LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 56: Yang Yang's First Eredivisie Goal
December 20, Grolsch Veste Stadium, Enschede, Netherlands
"Goal!"
"Blaise N'Kufo, Twente's striker, has found the net once more, scoring his second goal of the match!" the commentator announced with enthusiasm.
"That's an assist from Adil Ramzi. Ajax's defensive line has been insufficient in countering N'Kufo today," he continued.
"Both Heitinga and Escudé are struggling against the high balls. Koeman will need to make adjustments or Ajax might find it nearly impossible to recover tonight. The visitors are now trailing 2-0."
"Twente has doubled their lead in the 60th minute."
"Koeman is preparing a substitution."
"We see the young Chinese prodigy Yang Yang on the sidelines, ready to make his entrance. This will be Ajax's second substitution of the match. Previously, in the 51st minute, Koeman brought Ibrahimovic on to replace Yakubu."
"It appears Koeman is set to withdraw Victor Sikora from the right flank."
"The right side of Ajax's formation has struggled throughout the match. Koeman initially positioned Sikora on the left in the first half, hoping he and Wesley Sonck could breach Twente's defense. However, their efforts have been largely ineffective."
"After Ibrahimovic's introduction, Sikora was shifted back to the right, with the hope of exploiting more opportunities. Yet, his performance over the past ten minutes has fallen short of expectations."
"Koeman, clearly unsettled by the two-goal deficit, is looking for a more dynamic winger to change the game."
"Indeed, Yang Yang is coming on to replace Sikora—a strategic switch."
"Twente should be wary of the number 99 Ajax player. Yang Yang has been impressive as a substitute in the last three matches. Koeman hopes his ability to dribble and his impact off the bench will breach Twente's defense."
"Following the KNVB Cup match against Breda, Koeman humorously referred to Yang Yang as his 'golden substitute,' the ideal impact player. Now, we'll see if Yang Yang can once again surprise Koeman tonight."
"Typically brought on around the 75th minute, tonight Yang Yang's entrance comes at the 64th minute. With approximately 30 minutes of play remaining, including stoppage time, the stage is set for an intriguing final stretch."
...
"Sure enough, Ajax is focusing their attack down the right flank where Yang Yang is positioned."
"Yang Yang has been given the ball, but Twente's left-back, Jeroen Heubach, is making a vigorous challenge."
"Oh, Yang Yang has been knocked to the ground!"
"The Ajax players are visibly upset, with captain Van der Vaart pleading with the referee. That was a brutal foul."
"Heubach's tackle was exceptionally harsh. Despite Yang Yang already having played the ball, Heubach continued his aggressive challenge. It's clear he intended to send a message and teach Yang Yang a lesson."
"The seventeen-year-old lies on the pitch, and his Ajax teammates look on with concern."
"However, the referee seems unconcerned, issuing only a yellow card to Heubach."
"Yang Yang appears to be okay, but let's hope he isn't deterred by Heubach's rough play."
"Now, Ajax has a set-piece opportunity in the attacking third. Sneijder takes the free kick, aiming for the near post, but Sonck is unable to connect effectively."
...
"It's now seventy minutes into the match. Yang Yang has been on the field for a few minutes, but his impact has yet to be significant."
"Although he hasn't made any major mistakes and has handled the ball well, his performance isn't as dazzling as it was in the previous three games."
"Twente is clearly taking precautions against Yang Yang. The aggressive foul by Heubach seems intended as a warning. Hopefully, Yang Yang won't be intimidated by this."
"Koeman is increasingly anxious on the sidelines, with time running out for Ajax."
"Ajax makes another substitution."
"With just fifteen minutes remaining, Koeman is visibly desperate."
"This time, he replaces left-back Maxwell with Litmanen."
"This change shifts Ajax to a three-man defense, with Litmanen moving into the midfield to bolster their attacking options."
...
"Escudé intercepts the ball in defense and passes it to Litmanen."
"Watch Ajax's counterattack unfold."
"Litmanen delivers the ball to Van der Vaart, who then finds Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic pulls back to receive it, and behind him..."
"Yang Yang's speed is astonishing. He leaves Heubach behind and quickly catches up with the ball."
"The linesman keeps the flag down—an excellent run off the ball."
"Ajax has a three-on-two advantage in the attacking third. Let's see how they exploit it."
"Yang Yang surges down the right flank, delivering a cross into the center..."
"Van der Vaart... a perfect delivery..."
"Sonck!"
"Goal!!!"
"Goooooooal!!!!!!"
