First goal with Jong Ajax

After the match against Jong Vitesse, Jong Ajax had a day off, but the first team still had to play at home against PEC Zwolle.

PEC Zwolle aren't a formidable side. After fighting to avoid relegation last season, bookmakers still consider them a likely candidate for the drop this season. They had lost 1-0 at Utrecht and 3-0 at home to RKC Waalwijk in the first two rounds.

Arriving at the Amsterdam Arena on a two-game losing streak, everyone expected Ajax to win easily and go unbeaten in August. However, the result was surprising. At home, Ajax struggled considerably. Their defence was well-organised, but their attack lacked sharpness. The only highlight came in the 32nd minute when Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović set up Steven Pienaar for the game's only goal.

After the match, head coach Ronald Koeman faced criticism from reporters regarding Ajax's performances this season. Despite winning three consecutive games, the team's on-field performance and attacking quality had not met the expectations of fans and the media.

Koeman's response was that the team is still adjusting and finding its rhythm.

"In this game, the visitors were very stubborn defensively. Head coach Peter Boeve used a 5-4-1 formation with five defenders, including three centre-backs, and four midfielders who were always running back to defend, which slowed down our attack," Koeman explained.

Addressing rumours of incompatibility between Ibrahimović and Rafael van der Vaart, Koeman dismissed them as unfounded, insisting there was no conflict between the two players.

"They are both very talented players with immense potential. In any team, under any circumstances, there will not be any incompatibility. The current issue is that they need to adjust their pace quickly to get in sync with their teammates and the rhythm of the team."

After three rounds, Eindhoven's top scorer Mateja Kežman led the scoring charts with five goals, followed by RKC Waalwijk's Iwan Redan with four. Ajax's players were much lower down the table with just one goal each.

In the Eredivisie standings, however, Ajax were performing well, having secured nine points with a three-game winning streak. They were level with RKC Waalwijk on points but second on goal difference, with PSV Eindhoven leading the table.

Despite their strong position, the Dutch media have been critical of Ajax's performances, particularly in attack.

According to analyses by numerous reporters and former players, Ajax face significant problems on the wings due to ineffective wingers, which hampers their offensive construction and finishing.

Many believe that the conflict between Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart is not insurmountable. However, the primary issue now is that Ajax's wingers fail to create threats, making it easier for other teams to block Ajax's attack by simply defending the midfield. This situation is highly unfavorable for Ajax.

Last season, with Van der Meyde on the right wing, Ajax was the most dangerous team in the Dutch league. However, this season, after losing Van der Meyde, Ajax's attack has faltered because their wings have lost their menace.

Reporters and analysts have stated that if Ronald Koeman cannot resolve this problem soon, Ajax will struggle to maintain their form throughout the season, especially in the UEFA Champions League.

After a tough match against Grazer AK, Ajax's draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage was completed.

Due to the restructuring of the Champions League this year, the previous second group stage was eliminated. Now, the top two teams from each group progress directly to the Round of 16, with the third-placed team moving to the UEFA Cup and the last team being eliminated.

Despite reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season, Ajax were drawn in the third pot this year. The first team drawn in their group was defending champions AC Milan, the second was La Liga giants RC Celta Vigo, and the fourth was Belgian side Club Brugge KV.

Despite losing Van der Meyde and Chivu in the summer, Ajax retained key players such as Ibrahimović, Van der Vaart, and Trabelsi. With the emergence of prodigious talents such as Sneijder, Pienaar, De Jong, and Heitinga, Ajax's prospects remain optimistic.

However, the strength of their group opponents is significant.

AC Milan and Celta Vigo are both established European powers, while Club Brugge, who knocked out Bundesliga giants Dortmund in the third round of UEFA Champions League qualifying to reach the group stage, are not to be underestimated.

As soon as the draw was announced, the Dutch media went into a state of mourning, suggesting that Ajax's situation was precarious, with both internal and external problems.

This public opinion from local and international media, as well as the fans, placed immense pressure on the first team.

As a second-team player, Yang Yang wasn't directly affected by the intense pressures facing the first team, allowing him to return to the familiar surroundings of the Almere Skate Park.

