Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

"Oh my god, did you see that?"

"Am I seeing this right?"

"Yang Yang actually stole the ball from Henk Dimer? How is that possible?"

"The most talented player on our team, the one most likely to make the Ajax youth team, just lost the ball?"

"I must be dreaming—Yang Yang actually managed to catch the ball."

"I can't believe it. It's unbelievable."

The spectators on the sidelines were in an uproar. 

These were the same fans who had often come to watch Almere's training sessions, more out of habit than hope, and many of them had viewed Yang Yang's efforts as nothing more than a running joke. They never expected much from him, and certainly not that he could successfully challenge someone like Henk Dimer. But now, they were witnessing something they could hardly believe—Yang Yang, the perennial underdog, had just snatched the ball from the star player of the team.

It had to be a fluke.

Yes, they told themselves, it must have been pure luck. There was no other explanation. After all, how could someone like Yang Yang, who struggled so much in training, possibly outmaneuver the most gifted player on the team? 

But as they continued to watch, a seed of doubt began to take root. What if it wasn't just luck? What if there was more to Yang Yang than they had ever given him credit for? 

The atmosphere around the pitch shifted slightly, the laughter and dismissive remarks of earlier giving way to a more attentive silence. Everyone was waiting to see what would happen next.

...

...

On the training ground, Henk Dimer was seething with anger, his eyes fixed on Yang Yang with a burning intensity.

He couldn't believe what had just happened. Yang Yang, the player he barely considered worth his time, had managed to steal the ball from him in front of everyone, including Johnny Rep, who was watching from the sidelines. Dimer had planned to humiliate Yang Yang today, to showcase his superiority and prove once again why he was the most talented player on the team. But now, the tables had turned, and the humiliation was his.

Damn it!

Henk Dimer's gaze swept over his teammates, looking for any sign of solidarity, but all he found were their silent, shameless nods. They expected him to play by the rules, even if it meant stepping into the circle and taking his turn as the target. Reluctantly, and with a simmering rage beneath the surface, Dimer obeyed and moved into the center of the circle.

Meanwhile, Yang Yang stood there, not dwelling on the small success he had just achieved. Instead of feeling a surge of excitement, he found himself deep in thought, analyzing the situation. How had he managed to catch the ball this time, when in the past, such moments had always eluded him?

Before, he hadn't paid much attention to his positioning. He would simply stand in the circle, chasing the ball aimlessly, only to find that his teammates rarely held onto it long enough for him to intercept. It was a frustrating exercise in futility, wasting both his energy and his spirit.

But today was different. With the help of God's Vision, he could see everything more clearly—who had the ball, what their options were, and how the play was likely to unfold. He realized that by making a fake run, he could strategically close off some of his teammates' passing lanes, limiting their options and forcing them to pass to Dimer, the obvious choice. But in doing so, they had unknowingly fallen into his trap.

"Zax, is my judgment correct?" Yang Yang asked humbly in his mind, seeking validation for his newfound understanding.

"Almost," Zax replied, his tone neutral but not dismissive. "You're finally beginning to understand how to play football."

Though Zax's response was indirect, it was still a rare acknowledgment, and it lifted Yang Yang's spirits. He had been right to trust in the training and to work hard toward mastering his own future. This small victory was proof that his efforts were beginning to bear fruit.

Yang Yang decided then and there that he would continue to train diligently, using every resource at his disposal to improve. With Zax's guidance and his own determination, he was ready to take control of his destiny and prove to everyone—his teammates, his coaches, and himself—that he belonged on the pitch.

...

...

The game of rondo continued, but now with an intriguing twist—Henk Dimer, the most technically gifted player on the team, was stuck in the circle.

It was an unfamiliar sight for everyone, and it didn't take long for Dimer's teammates to start devising a plan. They began to pass the ball to Yang Yang, clearly hoping he would fumble and give Dimer the chance to pounce, taking the ball back and restoring the usual order. The goal was simple: force Yang Yang back into the circle where they believed he belonged.

Sure enough, after two or three passes, the inevitable happened. Yang Yang made a poor pass, and the ball was swiftly intercepted by Dimer.

From the sidelines, Johnny Rep and the spectators couldn't help but cover their faces in frustration. They had just started to think that Yang Yang was improving, only to see him revert to his old habits, his passing still as unreliable as ever.

