A reality check

After savoring his recent successes, Yang Yang continued to make frequent and incisive breakthroughs down the right wing. Each time he received the ball, his eyes quickly scanned the field, assessing the situation with precision. He would then drive the ball forward, utilizing his dribbling prowess to unsettle the opposition and create opportunities. Yang Yang's technique frequently saw him delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area or passing back to his teammates to orchestrate a fresh wave of attack.

Under Yang Yang's strategic influence, Ajax's offensive play became exceptionally dynamic, with the right flank emerging as the primary avenue of attack. The ball would often be played down the right side to Yang Yang by Krohn-Deli or Maduro, their intentions clear: to exploit the space Yang Yang so effectively created.

This tactical approach was in perfect harmony with Van Basten's game plan. Yang Yang's ability to draw defenders toward him created valuable space for Babel on the left and Fred Benson in the center. With defenders preoccupied, Babel and Benson had the freedom to advance, while Krohn-Deli and Maduro provided crucial support, initiating secondary waves of attack.

In the thirty-eighth minute, Yang Yang once again showcased his skill on the right flank. After skillfully evading defender Leo Ramos, he spotted an opportunity and executed a perfectly measured diagonal pass with his right foot. The ball sailed through Jong Vitesse's defense and landed precisely in the penalty area.

Fred Benson, demonstrating sharp anticipation, positioned himself swiftly to intercept the ball. Without hesitation, he made a precise cross to the left where Babel, ready and waiting, struck it with confidence.

3-0.

Ajax's relentless assault had once more breached Jong Vitesse's defenses, solidifying their dominance.

The most elated player on the pitch was Babel. With a brace to his name, he finally felt vindicated and was able to regain his stature as a key figure in the team. His performance was a testament to his resilience and skill.

Yet, beneath the surface of the celebrations, a subtle tension simmered. Babel, the Dutch-Surinamese talent, seemed to harbor a grudge against Yang Yang. Even as the team celebrated their success, Babel's body language suggested a deliberate, albeit subtle, distancing from Yang Yang. In turn, Yang Yang appeared indifferent, showing no inclination to participate in the post-goal revelry with his teammate.

The first half concluded with Ajax leading 3-0. As the players gathered in the dressing room, Van Basten took the opportunity to praise their performance and motivate them for the second half. His focus remained particularly on Yang Yang.

"In the second half, we will maintain our emphasis on attacking the right flank. It's evident that Leo Ramos is struggling to contain you on their left side. We must exploit this weakness to further dismantle their defense," Van Basten instructed.

Yang Yang nodded in agreement, reflecting on the misfortune of Leo Ramos having to face him. Professional football, after all, is a game where the strong often rise by capitalizing on the weaknesses of the less fortunate.

To avoid becoming a mere stepping stone for others, Yang Yang understood the necessity of continually improving his own game. Strength and resilience were key to advancing in the competitive world of football.

As the teams switched ends for the second half, Jong Ajax continued to assert their dominance over Jong Vitesse. Yang Yang was tireless on the right wing, whether it was dribbling past defenders to disrupt their formations or delivering precise crosses to wreak havoc in the penalty area.

The synergy between Yang Yang and Krohn-Deli in the center was evident and impressive. Their frequent and effective interactions were not only noted by Van Basten but also received enthusiastic approval from the fans on the touchline.

Despite this being only Yang Yang's second game with the team, his performance was proving to be a remarkable revelation.

In response to the mounting pressure, Jong Vitesse made tactical adjustments. They substituted one of their strikers for a central defender and shifted to a five-man defense, with three central defenders anchoring the backline. This change often saw Yang Yang facing two defenders at once, somewhat diminishing his opportunities for impact.

Nevertheless, Yang Yang remained vigilant, continuously seeking out opportunities to exploit and posing a persistent threat to the opposition.