"Ajax executes a rapid counterattack!"
"Yang Yang on the right wing showcased his blistering pace, driving the ball all the way to the edge of Twente's penalty area. Drawing in a central defender, he whipped in a precise cross. Van der Vaart's deft diagonal pass found Sonck, who finished with a simple tap-in."
"Ajax's counterattack was razor-sharp."
"2-1, Ajax has pulled one back."
"While Yang Yang didn't register an assist, his contribution to the goal was crucial. His lightning-fast dribbling created the opportunity."
"Of course, Ibrahimovic's deft touch and the chemistry between him and Yang Yang were evident."
"I've heard they're neighbors and best friends within the Ajax squad."
...
"Ajax continues to push down the right flank, but their intentions are becoming too predictable."
"Twente intercepts the ball, and Ajax scrambles back in defense."
"Since Yang Yang's introduction, Ajax has clearly targeted the right side as their offensive focus."
"Twente now intensifies their midfield interception and suppression, particularly targeting the central areas. Litmanen, Sneijder, and Van der Vaart are finding it difficult to receive the ball due to close marking."
"Koeman urges his team to recycle possession and create space in the attacking zone."
"Both Yang Yang and Sonck need space to be effective. Their proximity to the defenders is hampering Ajax's attack. Creating more distance from their markers might be beneficial."
...
"Ajax regains possession."
"De Jong passes to Sneijder, who immediately feeds Yang Yang."
"Yang Yang controls the ball expertly and faces off against Heubach. With a dazzling step-over, he evades Heubach..."
"What a brilliant and precise pass from Sneijder."
"Yang Yang carries the ball forward on the right as Ajax counters."
"Observe how Ajax will handle this situation."
"A Twente midfielder rushes to defend..."
"Yang Yang uses his pace to break through and delivers a cross into the penalty area..."
"The cross is a bit rushed and inaccurate, and the goalkeeper punches it away."
"But the ball doesn't clear the danger. Ibrahimovic rushes in and strikes a volley."
"The shot deflects off a Twente defender and stays in play within the penalty area..."
"Wesley Sonck reacts quickly, gaining control before any Twente player can respond. He passes it to Yang Yang..."
"Let's see if Yang Yang can capitalize on this opportunity..."
"Heubach reacts immediately, trying to block Yang Yang. Yang Yang skillfully sidesteps him and shoots towards the goal..."
"And it's in!!!!"
"Goooooooooal!!!!!!"
"In the eighty-third minute, Ajax levels the score with their second goal!"
"Yang Yang scores his first professional goal of his career in the Eredivisie!"
"This was a sudden opportunity, and no one expected Wesley Sonck to forgo his own chance to shoot and instead pass to Yang Yang. Even Heubach, the defender, was caught off guard, and Yang Yang himself looked momentarily stunned. Yet, he instinctively lifted the ball over Heubach and deftly slotted it home with his right foot."
"Given the proximity to the goal, the goalkeeper had no chance of stopping it."
"The disbelief on Yang Yang's face after scoring was palpable. There was no immediate celebration; instead, his teammates quickly mobbed him, lifting him off the ground. Scoring in only his second professional match in the Eredivisie was an unexpected triumph."
"Koeman, the coach on the sidelines, was visibly thrilled. Yang Yang's goal not only came as a delightful surprise but also provided reassurance, especially since Eindhoven had yet to score in their match. This means Ajax's lead in the standings remains intact at four points."
"We've just received the latest update."
"Viewers at home, congratulations! You've witnessed the emergence of a new record."
"At just 17 years old and 56 days, Ajax's Yang Yang has scored his first career goal, making him the third youngest goalscorer in Eredivisie history."
"Let's applaud Yang Yang for achieving this milestone and becoming one of the youngest goalscorers ever in the Eredivisie."
"Although this goal was somewhat unexpected, and could even be considered a stroke of luck, Yang Yang's quick reflexes and the finesse with which he evaded Heubach were impressive."
"Interestingly, before Yang Yang, the record for the third youngest goalscorer in Eredivisie history was held by Twente's Collins John. On September 14th, Collins John scored against Nijmegen at 17 years and 332 days old. Yang Yang has now surpassed him, setting the new record at 17 years and 56 days, making it significantly more challenging for future players to break."
"Once again, congratulations to Yang Yang for not only scoring his first league goal but also making his mark as one of the youngest goalscorers in Eredivisie history."
"Let's also congratulate Ajax and Koeman for discovering such a prodigious talent."
