The Scoring Race Continue

The moment Yang Yang's goal broke the deadlock, the game's momentum tilted heavily in China's favor. With a slim but precious 1-0 lead, the Chinese team shifted fully into a defensive posture, intent on holding onto their advantage. Arie Haan made timely substitutions, reinforcing the team's backline. Meanwhile, Iran's head coach, Ivankovic, scrambled to make attacking substitutions, desperate to claw back a goal. 

But the Iranian squad, frantic for an equalizer, soon fell into disarray, creating openings for China to launch dangerous counterattacks. Within the final half-hour, China managed three sharp counterattacks, each orchestrated by Yang Yang. Twice, he set up teammates for clear chances, but Zhao Junzhe's long-range shot and Xu Yunlong's attempt fell short. Yang Yang himself came close to a second goal, breaking through on a one-on-one only to see his shot deflected by the Iranian goalkeeper and pushed out for a corner, which ultimately posed no further threat. 

As the clock wound down, Iran grew increasingly desperate, throwing nearly every player forward in one last, chaotic assault. But their attempts were in vain; the Chinese defense held firm. At the final whistle, the scoreboard read 0-1, Yang Yang's goal standing as the difference-maker. 

The moment the game ended, a wave of furious booing filled Azadi Stadium, with fans hurling scraps of paper and debris toward the pitch in frustration. Yet a wide track separated the stands from the field, shielding the Chinese players from the worst of it. 

Yang Yang, exhausted but thrilled, couldn't help but laugh. "How's that for a victory soundtrack?" he shouted to his teammates. 

Zheng Zhi and the others burst out laughing with him. What had initially struck them as a wall of intimidating noise now felt like a reluctant acknowledgment from their opponents. The stadium's boos and jeers now sounded more like the roar of a celebration—albeit one begrudgingly given by the defeated. 

Looking at Yang Yang, his teammates were filled with admiration. Throughout the game, his presence had been their anchor, and his confidence had lifted them when they were flagging. He'd remained steady under pressure, using the first opportunity he'd had to score the winning goal. Of China's mere five shots on target, four had come from Yang Yang's foot—whether by his own shots or by chances he created for others. His stability and focus were unmatched. 

"Yang Yang, how do you stay so consistent?" asked Chen Tao, who'd been brought on late to experience the atmosphere of a high-stakes game. 

Yang Yang smiled, throwing an arm over Chen Tao's shoulders. "It's simple—practice. Lots and lots of practice." 

Noticing some skeptical looks from his teammates, he continued, "One of Ajax's coaches always tells me that hard training is the quickest path to success in football. If your basics aren't strong, you work on them relentlessly. If your talent isn't as great as others, you outwork them." 

"Our talent may not match our opponents, but if we aren't willing to work harder than them, we'll just keep falling behind," he added with conviction. 

As he spoke, memories of the Real Madrid stars flashed in Yang Yang's mind. Each one a powerhouse of talent, yet in many games, they failed to give their all. He recalled the match at the Bernabéu, where Real Madrid's attack had been an unstoppable force when their players pushed themselves, their movement and precision nearly impossible to counter. That was the power of talent combined with effort. But too often, Yang Yang saw these same stars hold back, not running, not pressing, not doing what it took to sustain that level. 

"Sometimes, even when you give everything, you'll still lose," Yang Yang said quietly. "But there's a difference between losing with everything left on the field and losing because you didn't give your best." 

His words struck a chord with his teammates, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose. Yang Yang's work ethic and resilience had pushed him to where he was, and now he was showing them the way forward too. 

... 

... 

February 9 – Lunar New Year's Day 

It was a night destined to be unforgettable. The Chinese national team's 1-0 victory over Iran on the road sparked celebrations across the country. On this New Year's night, they had given the nation an extraordinary gift—one that filled fans with pride and joy. 

At Tehran's Azadi Stadium, hundreds of thousands of Iranian fans had seen their team stunned, sending the Chinese players off with a storm of boos. The scene was intense, with heavily armed Tehran police escorting the Chinese team out of the stadium to ensure their safety. This high-security treatment, rarely seen, became a point of interest for fans back home, who savored every detail of the monumental victory. 