But something was different this time. Unlike before, Yang Yang didn't wear a look of disappointment or frustration. Instead, he seemed surprisingly upbeat, even cheerful. He had anticipated losing the ball, and rather than waiting for the coaches to call him out, he jogged back into the circle with a noticeable spring in his step.

No one realized it, but Yang Yang was testing his judgment, confirming what he had begun to understand.

Back in the circle, Yang Yang quickly regained his focus, feeling more confident now that he had a strategy. He was ready for what was to come. Less than a minute later, he spotted another opportunity. He faked a run, subtly guiding his teammates into passing where he wanted them to.

Whether it was out of habit or simply because Henk Dimer was the best player on the team, the ball was sent his way once more. But before Dimer could even properly control it, Yang Yang was there again, snatching it away with a quick, decisive move.

Dimer, already fuming from the earlier interception, was determined not to let Yang Yang embarrass him again. As Yang Yang closed in, Dimer attempted to control the ball and dribble past him. However, before he could make his move, the coach's whistle cut through the air.

The rules of the rondo were clear: only one touch was allowed before passing the ball. Dimer had violated that rule in his frustration, and now he was penalized.

Seething with anger, Dimer shot a glare at Yang Yang, his teeth clenched in fury. To him, it felt as though Yang Yang had deliberately targeted him, setting him up for failure. Gritting his teeth, he reluctantly walked back into the circle, his frustration palpable.

The spectators were stunned. No one could believe that Henk Dimer, the team's star, was back in the circle so soon. What was happening? And what was going on with Yang Yang? The Chinese kid, who had always struggled, was suddenly showing a level of skill and awareness that no one had expected.

As the game continued, a sense of intrigue and curiosity began to spread among the onlookers. Yang Yang, once the underdog everyone expected to fail, was starting to turn heads. Something had changed, and it was clear that Yang Yang was no longer the same player they had known.

...

...

Has Yang Yang improved?

Johnny Rep, watching intently from the sidelines, was in the best position to answer that question.

As the rondo game progressed, Yang Yang continued to switch roles between catching the ball and passing it, giving Johnny Rep a clear view of his development. The boy's basic skills—his first touch, ball control, and passing—were still far from where they needed to be. Yang Yang's touch was often heavy, and his passes lacked the precision of his more polished teammates. But there was something different about the way he played today.

Yang Yang, who used to chase the ball around the circle like a headless fly, now seemed to move with more purpose. He wasn't just running aimlessly; he was starting to predict where the ball might go and positioning himself accordingly. Each run he made had intent behind it, a stark contrast to his previous frantic and often futile efforts.

The rondo game, while seemingly simple, is a crucial training exercise. It sharpens a player's one-touch passing, off-ball movement, and understanding of positioning. In the past, Yang Yang's poor performance in these areas had been glaring. His basic skills were a significant liability, but even more problematic was his lack of positional awareness. It was as if he were a person lost in a busy city, unable to navigate the chaos around him.

But today, something had shifted. There were signs of improvement, subtle though they might be. Yang Yang was beginning to understand the importance of positioning, the need to think ahead rather than simply react. It was as if he were finally starting to find his way.

If this trend continued, there might be hope for Yang Yang yet. He could potentially develop into a solid defensive player. After all, the demands on defensive players, particularly at the amateur level, differ from those on attacking players. A good defensive midfielder doesn't need the same finesse or flair; what they require is intelligence, anticipation, and the ability to disrupt the opponent's play.

However, despite these small improvements, Johnny Rep remained unconvinced. While Yang Yang's newfound understanding of positioning was promising, it wasn't enough to change Rep's overall assessment. He still doubted that Yang Yang had what it took to remain on the team. The jump from where Yang Yang was to where he needed to be was simply too vast, especially for a club like Almere, which, despite playing in the third division, harbored ambitions of rising to the second division.

Yang Yang, however, had higher ambitions than just staying on the team. With Zax by his side, he aimed to transcend the limitations that others saw in him. His sights were set far beyond Almere, and while Johnny Rep might not yet see his potential, Yang Yang was determined to prove that his aspirations were not just dreams but attainable goals.

...

...

When the game of rondo finally ended, most of the players and onlookers assumed that Yang Yang, as usual, had spent the most time in the circle. However, they were surprised to see that it was actually Henk Dimer who had been in the circle the most after him.

Yang Yang hadn't deliberately targeted Dimer, but he had noticed that his teammates frequently passed the ball to him. This made it easier for Yang Yang to anticipate the play and make interceptions, so he naturally focused on those opportunities without hesitation.

