed back, feeling genuinely lighter. "I feel much better now." 

"Then smile more!" she replied. "You look pretty handsome when you do. The girls here all say they like your smile." 

Yang Yang chuckled softly at the compliment, a lightness returning to his heart. 

A few moments later, another message popped up: 

"Okay, I won't keep you up any longer. I'm tired and need to sleep. I have class tomorrow. Bye!" 

"Good night," Yang Yang replied quickly, still smiling. "Rest well." 

"You too, sleep early. Good night!" 

As he put his phone away, Yang Yang leaned back in his seat and let out a quiet sigh. The dark cloud that had hung over him since the game had lifted, at least a little. Su Ye's messages had managed to break through the gloom, and for that, he was grateful. 

But even though the conversation had lightened his mood, the sting of the loss hadn't completely disappeared. He knew Juventus had been the better team, and he accepted that. Still, the sense of frustration remained. He had wanted to do more, to be better. The defeat was justified, but it still felt like unfinished business in his heart. He was not one to accept failure easily. 

As the team bus rolled through the empty streets of Amsterdam, Yang Yang stared out of the window, already thinking about the next challenge. There was always another game, another opportunity to prove himself. And no matter how much tonight's loss hurt, he knew he had to keep moving forward. 

The road to greatness was never smooth. 

... 

... 

After returning to training, Yang Yang approached his sessions with renewed focus. This time, however, he wasn't just working on basic drills or refining his star skills. Instead, he went directly into the most challenging aspect of his game—one-on-one confrontations. And this time, the opponent in the Dream Training System wasn't just any defender. He was up against the simulation of Gianluca Zambrotta, Juventus' world-class full-back. 

Zambrotta was, in many ways, the epitome of a complete modern defender. Capable of playing on both the left and right sides of the pitch, he was equally proficient with both feet, despite being naturally right-footed. His height—1.81 meters—combined with a strong physique of 76 kg made him an imposing figure. Zambrotta's speed was blistering, his fitness unmatched, and his confrontational ability was fierce. He was the kind of defender who could block a winger's every move, cut off inward runs, and still have the stamina to contribute offensively by overlapping and delivering crosses. 

To Yang Yang, Zambrotta seemed almost like the perfect full-back, a player with no visible weaknesses. 

In the Dream Training System, Yang Yang faced Zambrotta again and again, tirelessly practicing his dribbles, feints, and attacks. But each time, Zambrotta's simulation was flawless. Yang Yang was repeatedly dispossessed, knocked off the ball, or forced into losing the duel. No matter how hard he tried, breaking through the Italian's defenses seemed like an impossible task. He would dribble, cut inside, but Zambrotta would anticipate the movement and force him out of play. 

Every time Yang Yang was knocked down or tackled, he got back up and pushed forward again, refusing to let the frustration stop him. But as the training continued, something became clear—this wasn't just training. He was venting, taking out his anger and frustration from the Juventus match, and it wasn't making him better. 

Zax, the voice of the Dream Training System, let Yang Yang push himself for a while without interruption. But after one particularly hard tackle from Zambrotta's simulation sent Yang Yang sprawling onto the grass, the star simulation vanished. 

Yang Yang stood up, confused. The training simulation had ended. 

"Do you know why you can't get past Zambrotta?" Zax's voice asked, breaking the silence. 

Yang Yang remained seated on the grass, his breath heavy, his frustration still simmering. 

"Not just you—countless wingers have struggled to beat him. Do you know why?" Zax continued. 

Yang Yang, curious despite his frustration, finally responded, "Why?" 

"Because under normal circumstances, Zambrotta is an all-round defender. He has no glaring weaknesses. His versatility and skill make him a nightmare for any attacker." 

Yang Yang had to admit that Zax was right. Zambrotta was as close to the perfect full-back as you could find. He had shut down some of the best wingers in the world. Yang Yang's inability to break through wasn't unique, and that was part of what made Zambrotta so formidable. 

"Remember what I told you before?" Zax's voice was calm but firm. "Complete technique is what creates varied tactics. Zambrotta is the kind of full-back without obvious flaws, just like Juventus is a team without any significant weaknesses. They're like an iron legion, strong in every aspect." 

Yang Yang listened in silence, knowing that Zax's assessment was spot on. 

"When you face a team or a player like that, there's only one path forward: you must make yourself just as complete as they are. You must eliminate your own weaknesses, hide your flaws, and fight to see who reveals their vulnerability first. Only then can you win." 

Yang Yang took in those words, letting them settle. Zax was right. Juventus had shown themselves to be a team with nearly flawless organization and discipline. And it wasn't just them. In the Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven under Guus Hiddink was a similar type of team—a well-oiled machine that had no obvious cracks. 

Yang Yang recalled Ajax's match against PSV earlier in the season, a heated national derby. It had been a tight contest until he won a crucial penalty by dribbling past Young-Pyo Lee, forcing Alex into a foul and earning him a red card. That single breakthrough had changed the game, but Yang Yang knew that without that moment, PSV might have suffocated Ajax's attacks entirely. 

Teams like Juventus and PSV were built to expose any weakness in their opponents while revealing none of their own. And the same applied to players. 

Yang Yang thought of Ibrahimović, the Swedish forward who had once been his teammate at Ajax and was now thriving at Juventus. What made Ibrahimović terrifying wasn't just his imposing physical presence—his height, strength, and power. It was his extraordinary technique. For a player with the build of a classic center-forward, Ibrahimović possessed the footwork of a number 10, with delicate touches, incredible dribbling, and the agility to move fluidly. It was this combination of physical and technical prowess that made Ibrahimović so complete, so difficult to stop. 

