The Ball Isn't Passed Like This

Chapter 126: The Ball Isn't Passed Like This

"People had been wondering how long it would take for Kaka to make an impact at AC Milan before the game, and how long it would take for him to score his first goal. Now we have the answer: six seconds."

"Kaka set the record for the fastest goal in Champions League qualifiers, achieving what he couldn't in the World Cup finals. Of course, we all know such goals mostly depend on luck..."

Kaka was engulfed by teammates before he could perform his classic celebration, ending it somewhat awkwardly.

The game resumed.

Many viewers tuning in just then saw Liberec preparing to kick off and congratulated themselves on good timing. However, their joy was short-lived when they glanced at the upper right corner.

Did I miss a goal while taking a leak?

Kaka not only maintained his streak of scoring in every debut but also continued his habit of scoring on his first show.

Liberec almost started the game trailing 0-1, but they showed no intention of bolstering their offense. They seemed content to retreat and aim to recover at home.

Deploying three midfielders and four defenders, they shamelessly parked the bus in their own half.

But no one mocked them for it.

In such scenarios, how many teams had Milan faced and overcome?

AC Milan appeared accustomed to such situations and handled them with ease.

After all, a training match is not the same as the real deal. Now Kaka could witness firsthand what world-class control of the field meant.

Rui Costa, absent for 15 games due to injury earlier in the year and fresh off the World Cup, wasn't in top form, but his midfield organization and playmaking skills were unmatched in football. Kaka felt tempted to dismiss what he had learned in a few glances as nonsense, but beneath the surface, he gleaned a bit of insight.

The game seemed to follow Milan's rhythm. In situations where they faced a brick wall defense, their strategy involved continuously feeding the ball into the penalty area until the forwards could capitalize, supplemented by long-range shots. With a bit of finesse, they usually secured victory.

But these routines didn't always bear fruit.

Especially as Shevchenko and Inzaghi's inability to harmonize grew more apparent, Milan's offensive efficiency waned.

But now, there was a better approach.

Kaka's individual brilliance.

Not every knot in the world could be untied, but there was no knot that couldn't be cut through with one swift stroke. If such a knot existed, it wasn't good enough.

In fact, many skeptics weren't entirely wrong; Kaka had yet to integrate fully into AC Milan's system, let alone sync up with Rui Costa to orchestrate the midfield. His addition didn't disrupt the team's offensive flow. Ancelotti had gambled by placing him in the lineup to cut through the opposition.

Regardless of tactics or teamwork, the dribble was over.

In the tenth minute, after Shevchenko made a failed attempt, the ball found Kaka's feet. This time, instead of passing, he initiated a dribble from midfield.

Liberec's initial defense stopped at midfield, but Kaka swiftly maneuvered past them with a high-speed dribble. The two trailing midfielders barely had time to react before he burst through their defensive line.

Shevchenko swiftly positioned himself in front of goal, while Inzaghi, with a sudden change of direction, eluded his marker. Shevchenko had the better chance.

Kaka swiftly passed the ball to Shevchenko.

Shevchenko, despite an awkward attempt, received the ball amidst defensive pressure and shot straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

Although Shevchenko failed to score, he gave Kaka a thumbs-up for the excellent pass. The home fans applauded the team's attack and acknowledged the player's performance.

Rui Costa patted Kaka on the back and remarked, "Kaka, that's not how you pass the ball."

"Huh?" Kaka lamented Shevchenko's missed opportunity and hadn't considered his own mistakes.

After Rui's comment, Kaka actually regretted it. After all, he wasn't just any inexperienced rookie; he was already a renowned player. His recent achievements outshone any trophies won after years of struggle. Criticism could potentially sting.

However, Kaka had chosen to transfer to Milan for this very moment. Without delaying, he feigned keen interest and asked, "So, what should I do? I'm only twenty years old; there's so much to learn."

Pretending to be the best.

Rui's response caught Kaka off guard, but he found it satisfying. As the two walked back to midfield, Rui expounded.

"The timing of your pass was excellent, and your initiative was commendable. However, passing isn't just about delivering the ball; it's about finding the most effective and deadly attacking line for your teammate and delivering the ball there..."

"Some attacking paths may not be obvious to you, and it's your job to help your teammate find them..."

"The reason midfielders are called commanders is their ability to direct the attack towards goal..."

Though theoretical, these insights proved invaluable. Kaka quickly grasped their practical application.

Rui Costa swiftly demonstrated he wasn't merely pontificating.

Gattuso intercepted a goal kick from Liberec's keeper and fed it to Seedorf.

Seedorf dribbled down the wing and passed to Inzaghi near the top of the penalty area, only for him to be marked tightly.

Kaka surged forward, intercepted the ball ahead of Liberec's midfielder, took a few strides, and passed to Rui Costa.

Rui Costa struck the ball to Seedorf, who found Kaka making a run.

Kaka attempted a long shot but found the penalty area congested, leaving him no clear path to shoot.

He opted to pass sideways.

Rui Costa charged forward, ignoring Shevchenko stationed near the goalpost, and passed into the empty penalty area.

Inzaghi sprinted in like a ghost and swept the ball into the goal.

Shevchenko sidestepped a defender and fired a low shot.

Everyone applauded Inzaghi's assist and Shevchenko's goal, marveling at their positioning and finishing.

Only Kaka applauded Rui Costa.