At the post-match press conference, Iranian coach Ivankovic spoke candidly. "We didn't lose to the Chinese team; we lost to Yang Yang," he admitted. Such an acknowledgment of Yang Yang's impact only heightened the sense of his achievement—defeating a powerhouse like Iran, single-handedly turning the tide of the game. 

Arie Haan, China's head coach, praised Yang Yang's tactical brilliance. "Tonight's goal is one that fans will remember for years to come," he said confidently. "It has reignited China's journey toward the next World Cup in Germany." 

Both head coaches had expressed admiration for Yang Yang's performance, but the domestic media and fans elevated him to new heights. Online, messages poured in from fans across the country, celebrating Yang Yang as a hero, a superstar who had carried the team and given them hope. He was now not only a football prodigy but also a symbol of national pride. 

National Television dedicated a special program to the victory, analyzing Yang Yang's critical goal and highlighting his unmatched tactical value. His goal had reignited the collective dream of reaching the World Cup. Fans now dared to hope: with four teams in the qualifying group, a top-two finish would mean direct advancement to the World Cup—a chance for China to reach football's grandest stage for only the second time in history. 

Across the country, fans basked in the victory, celebrating the triumph in Tehran. Many even gathered spontaneously at Beijing Capital Airport, hoping to welcome home their victorious national team. Yet to their disappointment, Yang Yang and a few other key players were absent from the arrival. 

Yang Yang, along with Zheng Zhi and several internationals, had already boarded flights from Tehran directly back to Europe, returning to their clubs with the hopes and dreams of their nation behind them. 

... 

... 

Whether in Tehran or upon his return to Amsterdam, Yang Yang was greeted by fans eager to show their support. At both airports, he was surrounded by admirers asking for autographs, photos, and moments of gratitude. Fresh from a victorious match with the national team, Yang Yang did his best to accommodate every request, especially in Amsterdam. But with the crowds growing at Schiphol Airport, he eventually had to apologize to those he couldn't reach, offering a quick smile and a promise to try again another time. 

He hailed a taxi from the airport, and the driver—an avid Ajax supporter—was quick to share stories of his family's love for the club and their admiration for Yang Yang himself. Yang Yang listened with a shy smile, still unaccustomed to such direct praise from fans. 

By the time he returned to his apartment in Oude Kerk, it was already evening. Yang Yang made a quick call to Ajax head coach Ronald Koeman and assistant Ruud Krol, confirming he'd be present at De Toekomst training grounds the next morning. Both coaches responded with concern, reminding him to prioritize recovery. 

During the conversation, Ruud Krol shared disappointing news: "Heitinga picked up an injury during his game with the Dutch national team." 

Yang Yang paused, taken aback. "Is it serious?" 

"Not too bad, but he'll miss the next league game and the first leg of the UEFA Cup round of 32," Krol replied. 

Ajax, having placed third in their Champions League group, had been granted entry into the UEFA Cup's knockout stage, where they'd drawn French Ligue 1 team Auxerre for their next opponent. This team posed a formidable challenge, sitting fifth in Ligue 1 under legendary coach Guy Roux, who, after a brief retirement, had returned to revitalize the club. Roux's return had guided Auxerre back into contention, and they were known for their disciplined, structured play. However, they'd experienced a significant shake-up over the summer transfer window. The team had lost key players along their central axis: Philippe Mexès had transferred to Roma, Olivier Kapo had gone to Juventus on a free transfer, and striker Djibril Cissé had joined Liverpool. These losses had left gaps in Auxerre's defense, midfield, and attack, weakening their lineup despite their strong standing in Ligue 1. 

Ruud Krol noted that Auxerre's strength still lay in their midfield, anchored by Finnish playmaker Teemu Tainio, and a new young talent, Younès Kaboul, was emerging in the backline. Despite their vulnerabilities, Auxerre maintained a high position in the league, which spoke to their tenacity and depth. 

"Fortunately, we have the first leg at home," Krol continued. "Auxerre is strong offensively but leaves openings in their defense, which works to our advantage in Amsterdam." 

Yang Yang agreed. Koeman had instilled a solid defensive strategy within Ajax, and with Heitinga out, the emphasis would be on a disciplined structure, relying on the team's cohesion and Yang Yang's tactical awareness up front. 

