Chapter 139

"I've always respected the head referee, but tonight I have to say that Van Egmond's decision changed the game." 

Guus Hiddink didn't mince words during the post-match press conference. The PSV coach directed his frustration squarely at referee Dick van Egmond, whose decisions he believed had swung the game in Ajax's favor. 

"It was a foul, no doubt about that," Hiddink continued, clearly irritated. "But he had a choice: a red card or a penalty. Instead, he gave both—a red card and a penalty. That was a terrible call, and from that moment on, the game was out of our hands." 

Hiddink's pointed remarks made it clear he believed the referee's decision had unjustly influenced the outcome of the match. The implication was clear: PSV had suffered a major blow at their home ground, and in his view, the referee had shown favoritism towards Ajax. 

Ronald Koeman, sitting across the room, wasn't about to let that stand. The Ajax coach quickly countered, defending the referee's decision. 

"Van Egmond made the correct call," Koeman asserted firmly. "Alex was the last defender, and when he reached out and grabbed Yang Yang's jersey, he knew exactly what he was doing—it was a tactical foul. At that point, there was no way he could stop Yang Yang from breaking through." 

Koeman was confident that the referee's decision to send off Alex and award a penalty was justified. He further dismissed any claims that Van Egmond had been biased in favor of Ajax. 

"In the second half, we received three yellow cards," Koeman pointed out. "Does that sound like special treatment to you?" 

His meaning was clear: the referee had maintained a balance in his decisions throughout the match. 

When asked about Yang Yang's performance, Koeman couldn't hide his satisfaction. "I can't ask for anything more from him," he said, praising the young forward. "He exceeded all my expectations tonight. Yang Yang has become an indispensable player for us." 

Koeman went on to say that what impressed him most about Yang Yang was his potential for growth. "The most remarkable thing about him is that he still has so much room to improve. We all believe he's going to keep getting better and better in the coming years." 

Even as the opposing coach, Hiddink couldn't help but acknowledge Yang Yang's impact on the game. When asked about Ajax's key player, the PSV coach admitted that the teenager had been their most dangerous threat. 

"I told my players repeatedly, both before and during the game, to keep an eye on Yang Yang, to shut him down, and not allow him to get involved in Ajax's attacks," Hiddink said with a resigned tone. "But despite their best efforts, they couldn't stop him." 

Yang Yang's performance had clearly left an impression, not just on the fans and media, but also on PSV's seasoned manager. For an 18-year-old, it was a standout showing. 

However, Hiddink was quick to temper the praise. "Yang Yang was outstanding tonight, no question," he conceded. "But it's too early to say whether he'll become the most lethal winger in the Netherlands, like Robben." 

With that comment, Hiddink acknowledged Yang Yang's talent while reminding everyone that the road to greatness was still long and challenging. Nonetheless, it was clear to all in attendance that Yang Yang's star was on the rise, and his performance in this Dutch derby had cemented his place as one of Ajax's most promising talents. 

... 

... 

The war of words between the two famous Dutch coaches, Guus Hiddink and Ronald Koeman, quickly became the focal point of media coverage across the Netherlands. However, the real story of the Dutch national derby was Yang Yang. His two-goal performance not only secured Ajax a crucial win but also captured the attention of football fans throughout the Netherlands and across Europe. 

Ajax's season had been a rollercoaster. From two wins and a draw in August, to a rough patch in September and October with two draws and two losses, including consecutive defeats in the Champions League, the team had been inconsistent. However, the recent run of three straight victories had given Ajax new life, and Yang Yang had emerged as a key figure during this resurgence. 

In their coverage, De Telegraaf highlighted the growing importance of Yang Yang to Ajax in the wake of Zlatan Ibrahimović's and Rafael van der Vaart's departures. They noted how Yang Yang was quickly becoming the team's most influential player, while being fundamentally different from his predecessors. 

"Neither Ibrahimović nor Van der Vaart were known for their work ethic," the paper reported. "The Swedish striker was often criticized for his lack of defensive effort and limited movement in the attacking third, while Van der Vaart was infamous for fading after 70 minutes. Despite their immense talent, both players struggled with consistency." 

