NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Invitation
The Dream Training System's training ground gleams as brightly as day.
On the turquoise field, Yang Yang carries the ball, attempting to break through the defenders repeatedly.
In the Dream Training System, despite possessing boundless physical fitness and never experiencing fatigue, the repetition of the same movements for extended periods becomes exceedingly tedious and mechanical.
If someone with a weaker mindset were to replace him, I fear they would have given up by now or even gone mad.
Yet, Yang Yang persists. He executes each move meticulously, striving to break through time and again.
The desire to improve becomes his greatest motivation.
After more than a month of specialized training, his progress is evident to all.
Just a few days ago, Zax upgraded the defender's level from the Dutch fourth division to the Dutch third division, meaning that Yang Yang is now facing a defender of the same caliber as those from Almere.
The fourth and third divisions are amateur leagues, but the skill level differs significantly.
Yang Yang, who had previously dominated a Dutch fourth division defender, now struggled against a Derde Divisie defender, failing repeatedly. After several days of improvement and rigorous training, he finally had a chance to break through, but his success rate was dismal.
Despite being repeatedly thwarted, Yang Yang remained undeterred.
After each dribbling breakthrough training session, he would reflect on his experiences and lessons, delving into the delicate balance between success and failure, a balance often imperceptible to the naked eye. Zax assisted him in refining his skills tirelessly. Zax emphasized speed above all else.
The formula employed states that speed equals stride multiplied by stride frequency.
The stride represents the distance covered with each step. Longer strides compromise ball control and reaction to defense, whereas stride frequency denotes the frequency of pace changes.
Conversely, shorter strides diminish ball control and defensive responsiveness.
Speedy players regulate their pace by adjusting cadence and stride frequency on the field.
To accelerate away from defenders, one can elongate strides while maintaining constant pace; conversely, to enhance ball control when approaching defenders, one can shorten strides and increase pace.
Zax's training objectives for Yang Yang are to identify his optimal pace and develop the ability to adjust pace and stride dynamically in response to on-field scenarios.
Discovering one's optimal pace necessitates extensive practice and repetition.
The pace of Ronaldo and other stars has been meticulously studied from youth to present, aligning precisely with professional league standards. Those unable to meet these standards have already been sidelined.
However, for players like Yang Yang, mastering a suitable pace and ingraining it through relentless practice at this age is undeniably challenging yet essential.
Yang Yang understands that his ball sense and pace form the bedrock of his future development on the pitch. The stronger the foundation, the smoother his progression will be.
With this knowledge, Yang Yang remains committed to training diligently, striving to meet the Dream Training System's requirements expeditiously.
Despite the seemingly mundane nature of basic training, Yang Yang perceives tangible progress in his skillset.
Since the last match against Fons Vitae Lyceum, Yang Yang has been shifted to the right wing, emerging as a potent attacking threat.
His presence on the right flank has become indispensable, as he partners with Henk Dimer to bear the brunt of the team's offensive responsibilities.
The coaching staff harbored high expectations, and Yang Yang has lived up to them. In the two games he has played as a right winger, his performance has been exemplary.
Each outing surpasses the previous one, and on the interschool competition stage, no one can impede his breakthroughs.
After all, within the Dream Training System, he challenges himself against Dutch third-division defenders.
...
...
Every morning, Yang Yang awakens punctually. He has grown accustomed to the presence of the Dream Training System, considering it an integral part of his routine, and views Zax as a revered mentor.
After washing his face and brushing his teeth, he indulges in a breakfast of milk and eggs prepared by his aunt. Yang Yang sling his school bag over his shoulder and jog to school juggling the ball.
Today, he trots along, ball at his feet, endeavoring to maintain consistent stride and stride frequency. At the skate park, he continues his training against the wall.
Unwittingly, after numerous passes and shots, the wall bears noticeable pockmarks. These indentations add an element of unpredictability to the rebounding ball, enhancing Yang Yang's training experience.
His days are now filled with ease and purpose, with the majority of his time dedicated to training, save for Saturday matches.
The only peculiar aspect is the absence of the enigmatic middle-aged Dutch man whom Yang Yang encountered two weeks prior. He never reappears at the skate park, and Yang Yang, unaware of his name, gradually forgets about him.
After his morning training session at the skate park, Yang Yang trots northward to Helen Parkhurst School.
In the past, Yang Yang's enrollment at the school was met with ridicule from both teachers and students. However, as his prowess on the field continues to grow, he seems to have eclipsed Henk Dimer as the school's top star. This transformation serves as evidence of everyone's recognition and approval of Yang Yang's progress.