In the sixty-first minute, Yang Yang executed another brilliant breakthrough down the right flank. Using a series of skillful step-overs, he deftly evaded a defender before delivering a precise cross into the box. Fred Benson, positioned well, was the first to reach the ball, but his attempt was thwarted by an opposing defender, resulting in the ball being cleared out for a corner.

Ajax had won a corner kick.

As Krohn-Deli approached the corner flag, Yang Yang suddenly moved in his direction.

"Let me take this one," Yang Yang said with enthusiasm.

Jong Ajax had previously taken several corner kicks in the match, but with little success. Neither Babel nor Fred Benson excelled in aerial duels, and the primary aerial threat had been Lindgren. This situation had made it relatively easy for the opposition to defend against Ajax's corner kicks.

Krohn-Deli looked at Yang Yang, surprised. "You want to take the corner?"

"Yes, I'd like to give it a go," Yang Yang replied with a confident smile.

Although Yang Yang had never taken a corner kick in an official match before, he had been diligently practicing Beckham's techniques. His crosses during the game had already shown promise, and he was eager to apply his skills in this new context.

Krohn-Deli, impressed by Yang Yang's determination, considered it for a moment before nodding in agreement.

He then glanced over to the touchline to gauge Van Basten's reaction. The coach, watching intently, gave his approval with a nod. Van Basten had already instructed De Mul to begin warming up, anticipating Yang Yang's imminent substitution.

"Let him try," Van Basten said, his curiosity piqued by the prospect of Yang Yang's corner kick.

"Just make sure you don't kick it out of bounds," Witzger joked, adding a light-hearted remark.

Van 't Schip, however, had a more positive outlook. "I'm confident he'll manage to get the ball into the box."

Despite the encouragement, neither coach expected Yang Yang to create a significant threat with his first corner kick. The team's expectations were tempered by the fact that this was a new experience for the young player.

There are many similarities between corner kicks and crosses, yet distinct differences set them apart.

Without explicit instructions from the coach, Yang Yang took the initiative to request the corner kick, provided it wasn't perceived as overly presumptuous.

On the pitch, Yang Yang could only speculate about the coach's thoughts. His request for the corner kick had been spontaneous—an opportunity he wanted to seize. After receiving Van Basten's approval, he quickly made his way to the corner flag.

It was a left-side corner. Following the routine, Yang Yang placed the ball within the corner arc near the flagpole and then slowly retreated, aligning himself with the goal line. He carefully assessed the ball's position and the alignment with the goal.

He observed an intriguing detail: the corner arc and the goal line were in a straight line, with a linesman positioned to monitor the goal line, clearly tasked with determining if the ball went out of bounds.

This was one of the key differences between a corner kick and a cross.

Yang Yang felt a pang of uncertainty about playing a curling ball. If it went out of bounds, it would be a significant mistake, so he quickly decided to opt for a more straightforward approach, aiming for a long, driven pass instead.

As Yang Yang deliberated over his approach, Thomas Vermaelen, stationed in the penalty area, noticed Yang Yang preparing to take the corner. His pulse quickened—this was a routine they had practiced extensively in training sessions.

The key difference this time was that it was a corner kick rather than a cross.

Understanding this, Vermaelen decided to reposition himself, swapping places with Maduro to move to a spot behind the penalty area.

The Belgian defender kept a vigilant eye on Yang Yang, confident that his teammate would grasp the intended strategy.

Yang Yang indeed grasped Vermaelen's plan. After stepping back three paces, he raised his right hand and pointed with his index finger, signaling his intended move.

From a distance, Vermaelen nodded in acknowledgment, confirming that he understood.

As soon as the referee's whistle blew, Yang Yang took a deep breath, settled into his familiar rhythm, and approached the ball. With a firm planting of his left foot, he executed a swift, precise flick with his right.

The ball soared from Yang Yang's right foot in a perfect, curving arc towards the far post of the penalty area.

In the box, chaos reigned as defenders scrambled to track the ball's trajectory. Amid the confusion, an Ajax player, having anticipated the delivery, sprinted towards the far post. He leapt high in front of the post, preparing to head the ball.