"Yang Yang, however, is a completely different story. His raw talent may seem modest at first glance, but he continually surprises on the field. His dribble past Young-Pyo Lee with a Marseille turn and his ability to break through Phillip Cocu's defense showed that he possesses flair when necessary." 

"Yang Yang doesn't rely on flashy footwork like Ibrahimović, nor does he have the same creative spark as Van der Vaart, but he favors simplicity and effectiveness, making him a more reliable presence on the pitch. This has led to a common misconception that he lacks talent." 

The report further emphasized Yang Yang's relentless work ethic, which set him apart from his predecessors. "Yang Yang is known for his dedication. Every time he steps onto the pitch, he gives 100%. His stamina and running capacity are exceptional, and he executes his tactical responsibilities with precision. In just eight days, he played three matches in different continents, covering 20,000 kilometers of travel while representing his national team—an impressive feat by any standard." 

"Since returning to Ajax, he has been instrumental in three consecutive victories in a demanding week of fixtures," De Telegraaf added. 

According to inside sources from within the Ajax dressing room, Yang Yang was gaining more and more respect from his teammates. Compared to Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart, he was seen as a leader in a more traditional sense—consistent, hard-working, and reliable. His leadership qualities were becoming more apparent as he carried the team through difficult moments. 

In addition to the Dutch media, international outlets like Kyodo Daily and People's Daily also heaped praise on Yang Yang's performance in the national derby, calling him one of Ajax's rising stars. 

Meanwhile, media outlets in China followed the Dutch national derby with great interest, framing it as a direct battle between Chinese and South Korean players. Before the match, South Korean media had confidently predicted strong performances from their stars, particularly Park Ji-sung and Young-Pyo Lee. But in the end, both players struggled to make an impact, with Young-Pyo Lee especially overwhelmed by Yang Yang's performance. 

Yang Yang's dominant display, which contributed directly to both of Ajax's goals, made him the focus of Chinese media's praise. In contrast, the South Korean media was forced to reckon with the disappointing performances of their players. Young-Pyo Lee, who had been tasked with containing Yang Yang, had a torrid time on the pitch, and his failure to do so played a key role in PSV conceding twice. 

The Chinese media highlighted the contrast between the two nations' players, celebrating Yang Yang's success as a victory for Chinese football. Fans in China were quick to point out how Yang Yang had outshone his South Korean counterparts in one of the most important fixtures in Dutch football. 

On the other side, South Korean media reacted with dismay. PSV's defeat, Park Ji-sung's invisibility during the match, and Young-Pyo Lee's defensive lapses led to a wave of criticism. The defeat stung even more, as the Korean media had entered the match with high hopes, only to be humbled by Yang Yang's stellar performance. 

... 

... 

The next morning, as was his custom, Yang Yang arrived at De Toekomst more than an hour ahead of the scheduled training time. Despite the intense match against PSV the previous night and a late flight back to Amsterdam, he showed no signs of fatigue. Instead, he headed straight to the gym, moving through his warm-up routine with a sense of purpose. 

By the time Winston Bogarde arrived, Yang Yang had already completed his full warm-up and was preparing for strength training. 

"Last night you played against Eindhoven, flew back to Amsterdam overnight, and yet you're up this early?" Bogarde asked, clearly surprised by Yang Yang's dedication. 

The two had only been working together for about a week, but Yang Yang had already made a lasting impression on the former defender. What stood out most was the young player's relentless work ethic and focus. 

Yang Yang laughed as he adjusted the equipment. "I'm driven by the desire to get stronger as quickly as possible. That's what keeps me going." 

As they spoke, Yang Yang positioned himself at the Smith machine for his bench press routine. Although he was still a novice when it came to strength training, and the bar only carried 30 kilograms, maintaining balance was difficult for him. The bar wobbled slightly as he tried to control the weight, making the Smith machine a necessary assistant. 

Bogarde quickly moved to Yang Yang's side, observing him closely. The young winger lay back on the bench, gripping the barbell with both hands. His movements, though still a bit shaky, were technically sound. Each repetition was performed with precision, and Bogarde nodded silently in approval. 

Yang Yang's ability to absorb information and apply it quickly made him an exceptional learner. In just a short time, he had mastered the basics of strength training and was now steadily improving his form. 