"We have every reason to believe that, given Yang Yang's impressive performances in his recent matches and Ajax's exceptional training facilities, his future in football is incredibly bright."
"Despite equalizing, Ajax did not settle for a draw. They immediately resumed pressing forward with renewed intensity."
"Ajax's determination to secure a win was evident."
"The home team, Twente, was forced to defend more deeply, but the threat remained constant in front of their goal."
...
...
Supersub!
The Best Twelfth Player!
Following the 16th round of the Eredivisie, Yang Yang, who marked his debut goal, has garnered significant attention from major Dutch media, particularly from De Telegraaf.
Ronald Koeman's strategic use of Yang Yang has not gone unnoticed, attracting both media reporters and fans. At just seventeen years and fifty-six days old, Yang Yang has demonstrated his future potential across only four games.
In this brief period, Yang Yang's impact has been undeniable. His performances, coming off the bench, have directly or indirectly contributed four league points to Ajax—a crucial margin that places Ajax ahead of PSV Eindhoven. His influence extends beyond the Eredivisie; Yang Yang has also been pivotal in Ajax's progress in the Champions League and the KNVB Cup.
Such remarkable performances have propelled Yang Yang into the spotlight of Dutch football, capturing the attention of European media as well. The Ajax Youth team's 17-year-old prodigy is now a subject of widespread interest.
De Telegraaf conducted a special interview with Marco van Basten, the coach of Jong Ajax, who offered high praise for Yang Yang. The legendary superstar highlighted Yang Yang's rapid development and growing confidence. Van Basten noted, "I am thrilled to witness his outstanding performances with the first team. His progress has been remarkable. Each game, he seems to evolve at an incredible pace. What stands out most is his confidence. He's becoming an increasingly crucial player."
Van Basten, though optimistic, tempered his praise with realism. He acknowledged that while Yang Yang's potential is evident, there are areas needing improvement. "I don't know how far Yang Yang will go, but his attitude is exceptional. He's the hardest-working player I've encountered. His intelligence on the field is impressive; he always positions himself well to receive the ball and challenge defenders. This is a major concern for opponents."
However, Van Basten also cautioned against excessive adulation. "He still has several areas to work on. There are clear weaknesses that need addressing. Yang Yang possesses the wisdom to understand these challenges, and I believe he will continue to work hard and make progress."
While Yang Yang's meteoric rise has drawn widespread acclaim, those guiding his development are acutely aware of the work still needed. Van Basten, Ronald Koeman, and John van 't Schip, who is dedicated to his specialized training, have noted key areas for improvement.
Despite his impressive dribbling and crossing, Yang Yang's foundational skills require further refinement. His technique, though dynamic, still shows signs of inconsistency that must be addressed to reach his full potential.
Moreover, while Yang Yang shines in specific areas, he currently lacks overall completeness as a player. To evolve from a promising talent into a well-rounded star, he must broaden his skill set and fill in the gaps that remain in his game.
As Yang Yang continues to develop, his progress will be closely observed, with fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating his journey from a budding talent to a potential football star.
This is why Ronald Koeman prefers to use Yang Yang as a super-sub. By introducing him around the 70th minute, when opponents are typically fatigued, Yang Yang's explosive impact is maximized. His fresh legs and quick movements exploit the tiring defenses, allowing him to make the most of the opportunities.
Koeman's strategy also leverages the synergy between Sneijder's precise passing, Ibrahimovic's strong presence up front, and Trabelsi's support on the right. This well-coordinated setup has been key to Yang Yang's successful performances off the bench.
However, despite his impressive contributions in recent games, there is a risk of Yang Yang becoming complacent. Success could lead to arrogance if he's not careful. Van Gaal, Ajax's technical director, has urged caution, reminding everyone of the importance of teamwork.
In a recent media interview, Van Gaal emphasized that Yang Yang is just one part of the collective effort. "He has made valuable contributions, but he is not the sole focus of the team's success. We must remember that every player contributes to the overall performance," he said.
With many top clubs eyeing the young talent, especially after Yang Yang became the third youngest goalscorer in Eredivisie history, Van Gaal has made it clear that Ajax is not entertaining any transfer offers. "No team understands player development better than us," he asserted. "At just 17, Yang Yang has a lot of growth ahead. It is premature to discuss his transfer."
Despite Van Gaal's reassurances, the media frenzy around Yang Yang's potential continues to grow.
...
...
"Listen to me, for now, staying at Ajax is your best choice."