With the UEFA Champions League on the horizon, Ajax's Eredivisie schedule is exceptionally tight this season. However, the Beloften Eredivisie, consisting of only 13 teams, presents a less demanding schedule for Jong Ajax, following a similar home-and-away cycle but with significantly less pressure.

The team takes a break during international fixtures, but players like Vermaelen, who have been selected for their national teams, leave to represent their countries, while Yang Yang continues his daily routine of attending school.

After school on Friday afternoon, Shen Yuzhu drove to the Oude Kerk to pick him up. It was Yang Yang's first return to Almere since moving to Amsterdam, and it felt like a homecoming. Everything along the route seemed both new and familiar, highlighting the changes that had occurred.

Back at the Chinese restaurant, it was a busy time for dinner. Yang Yang eagerly helped out after setting his things down. Everything looked the same as it had a little over a month ago, but it felt completely different.

Almere, established seven years ago and an Ajax satellite club for the past two years, was where Yang Yang began his journey. He was the first player to transition from Almere's youth team to Ajax's ranks.

The second team, also known as the reserve team, is specifically prepared to support the first team. Many in Almere recognized Yang Yang and encouraged him to work hard to break into the Ajax first team as soon as possible, expressing their willingness to cheer for him and become his fans once he made it to the top tier. Yang Yang nodded in agreement, acknowledging their support and recognizing that although he was still some distance from the first team, that remained his ultimate goal.

In the evening, upon hearing the news of his visit, Henk Dimer and Nick came to see Yang Yang, along with head coaches Johnny Rep and Dick Vanpoer, who made a special trip. They all held Yang Yang in high regard at Ajax because he was a product of their youth system.

Fred Arroyo kept in regular contact with Johnny Rep, so they were well aware of Yang Yang's achievements at Jong Ajax. They were pleasantly surprised that Yang Yang had managed to secure a starting spot on the right wing in just two games. They all knew how challenging it was to earn a starting position for Jong Ajax, and the only reasonable explanation was that Yang Yang had made significant progress in just over half a month, compelling Van Basten to start him again.

"Yang, although we played well in the Dutch Cup and the Tweede Divisie, we struggled significantly. The coach used you as an example every day, saying, 'Look at Yang Yang, he wasn't as good as you before, but now he's playing for the Ajax second team.'"

Henk Dimer mimicked Johnny Rep's words, causing everyone to laugh, but it was also an emotional moment. They could clearly see the growing difference between themselves and Yang Yang.

Yang Yang didn't expect to become a benchmark in the eyes of Almere's head coach. While he felt a sense of achievement, he remained humble about the experience.

The instigator, Henk Dimer, received a light slap on the back from Johnny Rep.

There were only 80 teams in the first round of the Dutch Cup, and Almere failed to qualify, forcing them to concentrate on the Tweede Divisie. This situation made Henk Dimer and many other players envious of Yang Yang's success.

In both the Dutch Cup and the Beloften Eredivisie, Yang Yang's performance with the second team steadily improved. There was a growing possibility that he would be noticed by the first team and potentially move up.

Johnny Rep also believed that Yang Yang's chances at Ajax were promising.

"According to the information I've received, Ajax's management isn't considering bringing in new wingers. They've invested heavily in renewing the squad this summer and don't have enough funds for another transfer. So, they're focusing on internal promotion, which means you still have a chance," Rep explained.

Yang Yang nodded repeatedly. Training every day at De Toekomst, he was aware of this, but he also knew there were plenty of talented players at Ajax who could play on the right wing. In the first team, several options existed, and in the second team, players like Babel and De Mul could also play the position. Even Fred Benson was capable of playing there.

In comparison, he had a chance but needed to work harder.

As Yang Yang shared his thoughts, Johnny Rep, a product of Ajax's youth academy, nodded in agreement. He emphasized that Yang Yang should focus on improving his strength for the time being.

"Opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared. You must believe that Ajax's coaching staff and scouts will never overlook a capable player, as this is the foundation of Ajax's success in European football."

Yang Yang nodded and thanked him for the advice.

After spending two days in Almere, Yang Yang returned to Amsterdam on Monday to continue his schooling and training.

With the team still on international break, Yang Yang trained on his own. This situation continued until mid-September, when both the first and second teams resumed training.