However, due to Yang Yang's age, Bogarde was careful not to push him too hard. The focus was on gradual progress, building strength step by step. Bogarde also understood Yang Yang's desire not to bulk up too quickly—he wanted to maintain his agility and natural physique. 

After completing a set of eight reps on the bench press, Yang Yang took a short break before moving on to squats, deadlifts, and upper-arm training. Just like with the bench press, the weight wasn't heavy, and the primary goal was to perfect his technique. The intensity of the training would increase gradually. 

Throughout the session, Bogarde remained by Yang Yang's side, both as a guide and a safety measure. His instructions were brief but precise, ensuring that Yang Yang's form was correct, while also keeping an eye on his progress to make adjustments as needed. 

After about half an hour of weight training, Yang Yang took a brief rest before jumping on a stationary bike for some cardio. Bogarde, standing nearby, couldn't help but admire the young player's work ethic. 

From his first day at Ajax, Bogarde had heard whispers about Yang Yang's dedication. Teammates and coaches alike spoke of his relentless pursuit of improvement. Yang Yang wasn't content with just completing regular training sessions; he would go above and beyond, often practicing long after everyone else had left. 

Yang Yang had even told Bogarde that he ran three laps around Oude Kerk Lake every morning before heading to De Toekomst. After morning training, if time permitted, he'd practice ball control against a wall in one of the training grounds' corners. In the afternoons, he would swim, and after the scheduled sessions with the team, he would stay back for individual drills, often working on his first touch and ball retention in tight spaces. 

It was said that this extra training had significantly improved his ball control in recent weeks, especially in pressure situations. 

At first, Bogarde had been skeptical. He couldn't believe that a 17-year-old, soon to be 18, could possess such unwavering discipline and willpower. But now, seeing Yang Yang in action day after day, he had no choice but to believe it. 

Training Yang Yang was easy in many ways. He absorbed information quickly, remembered instructions, and executed them without hesitation. Bogarde never had to worry about Yang Yang cutting corners or skipping exercises; the young player followed every plan meticulously, always pushing himself to his limits. 

When the cycling session came to an end, Bogarde handed Yang Yang a large glass of nutrient-rich shake. After such intense training, proper nutrition was essential to help his body recover and build strength. Yang Yang needed to increase his muscle mass, albeit slowly, to match the physical demands of professional football. 

As always, Yang Yang wrinkled his nose at the sight of the drink, holding it up reluctantly. But, without complaint, he pinched his nose and downed the entire glass in one go. 

"I'll see you later, Winston," Yang Yang said after a short break, wiping his brow before heading for the locker room. 

"See you at noon," Bogarde replied, his tone calm but respectful. 

Outside of training, the two didn't engage in much conversation. It wasn't that they didn't get along—both were just the type to let their work do the talking. Bogarde, in particular, was a man of few words, preferring to focus on the task at hand rather than idle chatter. 

As Yang Yang left the gym, Bogarde couldn't help but reflect on the progress he had seen in such a short amount of time. Every day, Yang Yang improved just a little bit more, his skills and strength building gradually. And Bogarde knew that those small gains would accumulate over time, transforming Yang Yang into an even more formidable player. 

Little by little, Yang Yang was laying the foundation for something remarkable. 

... 

... 

Ajax shocked the Dutch football world with a stunning 2-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in an intense away match. The win was a major statement, reinforcing Ajax's resurgence in the Eredivisie and sending a clear message to the league's top contenders. 

After nine matches in the league, Ajax had climbed to sixth place, their recent two-game winning streak boosting them to 15 points. They were now just seven points behind second-placed PSV, a significant gap but one that felt more manageable given Ajax's current form. 

At the top of the standings, Feyenoord continued their dominant run with a 4-0 victory, leapfrogging PSV to take the lead in the Eredivisie with 25 points. Feyenoord's attacking duo, Salomon Kalou and Dirk Kuyt, were proving unstoppable. Kalou led the league with nine goals, while Kuyt followed closely with eight, making them the top two scorers. 

In third place on the scoring charts were Heerenveen's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and PSV's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, each with six goals. 