Vermaelen, positioned as planned, felt the ball drawing nearer. Despite it being Yang Yang's first attempt at a corner kick, he delivered the ball precisely to the spot they had rehearsed. Vermaelen rose majestically to meet it with his head.

The ball struck Vermaelen's forehead with precision, rocketing into the opposite corner of the net. The goalkeeper, caught off guard by the perfectly executed delivery, had no chance to react.

4-0!!!

The stadium erupted in deafening cheers.

"Woooooo!!!!!" The roar of the crowd was exhilarating.

As he descended back to the ground, Vermaelen raised his arms in triumph, his face beaming with joy. He sprinted out of the penalty area towards Yang Yang, dropping to his knees in front of him in a gesture of profound respect and excitement.

The goal marked a significant milestone for Vermaelen—it was his first goal for Ajax.

As a centre-back, Vermaelen understood the rarity and difficulty of scoring. To achieve this feat after only two games was a moment of pure elation and fulfillment.

The referee's whistle confirmed the goal, and the fans' jubilation filled the air. The celebration was a testament to Ajax's dominance and Vermaelen's exhilarating achievement.

Yang Yang was equally elated. He dropped to his knees in front of Vermaelen and enveloped him in a warm embrace, celebrating the successful execution of their meticulously practiced routine. The goal was a flawless testament to Vermaelen's precise positioning and exceptional heading ability.

Ajax's teammates quickly gathered around, their excitement palpable. Krohn-Deli, with a mischievous grin, playfully punched Yang Yang on the shoulder and teased, "Trying to steal my corner kick duties, are we?"

Soon, the Danish midfielder joined the joyous celebration, enthusiastically embracing both Yang Yang and Vermaelen. The camaraderie among the young players was evident, their energy and passion for the game shining through. For Ajax's youthful squad, winning and savoring each moment of the match was paramount.

Van Basten and his two assistants watched the scene unfold, their expressions a mixture of surprise and delight. Even Van 't Schip, who had placed his trust in Yang Yang, had not anticipated such a profound impact from his first corner kick.

"Should we commend Vermaelen's positioning for the header, or the exceptional quality of the corner?" Witzger quipped with a wry smile, adding a touch of humor to the moment.

Van Basten and Van 't Schip exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter. The exact source of credit was secondary; the crucial outcome was Ajax's goal and the overall success of their performance.

As the celebrations continued, Van Basten made a strategic substitution. Having given Yang Yang thirty minutes in the previous game, he now wanted to afford De Mul a similar opportunity. This decision had been made in advance, considering Yang Yang's young age of just 16. While training was essential, it was equally important to avoid overburdening him with excessive playing time.

De Mul, however, was less than thrilled about his substitution. He was acutely aware that Yang Yang's impressive performances had intensified competition for the right wing position. This heightened competition made securing a regular spot in the starting lineup increasingly challenging for him.

...

...

The game concluded with a resounding 4-0 victory for Ajax.

Following Yang Yang's substitution, De Mul found it challenging to sustain the attacking momentum on the right wing. Although the Belgian right-winger showcased commendable speed and individual flair, his crosses lacked the necessary incisiveness to pose a significant threat. Babel and Fred Benson, despite their best efforts, struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, revealing a shortfall in their ability to capitalize on crosses.

This issue extends beyond the youth team, affecting the first team as well. For instance, Ibrahimovic, despite his dominance in the penalty area, is not the type of striker akin to Kluivert. Ajax's youth system also lacks a similar prolific striker, which led to the club's decision to sign Wesley Sonck during the summer transfer window. Although Sonck stands at only 1.85 meters tall, his impressive goalscoring record—scoring 13, 30, and 24 goals over the past three seasons—justified Ajax's substantial six-million-euro investment in him.

In the second team, Babel and Fred Benson face analogous challenges. Their inability to finish chances and assert dominance in the box remains a significant concern.