The second team's next match in the Beloften Eredivisie was an away game against Jong AZ.

Coach Van Basten was concerned about the form and performance of his players after the long break from matches and training. Even Yang Yang feared that his recent good form would be interrupted.

Unexpectedly, the Jong AZ players provided them with a golden opportunity soon after kick-off.

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13 September, Alkmaar Reserve Stadium

In the eleventh minute, Ajax's attack was frustrated, and Alkmaar took control of the ball in their own half.

Yang Yang, playing on the right wing, began to press the defensive line. When he saw their left-back receive the ball, he immediately sprinted towards him.

The Alkmaar left-back's control was a little too heavy. Instead of passing the ball directly, he attempted to dribble past Yang Yang. However, Yang Yang's positioning complicated the situation, so the left-back quickly turned to shield the ball and tried to pass it to a nearby teammate. In his haste, he failed to put enough power into the pass, giving Yang Yang another chance.

Such a pass is often referred to by commentators as a "hospital pass."

Faced with this unexpected opportunity, Yang Yang quickly ran after the ball.

The Jong AZ midfielder, known for his physicality but lacking in speed and explosiveness, recognized the poor pass and accelerated to intercept it. However, Yang Yang was one step ahead of him, nudging the ball behind the midfielder and sprinting past him at full speed.

The fans in the stadium went wild.

By the time Yang Yang caught up with the ball, he had entered the penalty area and was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The Jong AZ goalkeeper rushed out to cover all angles, while a central defender closed in to block the shot.

Unexpectedly, Yang Yang performed a quick step-over move, deceiving both the goalkeeper and the central defender. He then easily slotted the ball into the empty net to make it 1-0!

Yang Yang's face lit up with joy as he realized he had scored his first goal so quickly by capitalizing on the opposition's mistake.

Seeing the ball roll into the net, Yang Yang turned and ran, spreading his arms like a soaring eagle before sliding to his knees at the corner flag, where his teammates quickly piled on top of him in celebration.

Vermaelen jumped onto Yang Yang's back like a playful horse.

Only Babel, who had positioned himself for a potential pass, seemed slightly disappointed. He had been close to Yang Yang, hoping for a pass, but Yang Yang chose to shoot and score instead.

Nevertheless, Van Basten looked pleased on the touchline, applauding Yang Yang's effort.

Although the goal looked like a gift from the Alkmaar defender, it was actually the result of Yang Yang's relentless pressing. In a one-on-one situation, he executed a beautiful, Ronaldo-esque step-over to beat both the goalkeeper and the defender.

The Brazilian superstar's step-over is famous for deceiving goalkeepers.

"Thomas, you're crushing me!" Yang Yang shouted as he broke free from Vermaelen's grip, smiling broadly.

Vermaelen squeezed Yang Yang's shoulders. "You scored a goal, now you have to treat us."

Yang Yang just laughed happily. Treating his teammates to dinner? That was no problem at all.

The feeling of scoring that goal was truly exhilarating. It's no wonder that everyone who plays football wants to score, even someone like Vermaelen, who is a centre-back at heart.

After Yang Yang's goal broke the deadlock, the game became even more exciting.

Alkmaar tried to hit back, but Ajax responded with fierce counter-attacks down the right.

Yang Yang was a constant threat on the right wing, exploiting Alkmaar's lack of confidence at left-back. He repeatedly broke through their defense and sent dangerous balls into the box.

However, the Alkmaar center-back, who had earlier been let down by his teammates, remained solid. Whether it was a high or low ball, he consistently beat Fred Benson and Babel to secure the first point in the box.

Yang Yang attempted to break through on the right on several occasions, but the central defender supporting the left-back thwarted his efforts. This forced Yang Yang to pass back to his teammates and reorganize the attack.

Throughout the first half, Ajax created numerous chances, but apart from Yang Yang's goal, they struggled to capitalize on any of them, largely due to the impressive performance of Alkmaar's center-back.

At half-time, Yang Yang found himself running side by side with the Dutch center-back, who was significantly taller. Seizing the opportunity, Yang Yang took the initiative to shake his hand and introduce himself.

"So you are Ron Vlaar," Yang Yang said upon learning his name.