Each morning, as he dribbles past, many students outside the school greet him with smiles.
As he approaches the school gates and heads towards the classroom building, he notices Henk Dimer standing ahead, waving from a distance.
Their rivalry is well-known, and Yang Yang's ascent to the top spot has surely ruffled Henk Dimer's feathers. It's somewhat surprising and odd to see Henk Dimer greeting him. Could it be a ploy to seek revenge in front of a crowd?
Only Yang Yang understands: despite their strained relationship, he no longer harbors animosity towards Henk Dimer. After all, he has been averaging assists for Henk Dimer in the past few games.
"How are you preparing for the final assessment?" Henk Dimer asked casually as Yang Yang approached him.
Yang Yang was accustomed to his tone. "It's going fine," he replied.
"Our assessment criteria mainly revolve around three aspects: regular training, match performances, and the final assessment scores."
Yang Yang regarded his teammate, who had once humiliated him, with a hint of curiosity. What was Henk Dimer up to?
"Your match performances are solid, training has been consistent, and the final assessment shouldn't pose a problem, except perhaps for some of the technical aspects, which might be a bit challenging. But passing them shouldn't be an issue."
Henk Dimer's words held a deeper implication—that Yang Yang's position in the team wasn't in jeopardy. Over the past month, Yang Yang's rapid and evident progress had surprised everyone.
Yang Yang nodded, acknowledging that passing the assessment wasn't the real challenge; his aim was to secure a spot in the top three.
He yearned for an opportunity to participate in the Ajax Genius Day Selection Event. Although he harbored no illusions about being favored by Ajax, he felt compelled to try, especially considering that his idol, Van Basten, would likely be present at the event.
"You're just stating the obvious," Yang Yang remarked, puzzled. These were things he already knew himself.
Henk Dimer appeared slightly embarrassed. Glancing at their classmates on either side before returning his gaze to Yang Yang, he gathered his courage and inquired, "Are you planning to visit home during the holidays?"
"Going home?" Yang Yang asked, perplexed by Dimer's inquiry.
Suddenly, it dawned on Yang Yang that the school was about to embark on a six-week summer holiday, during which the youth team's training would be suspended. How would he spend this break? If he goes back home to China, would his parents allow him to travel abroad again?
Observing Yang Yang's concerned expression, Henk Dimer assumed it was regarding the upcoming summer holidays and promptly extended an invitation: "Some of my classmates and a few first-team players who are currently sidelined have been discussing organizing a team to compete in the summer youth league. Would you like to join us?"
In addition to the structured league matches, Dutch football is replete with amateur leagues, such as the renowned Sunday League. Particularly during the summer break, various amateur tournaments are held across the country, providing students and teenagers with an opportunity to indulge in football during their vacation.
Despite being a youth league, football enjoys immense popularity in the Netherlands. Many participants boast extensive youth training, resulting in a high level of competition. Some players even represent Dutch football clubs.
"The tournament we're entering is a traditional event in Amsterdam. Not only is the level of competition formidable, but in the final stages, we'll be facing strong teams from other regions, attracting the attention of numerous scouts. Last year's champions were from the Ajax youth team."
Yang Yang's excitement surged as he listened to Henk Dimer's proposal. He had longed for such an opportunity to gauge his peers' skill levels within the Ajax youth team.
"The competition runs through June and July, and the Ajax Genius Day selection takes place at the beginning of August. They don't overlap," Henk Dimer added. It was evident that Henk Dimer harbored some apprehension about Yang Yang's potential refusal.
Having witnessed Yang Yang's impact, particularly his prowess on the right flank, during several recent matches, Henk Dimer, along with the rest of the team, recognized the prospect of Yang Yang's inclusion as pivotal to their chances of success in the upcoming tournament.
"I'll consider it and let you know," Yang Yang replied after pondering for a moment, opting not to commit immediately.
"No rush. We've got plenty of time. I'll await your decision," Henk Dimer replied, reassured by Yang Yang's noncommittal response.
As Yang Yang deliberated, he realized he needed to consult with his uncle and inform his parents.
Although he had initially planned to return home for the summer, the prospect of teaming up with Henk Dimer and the others proved highly enticing.
Recent experiences had taught Yang Yang that game experience accelerated his progress more than solitary training sessions.
Furthermore, the presence of numerous scouts at the tournament presented an invaluable opportunity.
Even if circumstances led him away from Almere in the future, opportunities elsewhere might not be guaranteed. How could he decline such a promising offer?