Nevertheless, Ajax continues to be a formidable force. Their second-string squad, brimming with young talent from across the globe, demonstrated their capability by decisively defeating Vitesse 4-0.

As it was a home game, the team, led by captain Zwinkels, expressed their gratitude to the fans, adhering to the tradition observed by many European teams. The supporters, including devoted Ajax fans and players' families, responded with enthusiastic applause.

After the match, Yang Yang met his uncle Shen Ming, engaged in a conversation with Ibrahimovic and Maxwell, and spotted Helena from a distance before heading to the dressing room.

Instead of joining his teammates for the customary post-match shower and change, Yang Yang opted to clean up and continue training on his own behind the fence until sunset.

Back at De Toekmost, Vermaelen and Maxwell had already ordered takeaway and were dining while awaiting Yang Yang's return. Ibrahimovic had taken Helena elsewhere, leaving the remaining trio to reflect on the Swedish striker's seemingly good fortune.

After finishing their meal, Maxwell departed early. Unlike many Brazilian players, Maxwell avoided nightlife and parties. His preferred pastime was making long, late-night phone calls to his family back home. He was focused on securing a new contract and hoped to bring his family to Amsterdam once his contract was renewed and his salary increased. His ultimate aspiration was to build a mansion for his relatives, a modest yet profoundly motivating goal for him.

Once everyone had left, Yang Yang packed up his belongings and retired to his room, using his studies as a pretext to excuse himself from the evening's social activities.

Reviewing his performance is a fundamental aspect of Yang Yang's routine in the Dream training system after every match and training session.

This process of review and analysis enables Yang Yang to clearly and intuitively pinpoint his issues, while Zax offers valuable suggestions for improvement. This feedback loop allows Yang Yang to swiftly rectify mistakes and address areas needing attention.

This method has substantially enhanced Yang Yang's understanding of the game within just a few months.

After completing a match against Jong Ajax, Yang Yang relied on his vivid memories to scrutinize his performance. He carefully assessed his errors and evaluated his strengths during the game.

He was particularly pleased with some of his successful crosses. His dedicated efforts to refine his Beckham-style skills, which he had been intensively practicing since his time in Almere, were starting to bear fruit. Although he has not yet reached Beckham's level, he is encouraged by his progress.

"Zax, what's your opinion? Is it time for me to start training a third star skill?" Yang Yang inquired, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

He has already set his sights on enhancing his first touch as his next major developmental focus. While he acknowledges that improving his shooting skill will require more time and effort, he remains committed to his growth.

Given the numerous areas he aims to improve, Yang Yang is fully aware that it will take considerable time to address each one effectively.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Yang Yang finished speaking, Zax's cold, clinical voice cut through his thoughts.

"Your crossing is far from perfect. For now, you don't need to start training a third star skill."

Yang Yang frowned in confusion. "Isn't it adequate?"

"It depends on the standards you set for yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"What are your aspirations?"

"Could you clarify?"

"If you're content with your current level at Jong Ajax, then your two existing star skills—those of Ronaldo and Beckham—are sufficient to maintain your position. However, if you aim for something greater, you need to continuously refine these skills, striving to surpass even the masters of these techniques."

"But I believe I've made significant progress recently," Yang Yang said earnestly.

He wasn't deluding himself or being complacent. He was aware that he still lagged behind his peers, but he genuinely felt that his crossing had improved notably. The evidence lay in his recent performance, where he had assisted numerous goals.

"That's because your opponents have been relatively weak."

"What do you mean?"

"There's no point in discussing this further. Let's move to practice. I'll simulate a scenario with a defender of Eredivisie quality to challenge you."

As Zax concluded, several players materialized within the Dream training system, setting up an offensive and defensive drill with Yang Yang.

Yang Yang continued to play as a right winger, now facing a defender with Eredivisie-level skills. His objective was to break through the defense and deliver crosses into the box to assist his teammates in scoring.

