First Leg UEFA Cup Round Of 32

Every day at noon, Yang Yang could be seen training in the swimming pool at De Toekmost. 

Once a so-called "dry duck" who avoided water, Yang Yang now moved fluidly through the strokes of breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle, and backstroke, cutting a sleek, almost dragon-like figure across the water. His dedication to physical training, even through swimming, was clear. 

As Ruud Krol approached the pool, he watched Yang Yang switch styles seamlessly, moving with a surprising grace and precision. Amused yet impressed, he couldn't help but think it seemed more like Yang was playing in the water rather than training. 

"Not a single spectator here; who's all this effort for?" Krol joked with a smile. 

Winston Bogarde, who was supervising, laughed. "Good habits are hard to maintain without some fun. It's tough to stay motivated swimming alone every day." 

Krol nodded in agreement, watching Yang closely. He had to remind himself that Yang Yang was only 18. Despite his youth, his maturity and performance with the team often gave the impression of a seasoned veteran, making it easy for others to forget his age. 

"How's he doing physically?" Krol asked, a hint of concern in his voice. 

"He's improved significantly. His strength and ability to handle physical confrontations have come a long way. But as you know, the ages between 18 and 23 are crucial for building muscle," Bogarde replied thoughtfully. "He's in the early stages of his development, so we need to be careful not to push him too hard." 

"The coaching staff feels the same," Krol nodded solemnly. "That's why we're resting him for the Dutch Cup. Even during league matches, we need to monitor him closely. You and Kruitenberg will have to keep a close eye on him and manage his workload carefully." 

As an experienced coach, Krol understood better than most the importance of physical health for a young player. A strong, injury-free body was invaluable in a professional career. He'd seen the toll injuries had taken on talents like Robben; without the right management, raw talent and hard work could go to waste. 

Yang Yang's physique was naturally leaner than many of his European peers, putting him at a disadvantage in physical matchups. But his dedication to long hours of rigorous, targeted strength training was helping him close the gap more quickly than expected. 

Having watched Yang Yang's growth, Krol recognized how much effort had gone into bringing him to this stage. He also looked forward to seeing just how far Yang Yang's talent could take him. 

However, he was keenly aware of the dangers of rushing development, mindful of the club's responsibility to balance short-term gains with long-term growth. 

For any club, players were ultimately transient, destined to move on at some point. Just as Eindhoven had nurtured Robben but focused on his immediate contributions rather than his future, Ajax had to balance player development with team success. 

While clubs like Chelsea had often pushed young players to the limit in pursuit of immediate gains, Ajax took a comparatively warmer approach. With former professionals like Ronald Koeman and Krol involved, Ajax prioritized the players' long-term welfare. There was an unspoken commitment to nurturing young talents responsibly. 

Under Van Gaal's reforms, the goal was to establish Ajax's development program as a sustainable model. However, certain values were deeply embedded within Ajax's identity—values that resonated through the halls, engrained in the culture, making Ajax unique in its dedication to its players' futures. 

... 

... 

After finishing his laps, Yang Yang climbed out of the pool, surprised to see Ruud Krol standing by, holding out a towel. 

"What brings you here?" Yang Yang asked, catching his breath. 

Krol chuckled, "I'm your full-time coach, aren't I? I heard you practice here every day. Figured I'd take a look. If you were to get injured, I'd be the one writing up the report, wouldn't I?" 

Yang Yang smiled, not entirely convinced. Ajax's coaching staff genuinely cared for their young players, a trait he deeply respected and appreciated. 

"So, I hear you're aiming to compete with Kuyt for the league's top scorer?" Krol asked casually. 

Yang Yang froze, a bit taken aback. "Word travels fast around here, doesn't it?" 

"Oh, you lads are practically broadcasting it on the training ground," Krol laughed. "You think the coaches and staff are all blind and deaf?" 

Yang Yang shrugged, unconcerned. It was, after all, just a goal he'd set for himself. 

"What do you think?" he asked. 

"Go for it! Of course, you should!" Krol replied, much to Yang Yang's surprise. He had expected some words of caution, not outright encouragement. 

"You know how many Eredivisie titles we've won in the last ten years?" Krol asked, shifting to a more serious tone. 

Yang Yang thought for a moment before shaking his head, "Can't say I've kept count." 

"Five championships in ten years. PSV Eindhoven took four, and Feyenoord just one." 

Yang Yang nodded, aware that while the Dutch league was known for its 'Big Three,' Feyenoord had struggled in recent years. The real battle had often come down to Ajax and PSV. 

"Now, do you know how many top scorer awards our players have won in that time?" 

Yang Yang recalled a conversation from training that morning. "None," he replied. "We haven't won any." 

