Chapter 362: The Youngest Ballon d'Or Winner in History, A Hot Candidate for the Title of King!

Chapter 362: The Youngest Ballon d'Or Winner in History, A Hot Candidate for the Title of King!

"The Youngest Ballon d'Or Winner in History is Born!"

"2014 Ballon d'Or Announced: Lin Quan Wins by a Landslide with 68.7% of the Votes!"

"The Two Kings Can Now Be Called the Three Kings!"

After Lin Quan won the Ballon d'Or, the media wasted no time in extensively covering his victory. This Ballon d'Or carries significant weight and has little controversy. Among the three finalists, Lin Quan received nearly 70% of the votes, while Ronaldo got less than 20%, and Messi just over 10%. This might be the least controversial Ballon d'Or in the past 20 years. Moreover, it marks the first time in Ballon d'Or history that a player under 20 has won the award. Lin Quan, who is still more than a month away from turning 19, has shattered Ronaldo's previous record as the youngest winner. In 1997, Ronaldo was 21 when he first won the Ballon d'Or. Lin Quan has improved this record by a full two years!

This record is unprecedented and likely will never be matched. For an 18-year-old, securing a stable position in the first team is already challenging, let alone becoming the core of a team that wins both the Champions League and the World Cup. Before Lin Quan achieved this feat, no one in the football world even considered it possible because it seemed utterly unattainable.

However, this seemingly impossible feat has now occurred. Naturally, people began to compare Lin Quan to the first "King of Football"—Pelé! Both became famous at a young age and participated in the World Cup at a very young age, leading their teams to victory. Lin Quan's trajectory almost mirrors Pelé's. Therefore, many believe that Lin Quan might follow in Pelé's footsteps and become the new King of Football.

"This boy is like me. I think Lin will eventually become the King of Football!"

When these rumors reached Pelé, he personally expressed his high regard for Lin Quan, stating that Lin Quan is as outstanding as he was and will surely be crowned the new King of Football. However, another King of Football, Maradona, disagreed.

"Yes, I also believe Lin Quan will become the new King of Football, but I don't agree with Pelé. Lin Quan's style is clearly more like mine!"

Although the two Kings had some disagreements, they both concurred that Lin Quan would eventually become the King of Football. This filled fans with excitement!

"Two Kings endorsing him publicly; I ask, who else?"

"Haha, Lin Quan is not even 19 yet and already has so many honors and achievements. It's not surprising that the two Kings see him becoming a King too!"

"I'm not so sure. Pelé has a reputation for jinxing. If he says it, Lin Quan might just fall short!"

"You can't say that. Pelé predicted that Spain would win the World Cup, and he was right!"

"Even if you don't believe Pelé, you should believe Maradona's prediction, right?"

"Indeed, except for his coaching skills, Maradona has a good eye for talent!"

"It's too early to tell. Lin Quan is not even 19 yet; he's still very young. Young players are very prone to significant injuries, which can severely affect their performance. If he turns out to be a flash in the pan, he won't become the King of Football."

"Nonsense! Lin Quan is tough and resilient; he won't get injured so easily."

"Although Lin Quan has had fewer injuries, injuries are still a major concern. As long as he maintains his current form and avoids injuries, becoming the King of Football is just a matter of time!"

...

After winning the Ballon d'Or, Lin Quan became even more low-key. He didn't engage in the external debates, focusing instead on training and maintaining his form. With more main players recovering from injuries, Guardiola had more options at his disposal. However, he didn't give up on strengthening the team during the winter transfer window.

On January 17, Manchester City hosted Arsenal. Since receiving funding from the Abu Dhabi consortium, Manchester City has had more victories than defeats against Arsenal. Earlier in the season, Manchester City had already beaten Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. So, Manchester City wasn't too worried about the Gunners' challenge. They were more focused on the next match, an away game against Chelsea, which was expected to be much tougher.

Chelsea's home ground has always been difficult. They once held an 86-game unbeaten streak at home. For any team visiting Stamford Bridge, it was a daunting task. Last year, Manchester City had narrowly escaped defeat at Stamford Bridge, thanks to Lin Quan's stunning overhead kick in the final moments. Thus, Guardiola treated the match against Arsenal as a rehearsal for the Chelsea game, using it to experiment with new tactics.

This move angered Arsenal players. What did this mean? Using us as a test subject? Do they think we're pushovers? The Gunners, driven by their quest to secure a top-four finish, were formidable when provoked. Within 34 minutes of the first half, Arsenal surprisingly took a 2-0 lead over the reigning champions, with Cazorla contributing a goal and an assist.

This unexpected result shocked everyone. Manchester City fans at the stadium couldn't believe their eyes, thinking the score was surely reversed. Even the small contingent of traveling Arsenal fans was incredulous. What was going on? Were the Gunners finally rising? Leading the seven-time champions Manchester City by two goals at their home ground—was this real?

On the sidelines, Arsenal manager Wenger clenched his fists, trembling with excitement as Giroud headed in the second goal from Cazorla's assist. This season, with other teams heavily investing in their squads, Arsenal faced greater challenges. Their record in head-to-head matches against strong teams was poor, failing to win against Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, only managing a draw against Liverpool. This dismal record against strong teams had dropped Arsenal out of the top four, and they were struggling to secure a Champions League spot.

A victory in this match would not only bring them valuable three points but also end the embarrassing record of not winning an away game against the reigning champions since 2002. After the initial joy, Wenger forced himself to remain calm. It wasn't time to celebrate yet. The first half wasn't over, and they were facing Manchester City, the reigning champions. Manchester City was a formidable team, and they had players like Lin Quan who could single-handedly change the course of the game. A slight lapse could erase their current lead in no time.