At Almere's Shen Ji Chinese Restaurant, Shen Ming personally cooked for Wei Zhen and his party, who were preparing to return to China. The Christmas holiday had arrived, marking the end of the first half of the league. With the team disbanded for the break, Yang Yang had returned to Almere to stay with his uncle, Shen Ming.
Yang Yang shook his head with a wry smile after hearing Wei Zhen's advice. "I can hear the concern, but I'm really not interested in moving right now."
In recent days, Yang Yang had been visited by Johnny Rep, Dick Vanpoer, and scout Fred Arroyo. All of them had advised him to remain focused on Ajax, stressing the importance of improving his skills rather than being swayed by other teams.
"I never planned to leave Ajax," Yang Yang assured Wei Zhen. "No one has contacted me about a transfer. You know I'm not the type to be easily distracted."
Wei Zhen nodded, relieved. "I just worry that you might be young and impulsive."
Wei Zheng smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Yang Yang is very deliberate about his career."
Yang Yang knew well that with his current ability, moving to one of the top four leagues would be premature. Even within Ajax and the Eredivisie, establishing himself as a consistent starter was a challenge. Being a super-sub with fresh legs to exploit tired defenses was one thing; starting a game and maintaining performance from the beginning was another.
Ronald Koeman had already discussed this with Yang Yang. The coach believed that what Yang Yang needed most was consistent competitive training to further hone his skills and improve his physical fitness. Ajax's coaching staff had provided him with a tailored training program to address these areas.
Yang Yang agreed with Koeman's assessment. He understood his current limitations and knew that his immediate goal was to improve his overall game. Enhancing his basic skills, while continuing to refine his dribbling and crossing abilities, was crucial.
As for a transfer to another team, Yang Yang questioned if any team could match Ajax's current environment and development opportunities. The idea of moving to one of the top leagues only to sit on the bench was not appealing. For now, staying at Ajax and focusing on his growth seemed like the wisest choice.
After hearing Yang Yang's clear intentions from Wei Zheng, Wei Zhen felt reassured.
Wei Zheng's close relationship with Yang Yang during his time in the Netherlands fueled his optimism about Yang Yang's potential to make a significant impact at Ajax. As a prominent figure in Chinese football, Wei Zheng was excited to see Yang Yang, a young talent, break through on the global stage.
"Our materials were almost ready. The original plan was to complete it in five days, but it's been delayed. No worries, though—our leader is supportive," Wei Zhen said with satisfaction.
During their time filming in the Netherlands, thanks to Yang Yang's connections, they were granted access to the Amsterdam Arena, Ajax's locker rooms, and De Toekmost. They also captured footage of Yang Yang's life at home in Almere, including the skate park that had become a local sensation.
The De Telegraaf report on Yang Yang's hard work and progress, particularly his sessions at the graffiti wall in the Almere Skate Park, had become a source of inspiration for many. Young players from the Almere Club were now flocking to the park to practice, and local citizens even suggested that the graffiti wall be protected, anticipating that it might become a tourist attraction if Yang Yang continued to rise to stardom.
"We'll edit the footage once we get back home, and I'll let you know about the broadcast schedule," Wei Zhen said with a smile.
Yang Yang listened, though he wasn't particularly concerned about the specifics.
"But there's something important I think you should consider," Wei Zhen added, his tone turning serious.
"What's that?" Yang Yang asked, intrigued.
"You should register your trademark as soon as possible."
"Trademark?" Yang Yang was momentarily confused but soon understood.
"Yes, it's crucial. Especially after our TV broadcast, the public reaction will likely be intense. If someone else grabs the trademark first, it could be a hassle to reclaim it later."
Yang Yang nodded, recognizing the importance of the advice. He knew from experience that protecting trademarks was vital. In his hometown of Quanzhou, where the sports industry was vibrant, he had seen how companies sometimes exploited shortcuts, such as registering the names of famous athletes. These issues often required significant sums of money to resolve, reflecting the complex nature of brand protection.
Wei Zhen's concern was particularly relevant because of Yang Yang's contract with Ajax, which included portrait rights—a significant aspect of professional football. Real Madrid's hefty investments in stars like Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, and Beckham had shown the value of managing portrait rights effectively, turning substantial investments into profitable ventures.
"If someone squats on your name or label, it could be a real problem," Wei Zhen warned.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Yang Yang decided it was time to act. He planned to call his father in China after the holidays to ensure that his cousins, Shen Yuzhu and Wei Zheng, could help with the trademark registration process. This proactive step would safeguard his brand and avoid any potential complications in the future.