As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the session, the usually arrogant Henk Dimer was still in the circle, seething with humiliation. He stormed past Yang Yang, his face twisted with anger, before turning and walking away without a word.

Yang Yang watched him go, shaking his head in quiet disbelief. He had endured nearly a year of teasing and mockery from Dimer and the others without letting it get to him. But now, when the roles were reversed, Dimer was furious at being bested.

Choosing to ignore the simmering tensions, Yang Yang picked up a ball from the sidelines and began juggling with it, focusing on his technique. It was a habit he was determined to refine, a small but essential part of his training.

As he juggled, Zax from the Dream Training System appeared in his mind, offering insights and analyses of the rondo game that had just taken place. Zax replayed the video of the training session, highlighting Yang Yang's mistakes and pointing out situations where he could have made better choices. The analysis was thorough, with each suggestion aimed at improving Yang Yang's understanding and decision-making on the pitch.

Listening to Zax's detailed feedback while practicing his juggling, Yang Yang realized just how much he had to learn. Watching himself on video, it was as if he were seeing a completely different person—a player who made countless errors, often choosing the worst possible option when better ones were available. It was humbling, almost painful, to see just how far he still had to go.

Yet, instead of feeling discouraged, Yang Yang found himself deeply appreciative of Zax's guidance. The mistakes he saw in the video were reminders of his current limitations, but they also represented areas where he could improve. He understood that while he might not always make the best choices in the future, he was determined not to repeat the same mistakes.

"Slow and steady progress," Zax remarked, with an uncharacteristic note of sympathy in his usually cold tone.

What Yang Yang didn't realize was that his dedication to practicing, even after the official training had ended, was being observed from afar. Head coach Johnny Rep and several fans on the sidelines were watching him intently, noting his unwavering focus on the ball.

While Yang Yang was determined to improve, the question on everyone else's mind was how long he could maintain this grueling routine. The commitment required to make significant progress in football was immense, and only time would tell if Yang Yang had the perseverance to see it through. But for now, there was a glimmer of hope—a sign that perhaps, against all odds, this determined young player might just surprise everyone.

...

...

With the annual review fast approaching, Yang Yang felt the pressure mounting. Time was running out, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

Having experienced the tangible benefits of the Dream Training System, Yang Yang was more determined than ever to complete his basic training. His Uncle Shen Ming, fully understanding the importance of this moment, allowed Yang Yang to focus entirely on his training, freeing him from his usual responsibilities at the restaurant. Now, apart from attending classes and meals, every waking moment was dedicated to honing his skills. Even sleep was no longer just for rest—it was another opportunity to train in the Dream System.

Yang Yang's commitment began to pay off. Building on the foundation he had already laid and with relentless persistence, his juggling training progressed rapidly. After a week of intense effort, he managed to juggle the ball 200 times in a row using his instep, the inside and outside of his feet, and his left and right knees. However, progress with his shoulders and head was slower, particularly when it came to juggling with his shoulders.

Zax wasn't surprised by this. Understanding the challenges that came with mastering these aspects, he continued to push Yang Yang to practice juggling with his head and shoulders. At the same time, Zax introduced Yang Yang to the next level of training—cone drills and other exercises designed to improve his balance, coordination, and ball control under more demanding conditions.

After another week of special training, Yang Yang could clearly feel the difference. His performance during team training sessions had improved significantly. The rondo competition, once a source of frustration and embarrassment, was becoming a place where Yang Yang could hold his own. His teammates found it increasingly difficult to mock him, as his growing confidence and skill made him a more formidable player.

The highlight came during a training match when Yang Yang pulled off a brilliant steal from Henk Dimer, the very player who had often been his harshest critic. The fans on the touchline, who had previously watched his struggles with indifference, now broke into spontaneous applause. It was the first time Yang Yang had been applauded since arriving in the Netherlands, and the recognition filled him with pride and happiness.

Buoyed by this newfound validation, Yang Yang became even more demanding of himself. He urged Zax to intensify his training regimen, pushing the limits of what he could achieve.

He knew that with Zax's guidance, he had a real chance to pass the upcoming assessment. Staying on the team was no longer just a distant hope—it was within reach. And if he managed to avoid disqualification, Yang Yang realized that he could set his sights even higher. This was just the beginning, and he was ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that with hard work and Zax by his side, his ambitions might just become a reality.

.