Yang Yang, meanwhile, had netted four goals so far this season, already improving on his performance from last year. Though he wasn't among the top scorers in the league, he still found himself in the top ten—a significant achievement for the young winger. In addition to his four goals, Yang Yang had also registered four assists in the Eredivisie. His contributions extended beyond the league, with one goal and one assist in the UEFA Champions League and another goal in the European Super Cup. 

This brought Yang Yang's total for the season to six goals across all competitions, making him Ajax's top scorer at this stage of the campaign. His tally had already surpassed his total from the first half of last season, further proof of his rapid development. 

While stats alone didn't capture the full extent of Yang Yang's influence on the pitch, they did reflect his growing impact. More importantly, his goals had directly led to five of Ajax's victories. Each one of his strikes had been crucial, often deciding matches in Ajax's favor. 

His brace against PSV was particularly significant, not only securing a vital win but also cementing his status as a key player for Ajax. With every standout performance, Yang Yang's reputation continued to grow, elevating him to a new level of recognition within Dutch football. 

The morning after the victory over Eindhoven, Yang Yang arrived at De Toekomst for training. To his surprise, a crowd of 20 to 30 Ajax fans had gathered outside the training ground. Many of them were wearing Ajax jerseys emblazoned with his number 11 and carrying banners in support of their new star. 

For the first time in his career, Yang Yang had a group of fans showing up specifically to see him. It was a surreal moment—his rise in popularity was now unmistakable. 

This fan reception was especially significant considering it came in the aftermath of the departures of two of Ajax's former stars, Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Yang Yang was beginning to fill the void they had left, not only on the pitch but also in the hearts of Ajax supporters. 

As he approached the training ground, Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The journey had been tough, filled with challenges and hard work, but moments like these made it all worth it. He smiled at the fans, waved, and then focused his mind on the day's training. 

His work was far from done—there was still much to achieve—but the support of the Ajax faithful gave him renewed motivation to keep pushing forward. 

... 

... 

Arie van Eijden, the managing director of Ajax's board of directors, accompanied Marco van Basten, head coach of the Dutch national team, from the Amsterdam Arena to De Toekomst. Van Basten's tenure as national team coach had been solid so far, yielding positive results in the World Cup qualifiers. The Netherlands had defeated the Czech Republic 2-0, secured a 2-2 away draw against Macedonia, and won 3-1 at home against Finland. All in all, Van Basten's leadership had given Dutch football fans reason to be optimistic. 

Today, Van Basten's visit to De Toekomst was to observe the Ajax players' form firsthand. As they stepped into the training facility, accompanied by van Eijden, they were greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic fans. To their surprise, many of them wore Yang Yang's number 11 shirt and had gathered to show their support. 

This unexpected sight caused Van Basten and van Eijden to exchange a glance of surprise. 

"I didn't expect Yang Yang to gain such popularity with the fans this quickly," Van Basten remarked, clearly impressed by the growing admiration for the young player. 

As Van Basten thought back to the first time he had seen Yang Yang last summer, a fond smile crept across his face. Yang Yang had stood out during his time under Van Basten's leadership, showing remarkable potential. 

"He's exactly the type of player the team needs right now," van Eijden said with a smile. 

Van Basten nodded in agreement but added a note of caution. "What we're more concerned about is how the local fans perceive him. You know, for years, Ajax's leaders have come from our own youth academy." 

By UEFA's official regulations, Yang Yang qualified as an Ajax youth product, but technically speaking, he wasn't homegrown in the traditional sense. In fact, he wasn't even a product of Almere's youth system, having only been in the Netherlands for two years. 

Ajax's flag-bearers had historically been homegrown talents, from Johan Cruyff to Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluivert. Even during the internal dispute between Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimović, the club had chosen to side with Van der Vaart, largely because he was seen as "one of their own." 

But the dynamics at Ajax had shifted. The squad now had an increasing number of foreign players. While local talents still dominated the locker room, their influence had diminished somewhat. Since Van der Vaart's departure, there hadn't been a clear figure to step into the role of team leader. 

Wesley Sneijder, a candidate to fill that role, was held back by his temperament and positional demands on the field. Ryan Babel, once considered a rising star, had been overshadowed by the meteoric rise of Yang Yang. 