Vlaar replied, "I heard about you through Aaron Moy's football blog. He's mentioned you several times, but I didn't expect you to be so difficult to defend against."

They smiled at each other and shook hands before returning to their respective rest areas.

Both had participated in the summer amateur competition, and Vlaar was the defensive prodigy Aaron Moy had been discussing online. It was rumored that Ajax were also keeping an eye on Vlaar, especially after Chivu's departure left a vacancy at center-back.

However, as Yang Yang knew, Ajax weren't particularly focused on signing a new center-back at the moment. Escudé's form had stabilized, and promising youngsters like Vermaelen and Lindgren were emerging from the youth system.

Nevertheless, Yang Yang acknowledged that any opponent capable of making it onto the field deserved respect.

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In the end, Jong Ajax emerged as 2-0 winners on the road. In the second half, Yang Yang orchestrated an attack down the right flank. After penetrating their defense, he delivered a precise cross which Babel converted into a goal.

Yang Yang played for 70 minutes before being substituted by De Mul. De Mul also made an impact, creating chances on the right, but neither Babel nor Fred Benson could capitalize on them. The game ended with a 2-0 victory for Jong Ajax.

The night after the Alkmaar game, Ajax faced RKC Waalwijk at home.

This was a direct clash between the Eredivisie leaders and the second-placed team of the season.

From the outset, Maxwell and Ibrahimovic were particularly active. The Brazilian left-back opened the scoring for Ajax in the 21st minute with a determined run into the penalty area, showcasing his attacking prowess.

Six minutes later, Van der Vaart assisted Ibrahimovic, who extended Ajax's lead to 2-0.

This goal dispelled the rumors of incompatibility between Ibrahimovic and Van der Vaart. Their handshake after the goal seemed to put an end to any speculation about their discord.

However, within Ajax, the relationship between the two players remained strained, with ongoing conflicts over their roles on the pitch.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Galásek scored Ajax's third goal. In the 62nd minute, Sikora, who had just come on as a substitute, provided an assist for Wesley Sonck's fourth goal. Waalwijk managed to reduce the deficit two minutes later with a goal from center-back Khalid Boulahrouz, but the final score was 4-1.

The win not only propelled Ajax to the top of the league but also alleviated the pressure on the team, as the four goals helped ease concerns about their attacking capabilities.

Three days later, Ajax suffered a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in their first UEFA Champions League group stage match.

Yang Yang and Vermaelen watched the match from home and expressed their disappointment from afar.

Koeman had opted for a two-man attack in this game, pairing Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sonck up front. Pienaar was positioned on the right midfield, with Van der Vaart on the left, a tactic that had worked well in their 4-1 win over RKC Waalwijk.

Indeed, Ibrahimovic, Van der Vaart, and Pienaar continued their excellent form from the previous game, with Ibrahimovic in particular making a significant impact. His agent, Raiola, had informed him that several Serie A giants were keeping tabs on him. Ibrahimovic worked tirelessly, threatening on several occasions and forcing AC Milan's goalkeeper, Dida, into multiple saves.

Despite their best efforts, defending champions AC Milan proved to be formidable opponents. Their forwards, Inzaghi and Shevchenko, along with the talented Brazilian Kaka, quickly put Ajax on the back foot.

The turning point came in the second half when Ronald Koeman made a questionable substitution. With Sonck off the field, Ibrahimovic was left isolated up front, and the lack of support rendered Ajax's attacks ineffective.

AC Milan capitalized on the situation. Striker Inzaghi, known as "Pippo," scored the decisive goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Milan.

Ajax not only lost three crucial points in the group stage but also faced renewed criticism from the media. The team's morale took a significant hit.

The weekend following their return to the Netherlands brought further disappointment, as Ajax lost 4-2 away to NAC Breda, surrendering the top spot to rivals PSV Eindhoven. Koeman faced intensified criticism from fans and the media over his side's run of defeats.

However, the following day, Ajax's second team bounced back with a 3-1 home win over Jong Utrecht. Yang Yang played a key role in the victory, providing two assists and collaborating with Vermaelen on a corner kick routine that resulted in a goal.

The win gave the second team a much-needed boost and distanced them from the struggles of the first team.