Preparation before the game

After the afternoon training session, Yang Yang hurriedly returned to his residence in the Oude Kerk to prepare for the upcoming trip.

The distance between Amsterdam and Bruges is approximately 250 kilometers, a relatively short journey. Nevertheless, Ajax had opted to travel a day in advance to ensure that the team could fully focus on the match.

As this was Yang Yang's first away trip with the squad, he needed to organize his documents and pack his belongings meticulously.

In the evening, the team convened at De Toekomst. Following dinner, they boarded the coach bound for Bruges.

The club had arranged for Yang Yang to take a leave of absence from school for the trip, highlighting the importance of this match for his development and the team's strategy.

Despite the short stay, Yang Yang was apprehensive about his first away fixture. His nervousness prompted him to call his parents in China to share the news.

Evening in the Netherlands translates to late night in China. Yang Yang's parents were delighted to hear from him, despite the late hour. His father, Yang Yongqiang, inquired about the match's timing and was resolute in his determination to watch it on television, even if it meant staying up past midnight. He encouraged Yang Yang to enjoy the experience and not to feel unduly pressured.

His mother, Shen Lifang, was more concerned about his well-being in Amsterdam. She urged him to balance his football commitments with his studies and inquired about when he might return home. Having not seen him for over a year, she missed him deeply.

Yang Yang reassured her, saying, "Mum, I've only just joined the team, and my foundation isn't as solid as others'. I need to put in extra effort. I won't be able to come back this winter, but I'll try to visit after the season." As he spoke, he felt a pang of homesickness.

Although saddened by the prospect of waiting another six months to see her son, Shen Lifang understood his ambitions and urged him to remain steadfast. She also mentioned that his uncle could assist if needed.

After ending the call, Yang Yang reached out to his uncle, Shen Ming, to share the news. Shen Ming was pleasantly surprised by Yang Yang's swift progress.

Once the calls were concluded, Yang Yang collected his luggage and made his way downstairs.

Thomas Vermaelen sat at home on the sofa in the living room, his expression a mix of sorrow and envy as he watched Yang Yang.

"It's so unfair," Vermaelen murmured. "I made it into the first team before you, but now you're playing in the Champions League, and I haven't even had a chance in the Eredivisie."

Yang Yang chuckled. "I'm just on the squad list—I might not even get a chance to play. Besides, your time will come. Remember how envious I was when you were the first to be called up?"

Both players were young and driven, and making it into the first team was a significant achievement.

Vermaelen shrugged. "True, but if we don't win this game tonight..." His voice trailed off, a hint of helplessness in his tone.

The significance of the game for Ajax was clear to everyone. A loss or draw would mean they wouldn't advance to the last sixteen of the Champions League. They could still hold out hope for Celta Vigo to lose to AC Milan, but relying on the results of other teams was never ideal.

"To be honest, I'm puzzled as to why the coach included me in the squad for such a crucial match," Yang Yang admitted.

It was one thing to be called up to the first team and even the Eredivisie squad, but Yang Yang was particularly surprised to be considered for such a high-stakes Champions League encounter. He struggled to understand why the coach was taking such a risk.

The eighteen-man squad, comprising eleven starters and seven substitutes, had been meticulously chosen. Koeman had previously taken a gamble by starting Yakubu, a young player who had made costly errors in two group stage games, significantly impacting Ajax's chances. Including Yang Yang seemed like another risk. What was the coach's rationale?

"All right, I'm just kidding," said Vermaelen. "But if you do play, don't take it lightly. Van der Heyden is a renowned Belgian player. He's solid in both skill and experience, and he's probably the most formidable player in the Brugge squad."

Peter Van Der Heyden, the primary left-back for the Belgian national team, was a key figure for Club Brugge, particularly in their attacking schemes. At 27, he was in the prime of his career.

If Yang Yang were to feature, it would likely be as a right winger, putting him directly up against Van Der Heyden. While Van Der Heyden might not be a European superstar, his extensive Bundesliga experience and solid performance made him a formidable opponent.

As a fellow Belgian, Vermaelen was well-acquainted with Van Der Heyden's capabilities.

"I understand," Yang Yang nodded, appreciating the advice.

Just then, they heard Ibrahimovic's voice and the unmistakable sound of a Porsche horn outside.