Krol nodded, his expression tinged with regret. "Not a single one. That's a sore spot for us. We've nurtured some of Europe's finest forwards over the years—Van Basten, Bergkamp, Litmanen, Kluivert—but for a decade, none of our players have been Eredivisie's top scorer." 

Krol's tone turned nostalgic. "From 1991, our players took the top scorer award four years straight. Bergkamp won it for three years in a row, and Litmanen claimed it in 1993-94. That was a proud era for Ajax. Bergkamp even shared the Golden Boot with Romario in 1991." 

As Krol recounted these achievements, a glint of pride shone in his eyes. "Since then, it's mostly been PSV dominating the top scorer charts—Ronaldo, Nilis, Van Nistelrooy, Kežman. Only Feyenoord's Pierre van Hooijdonk and Vitesse's Nikos Machlas managed to break that streak." 

"In the past ten years, players like Kluivert, Van der Vaart, and Ibrahimovic came close but never quite made it to the top. That lack of a prolific scorer has been a problem for the club." 

Yang Yang started to understand Krol's point. Ajax wanted to make a statement by claiming the top scorer title again. 

"When Marco came to visit, he told Ronald he saw you as a future goal-scoring winger," Krol continued, smiling. 

"Really?" Yang Yang's eyes widened. He hadn't heard that from Van Basten himself. 

"You have speed, explosiveness—essential traits for a scorer. Most importantly, you have exceptional movement off the ball. Back then, your first touch wasn't quite there yet, and Marco worried it might hold you back. But you've improved, and the results are evident. Your goals and assists are flowing like water now. Marco saw it coming." 

Yang Yang felt a rush of pride at hearing Van Basten's confidence in him. He made a mental note to find a way to thank him personally. 

"What's the word from the coaching team?" Yang Yang asked, curious. 

Krol chuckled, "The fact that I'm here should tell you Ronald's thoughts. Tactically, the team will do everything to support you. But Kruitenberg will be monitoring your physical condition closely—no negotiations there." 

Yang Yang sighed but wasn't surprised. Krol laughed at his reaction. 

"Yang, we're all thrilled to see your ambition. But remember, there will be more chances for the top scorer title. If you miss it this year, you can go for it next season. But if you break down physically, it's a long road to recovery." 

Krol paused before continuing, "I've been analyzing Kuyt's scoring pattern this season. He's an iron man, playing nearly every minute, but his scoring isn't consistent. He had dry spells in both September and December. You have a real shot at this." 

Krol's expression turned serious, "Consistency is key. Sure, hat-tricks and braces are exciting, but a steady stream of goals will help you clinch the Golden Boot and strengthen the team as well." 

As Krol walked away, Yang Yang sat by the pool, a slight smile on his face. It seemed that even the coaching staff was behind him in his quest for the top scorer award. 

... 

... 

Evening of February 16, Amsterdam Arena 

Ajax faces Auxerre in the first leg of the UEFA Cup Round of 32. 

As players from both sides entered the tunnel, Czech referee Jaroslav Jára conducted final checks before the teams took to the pitch. His gaze lingered slightly on Yang Yang, nodding subtly in acknowledgment. 

Jára, like many in European football, had taken note of Ajax's rising star. Word had spread of this talented youngster, already mentioned in the same breath as past Ajax prodigies like Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

Yang Yang returned the referee's gesture with a polite smile. 

Auxerre had a balanced, experienced squad with an average age of around 25 or 26, but they also featured young talents such as the 22-year-old right-back Bacary Sagna, 19-year-old center-back Younès Kaboul, and 18-year-old midfielder Abou Diaby. 

Yang Yang's direct opponent for the night was 27-year-old left-back Jean-Sébastien Jaurès, who was partnered by the 23-year-old center-back Jean-Pascal Mignot. Before the game, Ajax's coaching staff had briefed Yang Yang on these players, highlighting each one's strengths and weaknesses. 

Mignot, standing at 1.82 meters, was a sturdy defender but had limitations in speed and flexibility. Jaurès, on the other hand, was known for solid defensive skills but struggled with concentration, often lapsing at crucial moments. It was a well-known vulnerability that Yang Yang had been instructed to exploit. 

To prepare, Yang Yang had even used the Dream Training System to simulate one-on-one confrontations against these defenders, familiarizing himself with their tendencies and reactions. 

Just six minutes into the match, Yang Yang found his first opening on the right flank, sprinting into space to launch a counterattack. 

With eleven players on each side, plus the referee, football is a crowded game where every player is in constant, high-speed motion. Players interweave, press, and track back, creating a constantly shifting landscape that requires intense concentration. In such a dynamic setting, a momentary lapse can be decisive. 

As Ajax recovered possession in the backfield, Maxwell received the ball near the halfway line on the left side. Observing the field, he noticed Jaurès out of position, fixated on the ball and unaware of Yang Yang lurking on the opposite flank. 