Yang Yang knew that if he wanted to reach the highest level, he had to develop that same kind of completeness. His basic skills had improved significantly, and his first touch was no longer a weakness, but it still wasn't enough. Not against defenders like Zambrotta. 

If he wanted to be the best, he needed to be more than just fast or technically gifted. He had to be unstoppable. His dribbling had to be sharper, his control more precise, his decision-making faster. He needed to be stronger, more confident, and more unpredictable. 

He needed to be complete. 

Sitting on the virtual training pitch, Yang Yang made a quiet resolution to himself. He would continue to refine his basic skills until they were flawless. He would polish his first touch until every ball at his feet felt like an extension of himself. He would work harder, push further, and leave no weakness exposed. 

In time, he would become a player who could stand toe-to-toe with the world's best defenders and come out on top. 

He wanted to be stronger. 

... 

... 

In the early hours of the morning, Yang Yang, as usual, rose before the sun. He knocked on the doors of Maxwell, Thomas Vermaelen, and Maicon, gathering his small group for their regular run around Lake Oude Kerk. The crisp morning air felt heavier today. Unlike the usual lighthearted banter and camaraderie that filled their laps, a somber mood hung over them, the sting of their recent defeat still fresh in their minds. 

The group ran in silence, their footsteps echoing off the still waters of the lake. By the time they completed their three laps, none of them had spoken much. The cheerful atmosphere that usually accompanied their morning routine had been replaced by quiet determination and reflection. 

After the run, they ate breakfast together, but the conversations were brief and subdued. Yang Yang, always focused, went straight to the gym at De Toekomst afterward. His morning routine of physical conditioning had become as vital to him as any technical training on the field. 

In the gym, Yang Yang began his usual warm-up with meticulous care. He had learned never to take short cuts, especially when it came to preparing his body. The warm-up was critical, and he knew it could make the difference between staying fit or getting injured. His mind was still clouded by the defeat, but his discipline kept him on track. 

Winston Bogarde, Yang Yang's personal strength coach, arrived punctually, as he always did. Bogarde had taken on the role of a one-on-one mentor for Yang Yang, guiding him through every strength training session with a meticulous and disciplined approach. The two had developed a solid rapport over time, and Bogarde pushed Yang Yang to his limits in every session. This morning was no different. 

Throughout the session, Bogarde observed Yang Yang closely, occasionally asking him subtle questions, perhaps sensing that something weighed heavily on his mind. Despite the unspoken tension in the gym, Yang Yang powered through his exercises—bench press, squats, deadlifts, upper-body drills, and cycling. Each movement was executed with precision, his focus unwavering. 

Once the workout was done, Yang Yang reached for the nutritious drink he had prepared earlier. He grimaced as he gulped it down, squeezing his nose as if the drink was a bitter medicine. Bogarde watched with a satisfied smile, nodding in approval as Yang Yang completed yet another task with his usual dedication. 

But today, something was different. As Yang Yang finished the last sip, he didn't rush off as he usually did. Instead, he lingered, glancing at Bogarde with an expression of thoughtfulness. 

"Winston, are you free during the winter break?" Yang Yang asked, breaking the silence. 

Bogarde raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the question. The winter break was fast approaching, and Ajax had already laid out their plans. The team would be on holiday, and after Christmas, they would regroup in southern Europe for a training camp to prepare for the second half of the season. 

"In December?" Bogarde asked, somewhat taken aback. "The team's on break until January. After that, we'll head south for training." 

Yang Yang nodded. "Yes, but I'm asking about the break itself. Do you have any plans?" 

Bogarde thought for a moment, shaking his head. "Not really. I might stay home, or maybe help out at a friend's gym. You know, my dream is to have my own gym someday." 

Yang Yang smiled slightly at the mention of Bogarde's ambition. "How about this," he said, his tone serious, "I want to hire you as my personal trainer during the winter break. I'm not planning on taking time off. I want to keep training, and I need someone experienced like you to help guide me and push me further. I can pay you the standard rate for private coaching." 

Bogarde blinked, clearly surprised. "You want me to be your personal trainer during the break?" 

"Yes," Yang Yang confirmed. "I need to keep improving. I don't want to lose any momentum. I want to train hard during the break, and having you supervise me would make a big difference." 

Bogarde hesitated. Although his salary at Ajax wasn't particularly high, private coaching wasn't something he had done much of. Still, Yang Yang's proposal was enticing, and he could see the determination in the young player's eyes. Yang Yang wasn't someone who took things lightly. If he was willing to invest in his development even during the break, Bogarde knew he had a serious commitment to becoming one of the best. 

"I'll think about it," Bogarde finally said, still processing the offer. 

Yang Yang nodded, understanding that it was a lot to ask. "Take your time. I'm not in a rush. Let me know when you've made your decision." 

With that, Yang Yang picked up his bag and headed toward the exit. As he stepped out of the gym, something unexpected caught his eye. Tiny white flakes floated down from the sky, gently landing on his face and shoulders. He paused, looking up. 

It was snowing. 

For a moment, Yang Yang stood there, watching the snow fall softly against the backdrop of the cloudy sky. There was something peaceful about the sight, something that calmed the restless energy within him. The defeat still lingered, but as the snow began to cover the ground in a thin layer of white, he felt a sense of renewal. 

He knew that challenges lay ahead, but he also knew that he wasn't alone in this journey. With people like Bogarde to guide him, and his own unwavering determination, he would push through the obstacles. The road to greatness wasn't easy, but Yang Yang was prepared to face it head-on. 

The snow continued to fall gently as he made his way back to his apartment, already thinking about tomorrow's training.