"Good luck. I'll be watching the live broadcast from home and cheering you on," Vermaelen said, giving Yang Yang a heartfelt hug.

"Thanks. I'll do my best."

Yang Yang gathered his luggage and left. Under Vermaelen's envious gaze, he climbed into Ibrahimovic's Porsche and drove to De Toekomst.

...

...

Before departing, the first team dined at the players' restaurant at De Toekomst.

Yang Yang handed Ruud Krol the document requested by the assistant coach and also inquired about obtaining a video of Van der Heyden's recent performances. He had prepared a USB stick for this purpose. Krol, having a positive impression of Yang Yang, agreed without hesitation.

After dinner and a brief rest, the team boarded the bus for their journey to Bruges, Belgium. Although the distance was approximately 200 kilometers and the trip would take about two hours, the anticipation of the upcoming match made the journey seem particularly long for everyone.

Initially, Yang Yang attempted to engage in conversation with Ibrahimovic and Maxwell but soon lost interest. He closed his eyes and entered the Dream Training System, focusing intently on honing his left foot—a skill that Van Gaal had recently emphasized as crucial.

On the bus, other players either listened to music through their headphones, gazed silently out the window, or tried to rest with their eyes closed. The cramped space made it challenging for anyone to feel comfortable during the lengthy journey.

Yang Yang, however, remained perfectly still with his eyes closed. At first, his teammates thought he was simply resting, but as time passed without any movement, they realized he was asleep. This unexpected discovery sparked curiosity among his teammates.

"Oh my God, how can he be sleeping at a time like this?"

"Zlatan, don't you always boast about having nerves of steel? Are you going to compete with him?"

"No way, Zlatan would definitely lose."

"There's a major game coming up, and he can sleep like that? He's got nerves of steel."

"And it's his first time in the first team, his first away game, and it's a Champions League match."

A mix of amazement and envy was evident on the faces of his teammates. Even the most seasoned sleepers among them found it nearly impossible to relax on a bus before a significant match, let alone sleep as soundly as Yang Yang.

Ronald Koeman, sitting in the front row, noticed the commotion and couldn't help but smile as he grasped the situation.

"A calm demeanor and the ability to sleep soundly are rare and invaluable traits in a professional player," Koeman mused as he settled back into his seat.

Many athletes struggle to sleep before crucial matches, sometimes resorting to sleeping pills. Yang Yang's knack for resting easily was a notable asset.

"I've heard rumors that he can sleep anywhere at any time, but witnessing it firsthand is something else," Koeman remarked. "His breathing is steady, and he looks utterly relaxed. He's clearly in a deep slumber, completely undisturbed by the noise around him. It's a skill that many professionals would envy."

Meanwhile, within the Dream Training System, Yang Yang was diligently working on improving his left foot. He trusted Zax, the system's AI, to alert him to any disturbances so he could wake up immediately if needed. Unaware that he had become the subject of his teammates' jokes and envy, Yang Yang continued his training until the bus reached the hotel. It wasn't until Ibrahimovic gently shook him awake that Yang Yang opened his eyes.

"Wow, we're here already?" Yang Yang stretched and yawned.

The bus erupted in laughter.

"So soon? We've been watching you sleep for two hours, feeling every second drag by. You slept like a log!" a teammate teased.

"Yang," Ibrahimovic said, giving Yang Yang a light pat on the shoulder and a thumbs-up, "you've definitely got nerves of steel."

Ajax had booked a hotel in a secluded park in the southern suburbs of Bruges, close to the stadium. Due to Steven Pienaar's injury, Yang Yang was sharing a room with Wesley Sneijder, who had taken Pienaar's place.

The rest of the players paired up with their usual roommates. Ibrahimovic and Maxwell continued as roommates, as did the other familiar pairings. After receiving their room assignments, everyone headed to their respective rooms.

Once he had put away his luggage, Yang Yang went to Ibrahimovic's room to borrow the Swedish striker's laptop. He planned to use the time before bed to study their opponent, Peter Van Der Heyden.

The resources available to Ajax's first team were far superior to those of the reserve squad. For instance, the material provided by Ruud Krol to Yang Yang included video highlights of Van Der Heyden's performances for Club Brugge and the Belgian national team this season, as well as an in-depth video analysis prepared by the scouting department.