Before hanging up, Krol reminded Yang Yang about the importance of recovery. "With Breda coming up this weekend, you'll either play 60 minutes or come off the bench. Be prepared for a lighter load." 

Ajax had always encouraged Yang Yang's international appearances, though Koeman had often regretted the toll it took on his players. This time, however, with Ajax's steady league standing and Yang Yang's form, the team was determined to balance his workload and keep him sharp for both league and European competitions. 

Yang Yang, reflecting on his journey from the national team victory to his return to Ajax, felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the challenges, he was eager to play his part in the upcoming matches, knowing the responsibility he held both for his country and his club. 

... 

... 

The day after returning from Tehran, Yang Yang joined Ajax in their away game against NAC Breda. With Heitinga sidelined from a national team injury, Ron Vlaar stepped in, partnering with Vermaelen in central defense. 

Right from the start, Yang Yang made his presence felt. Just three minutes into the game, he found the back of the net, securing his 17th league goal of the season and giving Ajax an early lead. The team maintained control throughout the first half, with Yang Yang creating several additional chances to extend their advantage. 

In the 58th minute, Yang Yang was substituted by Ryan Babel. The young talent from Ajax's youth academy had always held respect for Yang Yang, recognizing the stark difference in status between them now that they were both on the first team. Although Babel had been a standout in the second team, he knew he'd need to adjust to the higher expectations of first-team play. Any signs of complacency, and he'd quickly find himself back on the bench or even out on loan. 

Yang Yang welcomed Babel warmly, sharing a quick embrace and exchanging encouraging words as they switched. But soon after his exit, Breda began to pressure Ajax's defense. In the 76th minute, they broke through, exploiting a brief moment of miscommunication between Vlaar and Vermaelen to equalize. 

Ajax's defense felt the absence of Heitinga's stability, and although Vlaar was a capable replacement, the partnership with Vermaelen lacked the synergy needed to fully contain Breda's attack. For Ajax, building depth was a constant challenge; with a limited talent pool, the team relied heavily on key players like Heitinga to maintain their momentum. 

However, Ajax's fortunes turned in the dying minutes of the game. In the 88th minute, Pienaar broke through with a decisive goal, restoring Ajax's lead. At the final whistle, Ajax claimed a 2-1 victory over Breda. 

The rest of the round's results came in soon after, and there was more good news. In a highly anticipated match, Van Gaal's Alkmaar clashed with Eindhoven, battling to a goalless draw. With the shared points from that game, Ajax found themselves at the top of the Eredivisie standings for the first time this season. Their 51 points edged them just ahead of Alkmaar's 50, with Eindhoven close behind at 49. 

Feyenoord, meanwhile, secured an emphatic 7-0 victory over Willem II, with Kuyt netting twice to reclaim the top spot in the scoring race. His two goals now put him just ahead of Yang Yang in the league's top scorer list, a challenge that would only fuel Yang Yang's determination as Ajax entered the critical stages of the season. 

... 

... 

The day after the game against Breda, Winston Bogarde arrived early at De Toekomst training grounds. He expected Yang Yang to be there ahead of him, and sure enough, when he entered the gym, Yang Yang was already working out alone, his intensity apparent in the sweat glistening on his face. 

Bogarde placed a newspaper discreetly in a corner. It was folded, but the headlines were visible: praise for Kuyt's two-goal performance in Feyenoord's 7-0 rout of Willem II, marking the season's biggest Eredivisie win. The media lauded Kuyt, commending his league-leading 18 goals—a single goal ahead of Yang Yang. 

Quietly, Bogarde observed Yang Yang's determination. This competitive streak was why Bogarde himself had come in early; he knew Yang Yang would push himself hard after seeing Kuyt's score rise above his own. 

After changing into his training gear, Bogarde noted the intensity with which Yang Yang tackled each exercise. Yang Yang's dedication was the cornerstone of his rapid progress—while he presented a friendly, humble demeanor off the pitch, Bogarde knew him as a fierce competitor who rarely spoke of his ambitions but left no doubt about them. Though he never publicly expressed a desire to outdo Kuyt, Yang Yang's silent drive spoke volumes. 