Maxwell struck quickly, sending a precise, long diagonal pass into the open space behind Auxerre's left-back and center-back. Jaurès, realizing the danger too late, spun to give chase, but by then, Yang Yang had already blown past him, sprinting like a gust of wind to chest down the pass with smooth control. 

Mignot, however, was quicker to react than his teammate. Moving in to cover, he squared up to Yang Yang in a one-on-one faceoff. Yang Yang took a quick touch, sizing up his opponent, and attempted a step-over to wrongfoot Mignot. But the center-back, realizing the danger, chose to foul, tangling Yang Yang's legs and sending him to the ground. 

The referee didn't hesitate to brandish a yellow card for Mignot's foul. 

Auxerre took the opportunity to regroup, their defensive line retreating to fortify the penalty area. 

When play resumed, Yang Yang's cross from the right was precise, finding Charisteas at the far post. The Greek striker rose for a powerful header, but the ball skimmed just over the crossbar, narrowly missing. 

Though they hadn't scored, Ajax had set the tone within the opening six minutes, forcing Auxerre's central defender to carry an early yellow card. Ronald Koeman's aggressive start had clearly made its mark, with Yang Yang's sharp play catching everyone's attention. 

Auxerre's veteran coach Guy Roux was visibly upset on the sidelines, voicing his frustration to the fourth official, convinced the punishment was harsh. 

For a defender, particularly a center-back, carrying a yellow card early in the game was a serious handicap. Mignot would now have to be cautious, unable to commit fully to tackles or physical duels without risking expulsion. 

However, given the situation, Mignot's choice was understandable. Had he allowed Yang Yang a free run into the box, Kaboul would have been left in a precarious position, and the risk of conceding an early goal would have been far greater. 

Mignot's decision may have cost him a yellow, but it prevented what could have been a much worse outcome for Auxerre. 

... 

... 

Ronald Koeman stood on the sidelines, relatively relaxed from the start of the match. 

When he saw Yang Yang force Mignot to pick up a yellow card, he even allowed himself a brief laugh. 

Though Ajax had missed the follow-up chance to score, Koeman considered the outcome so far a positive start. 

"His short-range acceleration is really something now, especially when he's dribbling past defenders," Koeman remarked with admiration. 

"Definitely," Ruud Krol nodded in agreement. "Just now, neither of Auxerre's defenders could handle him. Mignot was lucky he chose to foul, or Yang Yang would have had a clear shot on goal." 

On the field, Yang Yang continued to press, occasionally dropping back but signaling to his teammates to exploit the right side. Koeman and Krol exchanged knowing smiles as they watched. 

What a clever kid! 

With Mignot carrying a yellow card, Yang Yang wisely encouraged his teammates to attack down the right, fully aware that the French defender would have to play cautiously. 

It was a savvy, commendable choice that demonstrated his understanding of the game. 

"At this rate, I wonder how long we'll be able to keep him here at Ajax," Koeman murmured, a touch of concern creeping into his voice. 

He recalled last season's Champions League campaign, where Ajax had managed to scrape by several times, surviving by the narrowest of margins. That summer, the club had sold five core players in a single transfer window, and Koeman had braced himself for a challenging season. The club even lowered its expectations for results. 

Unexpectedly, Yang Yang's rapid progress and influence helped stabilize the team, lifting their performance much sooner than anyone had anticipated. Yet, as well as Yang Yang was playing, Koeman couldn't shake the worry that Ajax would struggle to hold onto him. 

In fact, during the winter break, a few clubs had inquired about Yang Yang's availability, but Ajax turned down the offers. 

Though the club publicly declared Yang Yang as a "non-transferable" player, Koeman knew that this was only because no club had met the price Ajax considered satisfactory. 

In professional football, there were few true "non-transferable" players. 

"Mino Raiola's reputation precedes him, but Yang Yang has a good head on his shoulders," Krol noted, thoughtfully. "He's seen how players like Van der Vaart, Van der Meyde, and Ibrahimovic have faced their own challenges, and I think he'll be cautious when making his decision." 

Koeman nodded, absorbing Krol's words. 

"For now, let's focus on finishing this season strong," he said, his gaze drifting back to the field. 

... 

... 

On the pitch, with Yang Yang directing play, Ajax's attack quickly shifted to the right. 

Yang Yang and Maicon, the new right-sided duo, were already known for their offensive chemistry. Adding Sneijder to the mix put relentless pressure on Auxerre's left side, forcing them onto the back foot repeatedly. 

Despite losing five key players this season, Ajax's core remained resilient, their quality evident in their hard-fought Champions League battles against Juventus and Bayern Munich. Even with a weakened squad, Ajax still had the upper hand over Auxerre, especially with Yang Yang's energy dictating the right flank. 