...

On Manchester City's bench, Guardiola was getting restless. He had made some changes to the team's lineup and formation for this match, which had decreased the team's ability to intercept in the midfield. Additionally, the absence of Yaya Touré and the fact that Kroos was just returning from injury and not yet at his best affected the team's midfield strength.

Arsenal, on the other hand, was playing exceptionally well. Their passing and movement were not only elegant but also highly coordinated, making it difficult for City to defend against. Particularly, their attacks from the wings exposed the weaknesses in City's flank defense. However, the critical issue was the midfield battle, where Cazorla was incredibly active, making significant plays in dangerous areas.

Realizing this, Guardiola made bold adjustments. He moved City's defensive line forward, positioning captain Kompany as a sweeper at the back. Simultaneously, he made changes in the midfield by having the wingers tuck inside, increasing the number of players in the midfield. This strategy opened up the wings but set up two lines of interception inside.

Seeing Guardiola's adjustments, Wenger frowned. Why would Guardiola make such changes? With the wingers tucked in, it became easier for Arsenal to attack from the wings, which was exactly how they had been breaking through City's defense. Guardiola's strategy seemed to expose City's soft underbelly to Arsenal's attack.

Wenger, unable to understand the tactic, decided to observe the situation for a while. His indecisiveness struck again; in such moments, one should either solidify the defense or exploit the opponent's exposed weaknesses aggressively. Simply staying put while the opponent adjusted was the worst choice, especially since he overlooked his team's vulnerability to pressure.

Arsenal, when playing smoothly, could be invincible. However, under pressure, especially away from home, they struggled to turn things around.

Guardiola's adjustments quickly paid off. In the 43rd minute of the first half, City crowded Cazorla in the midfield, successfully dispossessing him. Fernandinho quickly passed the ball to De Bruyne, who then passed to Lin Quan. With the wingers tucked inside, they were closer to Lin Quan, supporting his advance into Arsenal's half and enabling quick, effective combinations.

Arsenal's players hesitated, not opting for an immediate multi-player press on Lin Quan. His dribbling was too strong; if they failed to dispossess him, it would leave their defense wide open. The question was, without pressing him, how could they stop his advance?

The answer: they couldn't. Lin Quan dribbled past Ramsey and Koscielny, advancing into the box. Mertesacker, Monreal, and Bellerín's attention was fully on Lin Quan. However, instead of shooting, he passed the ball to the other side of the box, assisting Navas who scored. City quickly pulled one back, changing the score to 1-2.

After the goal, Navas and Lin Quan ran into the net to grab the ball, both reaching out almost simultaneously. "Come on, let's get another one before halftime!" Lin Quan let Navas take the ball, patting him on the shoulder. "Right, let's do it!"

While City's morale soared, Arsenal's players became agitated after conceding. City's attack wasn't particularly complex, relying on a quick counter. Yet, Arsenal, having experienced the attack firsthand, felt a twinge of fear. City's attack was too fast and simple, involving only three forward passes before scoring. Arsenal had failed to limit any of these critical passes.

On the sidelines, Wenger pondered how to counter City's counterattacks. During the recent attack, De Bruyne and Lin Quan's passes were crucial. Lin Quan not only made the final assist but also drove the ball forward and drew defenders' attention. From near the center circle to the penalty area, Arsenal let him advance nearly 30 meters unchallenged. This was unacceptable. Simply fouling or stopping him would have prevented the goal.

However, stopping Lin Quan was easier said than done. Real Madrid and Barcelona knew his threat but couldn't contain him either. So, Wenger dismissed the impractical idea of stopping Lin Quan and focused on De Bruyne. Limiting De Bruyne's passing could reduce City's offensive threat. Wenger immediately adjusted, intensifying the defense on De Bruyne.

The change quickly took effect, decreasing De Bruyne's touches and passes. However, the overall situation worsened. With De Bruyne marked, another player stepped up—Kroos, who had previously underperformed. In stoppage time of the first half, City capitalized on another Arsenal mistake. Receiving Lin Quan's pass at the edge of the box, Kroos fired a long shot, scoring City's second goal.

Within minutes, City had scored twice, shaking Arsenal's confidence. For Arsenal players, City's goals seemed as effortless as eating or drinking. Their hard-earned lead vanished in minutes, making them question their ability to beat a strong team like City.

When Arsenal's players started doubting themselves, a collapse was imminent. In the second half, City continued their relentless attacks, repeatedly threatening Arsenal's goal, while Arsenal's counterattacks lost their initial creativity and effectiveness. Without inventive and coordinated passing, they couldn't breach City's defense.

The match ended 5-2, with Arsenal squandering a two-goal lead to lose the three points they should have secured. Post-match, photos surfaced online showing Wenger, silver-haired and carrying a suitcase, having fallen in a Manchester subway station, being helped up by security.

These images sparked widespread discussion. "Poor professor, that looks like a bad fall!" "He must be upset about the loss, and the slippery floor didn't help." "Heartbreaking for Arsenal fans, losing like this is really tough." "Wenger has aged; his black hair turned white in just a few years!" "He's sacrificed so much for Arsenal. If he coached elsewhere, he wouldn't have these troubles." "Wenger looks like he can't hold on for many more years. It's really despairing for Arsenal fans to see no hope like this!" (End of chapter)