As he rested on the Smith machine, Yang Yang looked at Bogarde and gestured to the barbell, his face determined. "Winston, I think it's time to up the weight. Starting tomorrow, let's add a little more." 

Bogarde nodded, amused. "Of course, but don't be surprised if it feels heavy," he replied. "You're getting into peak condition now. Our goal will be to keep you here as long as possible, so you can perform at your best throughout the season." 

Yang Yang grinned, unfazed. "I feel like there's so much energy in me right now, like I'm ready to burst." 

It was no surprise to Bogarde; he'd observed Yang Yang's evolution with admiration. Only last season, Yang Yang had scored a single goal in the Eredivisie. Now, with 17 goals and the season still ongoing, he was approaching the 20-goal mark—a milestone not achieved by any Ajax player in recent years, including Kluivert, Van der Vaart, and Ibrahimovic. 

At just 18, Yang Yang was proving he had a rare level of dedication and potential. Bogarde couldn't help but wonder just how high Yang Yang might rise if he continued at this pace. 

For Bogarde, coaching Yang Yang was rewarding. Unlike with other players, there was no need to ensure he didn't slack off; rather, he had to make sure Yang Yang didn't overtrain. His discipline and dedication were exceptional. Yang Yang would follow every instruction to the letter and sometimes even sought extra sessions when no one was looking. 

As Yang Yang adjusted his weights for another set, Bogarde couldn't suppress a smile. Yang Yang's progress was right on schedule, both physically and mentally. Soon, he would be a formidable force not just in the Eredivisie but in European football. 

... 

... 

After his morning workout in the gym, Yang Yang grabbed a nutritious drink, took a brief rest, and then went directly to the training building's stairwell for an endurance drill up and down the stairs. By the time he finished, most of his teammates had arrived. 

On the training ground, under the watchful eye of Captain Galásek, the squad began their morning routine with a game of "rondos"—keeping the ball away from the player in the middle. Yang Yang volunteered to start as the chaser, intent on honing his skills without relying on his special ability, "God Vision." He wanted to improve his instincts and reaction time purely on his own. 

Once warm-ups wrapped up, Pienaar, Sneijder, and a few others crowded around him. 

"Yang Yang, be honest," Pienaar asked. "Are you going to go for the top scorer this season?" 

Sneijder nodded, adding, "Kuyt's made it clear in the media that he's after it. He's all but challenged you directly! It's time for you to step up and go for it too. We've got your back." 

"Yeah," another teammate agreed. "It's been ten years since an Ajax player won the league's top scorer. Feyenoord's fully supporting Kuyt, and we'll be behind you all the way. Let's go for it!" 

Yang Yang felt a rush of appreciation for his teammates. Their support was palpable and their faith in him a strong motivator. 

"What's the boss say?" Yang Yang asked, looking around. 

"No word yet," Pienaar replied. "But I'm sure he won't hold you back. Though," he added with a grin, "Kruitenberg's on high alert to manage your playing time. You know how he is with strict fitness protocols—he wouldn't even let you play the Dutch Cup. Then against Breda, he capped you at 60 minutes." 

Kruitenberg, head of the physical coaching staff, had a reputation for meticulously managing players' physical limits. Yang Yang respected his control, appreciating that it was a way to safeguard his long-term fitness. 

Yang Yang gave a nod, smiling. "Of course, I'll go for the top scorer, but the team's victory has to come first. If I'm honest, I'd rather help Ajax win the league title than take the scoring crown alone." 

If Ajax secured the title, it would mark Yang Yang's first time leading the team to a championship as one of its core players. Winning with Ajax would allow him to solidify his place as a driving force in the team, not merely a supporting role. 

Looking toward the future, Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement about next season's Champions League campaign. Last year, Ajax had won the title with Van der Vaart and Ibrahimovic in the spotlight, while he was mostly seen as a backup. During the UEFA awards ceremony, he hadn't even qualified for any individual honors—most attention went to the established stars. But this year, Yang Yang aimed to make a name for himself, to lead Ajax back to the European stage as one of the team's standout players. 

Now, with his eyes set on the league title, he had an additional goal: to go head-to-head with Kuyt for the Eredivisie's top scorer. This season, he'd make every match count.