As Yang Yang ramped up the intensity, Auxerre's left side found themselves increasingly stretched and worn down. 

In the 21st minute, Pienaar delivered a precise diagonal pass toward the edge of the box, where Charisteas redirected it to Yang Yang on the right. 

With no clear shooting opportunity, Yang Yang cleverly passed back to Sneijder in midfield, who quickly played it wide to Maicon. Hugging the touchline, Maicon sprinted down the right, drawing Jaurès out of position before firing a cross into the penalty area. 

Timing his run perfectly, Yang Yang broke into open space, meeting Maicon's cross in the box. With Mignot in front of him, Yang Yang deftly shifted to his left, creating just enough room before unleashing a low shot with his left foot. 

"Yang Yang!!!" 

"Gooooooooooooooal!!!!!!" 

"21 minutes in, and Ajax has taken the lead against Auxerre!" 

"What a well-orchestrated attack!" 

"Ajax built this offense from the left flank. Charisteas cleverly redirected the ball to Yang Yang, who passed back to Sneijder. Sneijder then switched play to Maicon on the right. Maicon and Yang Yang executed a perfect combination, with Maicon drawing away the defenders before delivering an accurate cross." 

"With Mignot forced to play cautiously due to his yellow card, Yang Yang found the gap and drilled it past the keeper!" 

The Amsterdam Arena erupted, fans chanting Yang Yang's name. 

Yang Yang sprinted from the field, arms outstretched, racing toward the stands to celebrate his goal in front of the roaring crowd. 

The goal came effortlessly, thanks to his movement, which forced Mignot into an uncomfortable position. Maicon's precise cross had also been pivotal, setting up the perfect chance. 

When his teammates rushed over to join the celebration, Yang Yang pulled Maicon into a hug, acknowledging his assist as the fans cheered them on. 

Maicon, the Brazilian right-back, was equally thrilled. Training with Yang Yang had become a daily routine, starting with morning exercises, followed by strength sessions, and finishing with ball control drills. This rigorous regimen had significantly improved Maicon's physicality and defensive resilience, helping him cement his role in the starting lineup. 

Now, with improved strength and sharper defensive abilities, Maicon's starting spot felt secure. Grygera, once his main competition, had been relegated to the bench. 

Maicon owed much of this to Yang Yang, and he was grateful for the partnership that had helped elevate his game. 

... 

... 

After Yang Yang's goal broke the deadlock, Auxerre's coach, Guy Roux, looked visibly frustrated on the sidelines. 

In response, Auxerre quickly adjusted their tactics, shifting to a more defensive approach that made it increasingly difficult for Ajax to create threatening chances for the rest of the first half. Yang Yang found himself tightly marked, limiting his opportunities to influence the play. 

The first half ended with Ajax holding a slim 1-0 lead. After the break, Ajax continued to probe Auxerre's left side, particularly focusing on Mignot, who was already carrying a yellow card. 

In the 53rd minute, Yang Yang saw another opening down the right flank. Facing Jaurès one-on-one, he accelerated powerfully, driving the ball past him and cutting into the right side of the penalty area. Drawing the attention of both Sagna and Mignot, Yang Yang suddenly laid off a pass to Maicon, who had made a well-timed run into the box from the back. 

The Brazilian right-back took the ball in stride, surging forward along the right edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful volley with his right foot, sending the ball into the back of the net. 

2-0! 

With this second goal, Ajax had all but secured victory. 

The pressure forced Auxerre to adopt an even more conservative stance. Roux knew that a heavy defeat in this leg would render the second leg nearly meaningless, so his team committed more players to defense. 

Despite the two-goal lead, Yang Yang continued to push forward energetically on the right side, creating additional pressure. 

Eight minutes after Maicon's goal, Yang Yang received a pass from Charisteas, carried the ball into the penalty area, and confronted Mignot. Unable to contain him, Mignot tripped Yang Yang, sending him tumbling. 

The referee wasted no time, immediately blowing his whistle and issuing a yellow card. This was Mignot's second, resulting in a red card and his ejection from the match, ensuring he would also miss the second leg. 

In a show of generosity and respect, Yang Yang handed the penalty over to Tomáš Galásek. 

As Ajax's captain, Galásek was well-respected in the locker room and had previously rallied the team to support Yang Yang's pursuit of the league's top scorer title. Wanting to show his gratitude, Yang Yang insisted Galásek take the penalty. 

With calm precision, Galásek converted the spot-kick, extending Ajax's lead to 3-0. 

Shortly afterward, Yang Yang was substituted for Wesley Sonck, receiving applause from the crowd as he left the pitch. 

Six minutes later, Maxwell added another goal, pushing the score to 4-0. 

In this two-legged encounter, Ajax had all but extinguished Auxerre's hopes of advancing, effectively sealing the tie with a dominant performance in the first leg.