In addition to the videos, the scouting department had compiled a comprehensive dossier. This detailed every facet of Van Der Heyden's game, including technical analysis, strengths and weaknesses, injury history, and specific strategies to exploit his vulnerabilities.

These resources allowed Yang Yang to systematically build a detailed profile of Van Der Heyden, something he had not experienced with the reserve squad. However, he also felt the immense responsibility on his shoulders, knowing Ajax had invested in these resources with the expectation of victory. The outcome of a Champions League match carried significant financial ramifications for the club, potentially amounting to millions of euros.

As Yang Yang immersed himself in the video analysis, occasionally referencing the accompanying materials, his roommate Wesley Sneijder emerged from the bathroom clad only in a pair of shorts. Noticing Yang Yang's focused concentration on the laptop, Sneijder couldn't help but intervene.

"Stop messing around; the coaching staff will be coming to collect all electronics soon," he warned.

"Huh?" Yang Yang, deeply engrossed in his work, did not immediately grasp Sneijder's comment. "What did you say?"

"I said that according to club rules, all mobile phones and electronic devices must be handed in the night before a match," Sneijder clarified.

As Sneijder approached, he realized that Yang Yang wasn't merely playing around but was diligently studying videos and documents about their opponent, Van Der Heyden. This discovery piqued his curiosity.

"So you're studying our opponent," Sneijder remarked.

"Yes, Van Der Heyden is quite formidable," Yang Yang responded.

"Indeed," Sneijder agreed. "He is Belgium's primary left-back and one of the sharpest attackers for both the national team and his club. He's versatile, capable of playing effectively across the left flank."

After a brief pause, Sneijder added, "But there's no need to stress too much. If all goes as planned, Sonck should start on the right. He's Van Der Heyden's teammate for the national team, so he knows him well."

"But Van Der Heyden will also be familiar with Sonck," Yang Yang countered.

Sneijder nodded thoughtfully. The comparison had its advantages and disadvantages, and he was confident that Koeman had considered all factors when making his selection.

Wesley Sonck had been in average form in the Eredivisie since joining Ajax but had excelled in the Champions League, scoring three goals so far. Two of those goals had come in Ajax's 2-0 home victory over Brugge.

Koeman's decision to deploy Sonck on the right was clearly a strategic move to counteract Van Der Heyden's influence.

The left flank, however, posed a different challenge for Ajax. They struggled on both wings. Sonck and Ibrahimović were Ajax's most potent attacking duo at the time. With Van der Vaart anchoring the midfield, the center of defense remained stable. Yet, issues persisted on the flanks, as Sonck's versatility between left and right had become a complication.

Koeman had experimented with various players on the left without much success. Mitea had performed admirably in recent matches and, if everything went according to plan, he would likely start, with Soetaers coming on as a substitute.

Regarding Yang Yang, Sneijder speculated about Koeman's intentions. Given that every player called up for such a crucial game is expected to contribute, Yang Yang's inclusion suggested that Koeman valued him, even though the teenager was only 17 years old. It might have seemed more appropriate for him to feature next year, but Koeman's decision indicated a desire to utilize him now.

Trabelsi's return to the 18-man squad came as no surprise. On the bench, Stekelenburg was the backup goalkeeper, with Van Damme and Heitinga available at center-back. Van Damme could also cover at left-back, while Grygera was versatile enough to play at left-back, center-back, or right-back, reflecting a focus on stability.

With several defenders injured, Trabelsi had been solid in training, but he hadn't played for over two months, introducing some uncertainty. In midfield, the veteran Litmanen stepped in, but with Grygera and Heitinga also capable of playing centrally, Litmanen's inclusion seemed somewhat redundant.

Up front, options were limited: Soetaers and Mitea were the backups on the left, while Yang Yang was the only backup on the right. This made Sneijder question Koeman's decision to include Yang Yang.

Perhaps it was due to the synergy Yang Yang had developed with Ibrahimović. Sneijder recalled the impressive interplay between himself, Yang Yang, Trabelsi, and Ibrahimović during training sessions. Sikora and Daniël de Ridder had underperformed on the right, making Yang Yang's selection more understandable, although Sneijder remained unsure if Yang Yang could deliver a surprise.