"The times are changing," van Eijden remarked. "Louis van Gaal's overhaul of the club has brought about significant changes, setting a new direction for us. It's forced us to reckon with the evolution of European football and what it means to compete at the highest level." 

Van Basten nodded thoughtfully, smiling as he remembered the shifts that had taken place at Ajax. "Over the years, players like Cristian Chivu, Jari Litmanen, Julien Escudé, and Tomáš Galásek have all served as captains, and they weren't local talents either. They led the team well, proving that following the trend of the times and making appropriate changes can be a good thing." 

Van Eijden agreed but maintained a sense of caution. "Of course, these transitions take time." 

Van Basten's brow furrowed slightly as he understood the nuance. Like all big clubs, Ajax had a deep and rich history, filled with legendary players who continued to wield influence, especially in the media. The rivalry between Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal last season had shown how the club was as much a battleground for ideas as it was for football. Van Gaal controlled the inner workings of the club, while Cruyff had the public's ear. 

"You're right," Van Basten replied. "Becoming a true flag-bearer for a club like Ajax isn't something that happens overnight. A player needs to prove not only that they have the talent but that they can handle the responsibility. Most importantly, they must have the leadership qualities to inspire the team." 

Leadership wasn't just about skill. A captain needed strength of character, support from the locker room, and the ability to command respect. A prime example was PSV's captain, Mark van Bommel. He wasn't necessarily the most talented player on the team, but his leadership was undeniable, and his presence had been cultivated through years of dedication to the club. 

"In Yang Yang's case, we'll need to have a conversation with his agent soon," van Eijden added with a slight grimace. 

His previous dealings with Mino Raiola, Yang Yang's agent, had been less than pleasant. Raiola was known for his tough negotiations, and Ajax had barely managed to secure Yang Yang's contract extension the last time they discussed terms. With Yang Yang's current performance, it was only a matter of time before Ajax would have to revisit the issue. 

"Raiola is never an easy negotiation," Van Basten said, shaking his head knowingly. 

Yang Yang's recent success meant that a contract renewal was now firmly on the agenda. If Ajax wanted to keep their rising star, they would have to act swiftly to ensure they could offer terms that matched his growing status and potential. The club was at a crossroads, and Yang Yang's role in the future of Ajax seemed to be growing with each passing day. 

... 

... 

"Why did you schedule a five-a-side small-group scrimmage at the end of training?" Van Basten asked Ronald Koeman and Ruud Krol with genuine curiosity as he observed the session on the training ground. 

Though an iconic player, Van Basten was still relatively new to coaching, and he found himself intrigued by many aspects of the profession. 

Typically, as the season progresses, teams tend to avoid intense small-sided games during training, primarily to minimize the risk of injuries. While simulating match conditions is crucial for maintaining sharpness, the last thing any coach wants is a key player getting injured in a training ground skirmish. 

With over 20 players in the first team, and two or three competing for each position, a single injury could drastically affect team dynamics and the lineup selection. So naturally, Van Basten was curious about this decision. 

"The atmosphere in the dressing room has been very positive," Koeman explained. "While there's competition among the players, it's healthy and well-managed. The local players and the foreign players are getting along better than ever. The team spirit is even stronger compared to last season. The players trust each other more." 

Koeman's reasoning made sense. The scrimmage wasn't just about training; it was about fostering teamwork and bonding. After all, competition within the squad was natural, but the trust between players was crucial for success. 

"Yang Yang missed pre-season training, and we have several new players in the squad. These small-scale scrimmages help to improve cooperation and understanding between them. The players have responded well to it," Koeman added. 

Van Basten nodded in agreement, but he also sensed another layer of reasoning behind this approach. The departure of both Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart had removed a significant source of tension within the team. Over the past two seasons, the locker room had been divided—Van der Vaart led the local contingent, while Ibrahimović, along with other foreign players like Tomáš Galásek, formed a separate group. 

With both of those stars gone, the division had dissolved, and the atmosphere within the Ajax squad had noticeably improved. 

Van Basten recalled hearing last season that while Yang Yang was considered part of the foreign group and had been close to Ibrahimović, he had also managed to build strong relationships with local players such as Van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder. This versatility in connecting with both groups seemed to have worked to Yang Yang's advantage, helping him to emerge as a unifying presence within the team. 