For the first time, Yang Yang found himself pitted against a defender of Eredivisie calibre in a simulated real-match scenario. Doubts crept into his mind—was Zax right about his inability to break through such formidable opposition?

Steeling himself, Yang Yang quickly refocused and drove the ball towards the defender. On his initial attempt, he found himself promptly dispossessed, unable to even initiate a cross.

Unfazed by this early setback, Yang Yang tried again. This time, he succeeded in maneuvering past his marker, only to be tackled from behind just as he was about to execute the cross. The abrupt disruption rendered his prior efforts futile.

Refusing to be deterred, Yang Yang rose to his feet and launched another assault. He successfully navigated past the defender once more, but soon noticed a disconcerting pattern: each time he broke through, the Eredivisie defender stayed hot on his heels. The defender's relentless pressure forced Yang Yang to adjust his pace, giving his opponent the split-second needed to block the cross.

What initially seemed like an isolated issue on his first attempt turned out to be a recurring problem. The defender's tenacity exposed a significant flaw in Yang Yang's game—while he could break through, maintaining control and delivering an accurate cross under persistent pressure proved exceedingly difficult.

Recognizing this, Yang Yang quickly revised his strategy. He tried maintaining his speed while crossing, but this approach compromised the quality of his delivery. Despite his best efforts, he repeatedly failed to deliver a precise ball into the box.

"Do you understand now?" Zax's cold voice pierced through Yang Yang's mounting frustration.

"My technique isn't good enough," Yang Yang admitted, his disheartened tone reflecting his realization.

"The opponents you've faced in the last two matches weren't strong, and their defenses were loose. They gave you too much time and space to adjust. But when you face stronger opponents, their defense will be more organized and relentless. Even if you manage to break through, they will stay glued to you."

"In such situations, do you think you'll have the luxury of adjusting your pace and rhythm?"

Zax's words resonated deeply with Yang Yang. He now saw the stark difference between lower-tier defenses and top-tier opposition. On television, Beckham's crosses might appear effortless, but in reality, the execution was far more demanding.

Facing a defender from the Eredivisie—a league several tiers below the Premier League—Yang Yang found himself struggling to adapt. Each time he adjusted his pace to cross, the defender was already closing in, allowing no time or space for careful adjustments.

In the high-paced Premier League, Beckham's high completion rate underscored his exceptional skill. Yang Yang, who had excelled against semi-professionals, now realized that his earlier sense of accomplishment was somewhat misplaced.

Perhaps his recent string of successes had made him overly confident.

Zax's lesson served as a cold splash of reality, reminding him of the rigorous standards required at higher levels of competition.

Yang Yang's determination reignited. He understood that to reach his goals, he would need to push beyond his current limits, continually refining his skills until they could stand up to the toughest competition.

If Yang Yang were content to remain in the second team, compete in the Dutch third division, or vie for the KNVB Cup, then his current skills would suffice. But was that really his only goal?

Joining the Ajax youth team and progressing to the second team were merely stepping stones. Was he truly satisfied with just playing under Van Basten?

Hadn't he always dreamed of breaking into the first team and even competing in the Champions League?

Van Basten was his idol, but Yang Yang aspired to carve out his own future.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling heavily, Yang Yang's eyes regained their firm, confident look.

"I understand, Zax. Thank you for waking me up," Yang Yang said resolutely.

"I only speak the truth," Zax replied.

"Then please continue in this fine tradition. Always tell me the hard truths if it helps me to improve. I will not be afraid to hear them," Yang Yang declared firmly.

"Understood," Zax agreed.

"From now on, we'll not only train Beckham's skills but also combine them with Ronaldo's techniques. We'll train both skills together, with the virtual defender set to Eredivisie level."

Since he had already faced challenges from defenders of that level, he would start by tackling them. Once he could handle regular Eredivisie players, he would set his sights on the best defenders in the Eredivisie and beyond.