NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Ambition
Even on the bus ride back, Yang Yang was so immersed in the euphoria of scoring a goal that he couldn't tear himself away for quite some time.
In that moment, his mind went nearly blank. Following the goal, he remained oblivious, so when his teammates rushed to celebrate with him, his sudden reaction became the talk of the town on the return journey.
He emerged as the most respected player on the field.
Previously, everyone on the team knew that Yang Yang had joined the Almere youth team through connections, and his performance after joining had been lackluster, dragging the team down and subjecting him to exclusion and ridicule.
However, since his impactful performance against Flevoland, when he came off the bench and helped turn the tide of the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities and nearly securing a comeback, perceptions of him began to shift. Coupled with his improving performance in training, his teammates' attitudes naturally underwent a significant change.
Even Captain Henk Dimer found it challenging to ignore Yang Yang after receiving assists from him in two consecutive games. While becoming friends with Yang Yang seemed out of reach, at least it wasn't as distant as before.
Listening to his teammates laugh at his reaction to the goal, Yang Yang couldn't help but reflect on his rookie response.
With two assists and a goal, Yang Yang earned recognition from Coach Dick Vanpoer after the match.
He was the sole player singled out by the head coach post-game. Although Henk Dimer contributed two goals and an assist, similar to his previous performance against Flevoland where he wasn't commended due to lackluster play.
It's understandable that Fons Vitae Lyceum's overall strength is slightly inferior to Helen Parkhurst's. Yang Yang's revitalization on the right flank has naturally energized Henk Dimer in midfield. However, after a tough battle in the last game against Flevoland, his performance suffered, resulting in a significant loss of points.
Yang Yang's freedom to attack at will on the right flank had a transformative effect on the team, particularly on Henk Dimer. In the midst of today's game, Dimer, now liberated to push forward, showcased an enhanced performance, especially in the second half. His newfound dynamism on the field underscored the growing influence of Yang Yang within the team.
In this regard, Yang Yang has always remained calm and rational.
He recognizes that these opportunities are hard-won, the result of his rigorous training throughout the week and his dedicated efforts on the pitch. Yang Yang understands that if he becomes complacent and his performance declines, he risks losing everything he's worked for.
The praise from the head coach, the support of his teammates, and his first goal scored since arriving in the Netherlands have only fueled his determination. He vows to redouble his efforts to improve his fundamental skills as quickly as possible.
With the end of term approaching, time is of the essence.
...
...
"Look, it's the Amsterdam Arena," exclaimed someone at the front of the bus.
Upon hearing this, everyone rushed to the front or the windows on either side to catch a glimpse. Isn't it magnificent, this modern stadium right beside the road?
Unlike other renowned football stadiums in Europe, the Amsterdam Arena boasts a road running through it. The stadium stands like a colossal structure in the middle of the road, leaving Yang Yang and others on the bus in awe of its grandeur.
It's Yang Yang's first time seeing the most beautiful and largest stadium in the Netherlands, capable of accommodating over 50,000 people.
The bus driver deliberately slows down, allowing the players onboard to admire the stadium more closely and attentively.
It was evening, and the stadium was already illuminated, buzzing with activity. Below the road, crowds of fans converged from all directions, eager to reach the stadium. Tonight was Ajax's home game.
"God, there are so many people, packed together like ants."
"Indeed. I wonder how many fans will be able to attend tonight?"
"Surely a substantial number. With the season nearing its end, every game is crucial. Tonight's match is bound to be a spectacle."
"Absolutely. Imagine the atmosphere with 50,000 people there."
Listening to his teammates' admiration, Yang Yang couldn't help but agree. Even though the bus had already passed through the tunnel beneath the stadium, he continued to gaze out of the back window, marveling at the imposing structure.
What would it be like in the stands with 50,000 fans gathered?
How thunderous would the roar of 50,000 fans be?
"This season, Ajax's situation isn't favorable. With only three rounds left in the league, they trail PSV Eindhoven by six points. However, there's a silver lining as PSV will face Feyenoord tonight, while Ajax is set to play against De Graafschap—a match they're expected to win."
"It's a tough situation. Mateja Kežman leads the Eredivisie and Europe with 33 goals in the 31st round for PSV. He's a contender for the European Golden Boot this season, and with players like Van Bommel and Robben supporting him, Feyenoord will face a tough challenge at home."
"That's true, but Feyenoord has an in-form Van Hooijdonk with 26 goals this season. They possess the talent to compete and secure a victory."
"Despite Feyenoord's slim chances of winning the league, they might not be willing to surrender easily against Eindhoven."