"That kid's basic skills have become rock solid, and his physical strength has improved significantly," Van Basten commented with a smile as he watched Yang Yang moving fluidly on the pitch. 

Ruud Krol chuckled. "He's been asking to focus more on strength training lately. He's been arriving at the gym an hour before everyone else every day." 

"Really?" Van Basten raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. The dedication required to maintain such a rigorous training schedule was a testament to Yang Yang's perseverance and determination. It wasn't just about natural talent—his commitment to hard work was what truly set him apart. 

A pang of regret briefly crossed Van Basten's mind. If only Yang Yang hadn't already committed to playing for the Chinese national team, he might have considered drafting him into the Dutch national squad. The thought of pairing him with Arjen Robben on the wings was tantalizing—the two together could have formed a devastatingly effective attack, elevating the Netherlands' offensive power to another level. 

But it wasn't to be. Yang Yang had chosen to represent China, his homeland, and Van Basten respected that decision, even if it meant missing out on such a talented player for the Dutch national team. 

"Shame," Van Basten said with a sigh. "He could have been a real asset for us." 

Koeman and Krol exchanged knowing smiles, fully aware of the untapped potential Yang Yang had, not only for Ajax but on the international stage. Nevertheless, they were grateful to have him in their squad, where his growing influence was undeniable. 

Yang Yang, focused and diligent as ever, continued to train hard, embodying the work ethic and dedication that had quickly made him one of the most respected players at Ajax. 

... 

... 

As the team's training session wrapped up and Yang Yang walked off the pitch, exhausted but satisfied, he noticed Marco van Basten standing on the sidelines, waving at him with a friendly smile. 

"Hey, Marco! Long time no see," Yang Yang greeted, making his way over. 

"Yeah, it's been a while," Van Basten replied, his eyes scanning Yang Yang's physique with a thoughtful nod. "I can see you've made progress. Your conditioning has improved, but it's still not quite where it could be. A stronger body will allow you to be even more effective on the field." 

Yang Yang grinned, appreciating the observation. "I know. I've been putting in the work." 

"I've heard," Van Basten said, his tone encouraging. "Keep it up. Right now, there's a big opportunity in front of you. You just need to stay focused and seize it." 

Yang Yang could sense the deeper meaning behind Van Basten's words. He was well aware of his situation within the team, as well as Ajax's current standing. Although he hadn't been thinking too far ahead, he realized that if he continued on this path, there could be significant rewards waiting for him. 

The two continued to chat, with Yang Yang asking Van Basten for advice on training and competition. Van Basten, as always, was open and forthcoming, sharing insights from his legendary career. Many of the questions that had been bothering Yang Yang for a long time—small tactical details, technical adjustments—were quickly clarified by the former Dutch striker's wisdom. 

For Yang Yang, these moments were invaluable. Speaking to someone of Van Basten's stature, who had achieved so much in his career, often provided solutions to problems that had seemed unsolvable. 

After a warm conversation, they finally said their goodbyes. But instead of heading straight back to the locker room, Yang Yang did what had become his routine—he walked over to a quiet corner of the training ground for an extra half-hour of solo drills. He knew that his technical skills needed constant refinement, and he wasn't about to let an opportunity slip by without squeezing in a little more practice. 

By the time Yang Yang returned to the dressing room, it was already empty. The rest of the team had long since left, and the space felt quiet and still. 

He didn't mind. He was used to being the last one in. After a quick shower, he opened his locker to get dressed, but something on his phone screen caught his eye—a new text message. It was from Su Ye, all the way back in China. 

"Happy birthday, Yang Yang!" the message read. 

Yang Yang stared at the words for a moment, feeling a sudden warmth spread through him. It was only then that he remembered—it was his birthday today. 

He chuckled to himself, realizing how absorbed he'd been in training and improving himself that he'd forgotten entirely about his own special day. But the message from Su Ye brought a smile to his face. It was a small gesture, but it reminded him of the support and connections that spanned across continents. 

Still smiling, Yang Yang put his phone down and finished getting dressed. It had been a long day, but there was something fulfilling about knowing he was steadily moving forward—both in his career and in life.