As Sneijder chatted with Yang Yang, the coach arrived to collect all mobile phones and electronic devices, signaling the end of their preparation time.

Yang Yang had already reviewed all the necessary materials and memorized the contents of the scouting report. After handing in his devices, the coach reminded him to be punctual for breakfast the following morning. This was part of Ajax's strict discipline, as meal times on match days were standardized to ensure players were in peak condition.

Sneijder explained that these schedules were set by the nutritionist and coaching staff to optimize player performance. Yang Yang, generally an early riser, did not mind the routine at all.

Sneijder, known for his self-discipline, watched television while Yang Yang was in the shower. Once Yang Yang finished, Sneijder turned off the TV and went straight to bed. Despite his best efforts, Sneijder found himself envying Yang Yang's ability to fall asleep so quickly. The young academy player, who had already secured a place in the Ajax first team, was clearly focused on the game ahead.

Yang Yang, on the other hand, fell asleep almost immediately upon entering the Dream Training System. He tasked Zax with simulating Van der Heyden's defensive style, aiming to familiarize himself with Van der Heyden's strengths and weaknesses and to devise strategies to counter him.

Zax provided the following analysis:

"Van der Heyden's primary strength lies in his attacking prowess. He frequently makes forward runs and offers a range of attacking options, but this can create positional vulnerabilities."

Yang Yang nodded, recognizing this as a common issue with attacking full-backs.

"Additionally, his basic skills are somewhat inconsistent. Under pressure, he tends to make errors with his first touch. This presents an opportunity to exploit, although his physical resilience is notably superior to yours."

"Anything else?" Yang Yang asked, already familiar with most of the insights provided by the Ajax coaching staff.

"One-on-one defense is a particular weakness. He tends to get nervous under pressure, which you can capitalize on."

Yang Yang inquired further, "Is there anything else?"

"One more point," Zax added. "Although he is primarily left-footed, his right foot is also quite effective."

Yang Yang was taken aback, as this detail had not been highlighted in the training materials.

"This observation comes from analyzing the videos you reviewed. While his left foot is his main asset, his right foot is still competent for passing and defending."

Yang Yang's expression grew serious. This information would be crucial in avoiding potential pitfalls during the match. He decided to share this insight with Ruud Krol the following morning, as it could assist Ajax in addressing issues on the right flank.

That night, Yang Yang utilized the Dream Training System for simulation training, focusing initially on one-on-one scenarios with Van der Heyden and subsequently on simulations of Bruges' midfield and defense. His objective was to prepare as comprehensively as possible for the game.

The next morning, Yang Yang was up before dawn, brimming with energy and eagerness. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and took a ball downstairs to practice.

Despite it being December, the crisp winter air was invigorating. The hotel, situated in the suburbs, was surrounded by small woods and expansive front and back courtyards. It was tranquil and serene, a true garden hotel, and as it was so early, Yang Yang didn't have to worry about interruptions. He began jogging around the hotel with the ball, a routine he had developed over the past six months.

While Yang Yang felt like he was simply jogging, an observer would have noted his brisk pace. Ronald Koeman, known for his early starts, was also up early for a tactical briefing and to prepare materials.

The hotel was only two storeys high, and Koeman's room was located at the end of the corridor. As he opened the curtains, he noticed Yang Yang running with the ball in the distance. Despite the speed, the ball was perfectly controlled, and Yang Yang's strides were rhythmic and consistent.

As a professional coach, Koeman took great pride in his observational skills. He could see that Yang Yang's movements were both controlled and instinctive, demonstrating a level of precision and consistency that was truly impressive.

Koeman reflected on a request from Van Gaal: "Yang Yang, play him against Bruges. Even if we're at a disadvantage, play him. If there's one player on the pitch who gives his all, it's Yang Yang. If I were to retire after this game, I'd want it to be with him playing until the final whistle."

Van Gaal's words had initially shocked Koeman, but he had ultimately agreed. He pondered the nature of the connection between Van Gaal and Yang Yang. When he had inquired, Van Gaal simply smiled and said, "We are friends."

The expression on Van Gaal's face had been one Koeman had never seen before. It was clear that Van Gaal held a deep appreciation for his relationship with Yang Yang.