"Agreed. These three giants are fierce rivals, and Feyenoord will undoubtedly give their all, especially playing in their home stadium."
"Let's hope Ajax puts up a strong performance tonight. There's still a glimmer of hope for a turnaround in the title race."
Almere, a satellite city of Amsterdam, naturally fosters an emotional connection to Ajax, making the desire for their victory in the title race against Eindhoven even stronger.
Yang Yang, less familiar with both teams compared to his teammates, finds himself intrigued by the presence of Asian players in both PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. PSV boasts Korean players Park Ji-sung and Young-Pyo Lee, while Feyenoord features Chong-gug Song and Japanese player Shinji Ono.
These four internationals gained recognition for their performances at the Korea-Japan World Cup and were subsequently recruited by the Dutch giants. While only Shinji Ono holds a regular spot in the starting lineup, the other three serve as valuable substitutes.
"When will I have the opportunity to play for such a prestigious club?" Yang Yang pondered aloud, his gaze lingering on the fading Amsterdam Arena behind him.
The anticipation was palpable, especially as he imagined the electrifying atmosphere of playing in a stadium filled with 50,000 spectators.
As the bus journey continued, the conversation gradually shifted to Ajax's upcoming match—a topic closely intertwined with the current landscape of the Dutch championship.
Despite being dominated by young talent, Ajax boasts formidable overall strength. Leading the pack is the Dutch-born prodigy, Van der Vaart, hailed alongside Van Persie and Robben as the Dutch Three Musketeers. Already adorned with the captain's armband, Van der Vaart is poised to ascend to the ranks of the world's best players in the future.
Alongside Van der Vaart, Ajax boasts a formidable lineup including Swedish striker Ibrahimovic, South Africa's Steven Pienaar, Dutch right-winger Andy van der Meyde, and promising youngsters like Sneijder and Nigel De Jong. In defense, the likes of Maxwell, Trabelsi, Heitinga, and Chivu further bolster the team's talent pool.
At the helm is head coach Ronald Koeman, a revered figure in Dutch football circles. Following their championship win last season, Ajax faced tough opponents in the Champions League, including Inter Milan, Lyon, Valencia, Arsenal, and Rome. Despite valiant efforts, they bowed out in the quarter-finals, defeated by AC Milan—who ultimately advanced to the Champions League final—after navigating past formidable European sides like Valencia.
Ajax has experienced fluctuations in the Eredivisie due to their Champions League success. While they were eventually surpassed by the more consistent Eindhoven, their struggles persisted after their elimination from the competition in April.
Reflecting on this, Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy and yearning.
The youngsters at Ajax aren't much older than him. Sneijder and De Jong, merely three years his senior, have already cemented their roles as key players in the Champions League quarter-finals, while Yang Yang continues to navigate the challenges in Almere.
Yet, Yang Yang swiftly dispelled his uncertainty. He understood that his priority was to enhance his skills as swiftly as possible. He remained confident that with the assistance of the Dream training system, he could eventually rival these stars.
...
...
For the players of the Almere youth team on the bus, Ajax seems like a distant realm, a world apart.
Conversations about Ajax's stars feel like discussions about a distant galaxy.
The only semblance of closeness comes during the annual talent day selection event, where Ajax players engage with young talents up close, sharing the same field. It's an entrenched Ajax tradition.
For the standout performers in Almere's semester assessment, this event offers a chance to rub shoulders with these stars. If luck is on their side, they might even have the opportunity to play alongside them.
Yet, for Yang Yang, such prospects still feel out of reach, and he pays little attention to them.
For instance, the news of Ajax's technical director, Leo Beenhakker, stepping down, and the speculation surrounding his successor, barely registers on his radar.
Similarly, the drama surrounding striker Ibrahimovic's denied captaincy and his subsequent discontent, whether fueled by media sensationalism or mere gossip, fails to pique Yang Yang's interest.
The news that caught Yang Yang's attention was when some of his teammates spotted an article in the paper announcing that Van Basten had passed his coaching exams and would officially assume the role of head coach of Ajax's reserve team in July of that year.
It marked the first time Yang Yang had heard any news about his idols.
Rumors had it that Van Basten had been undergoing coaching training since August of the previous year, followed by an internship with Ajax.
While Yang Yang knew he couldn't compete with Van Basten, the mere thought of playing under his tutelage filled him with excitement.
Yet, even as the idea crossed his mind, Yang Yang couldn't help but feel that it was too far-fetched.
For now, his primary focus remained on establishing himself in Almere.