Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions

"Moreover, given Tang's physical condition, he cannot play as a center forward, but only as a second striker. In the past season, when we played 4-4-2, this second forward position was played by Milner. His relentless running and fighting spirit, even as a striker, could still help the team defensively. But obviously, Tang can't do that."

"So I think, for the balance of offense and defense, it's better to let Tang continue to play in midfield!"

At this point, Toure paused and then changed the subject: "As for the forward position, I believe Bony should be given more opportunities. His performance against Southampton wasn't good, but that was also his first start of the season. If we abandon Bony because of that, it wouldn't be fair to him! His ability may not compare to Agüero, but compared to the overly immature Iheanacho, Bony should still be given a chance at the center forward position. After all, his goal-scoring efficiency at Swansea wasn't low."

Pellegrini's eyes revealed his inner hesitance.

After hearing Toure's response, the silver-haired Chilean coach nodded slightly and pondered:

"Alright, I understand. We will consider your suggestion."

...

Today is Tang Long's 19th birthday.

After training, Tang Long had his meal at the club's canteen and returned to his home in Manchester.

Playing in a foreign country alone, the birthday atmosphere inevitably felt lacking.

However, after some thought, Tang Long felt this birthday should still be celebrated, because after this year, he would be 20 next year.

He first sent a message to Dilata, inviting her out for dinner.

But Dilata quickly replied saying she was in London and didn't have time, and complained that Tang Long should have informed her a few days earlier.

Tang Long then called Gracie, hoping to invite her out for the evening.

But Gracie said she wouldn't go and suggested Tang Long find that long-legged, good-looking reporter, "You two can just go together, why call me."

Tang Long earnestly told Gracie on the phone that in the future, when mentioning Dilata, she should just use her name and not add the long-legged, good-looking adjective, as it sounded weird.

"Your legs may not be as long or as good-looking as hers, but they are whiter!"

Gracie was silent for a few seconds on the phone, then grunted through gritted teeth before hanging up.

Feeling a bit self-pitying, Tang Long decided to open his computer and continue studying videos, then trained for two more hours in the AI Cloud Training Ground.

This time, he successfully applied Ronaldo's pendulum dribble, with pretty good effect, which inspired Tang Long even more.

Although his main role was as a midfielder specializing in passing and assists, when the team needed more options, he could also be effective up front.

That's when the one-on-one moves like the pendulum dribble become quite crucial.

However, due to the limited video material on pendulum dribbles, Tang Long found that the only examples he could really learn from were just a few of Ronaldo's moves.

After training for a while, he still felt he couldn't grasp the essence, and entering the Cloud Training Ground, the execution felt different from when he faced Liverpool.

So Tang Long decided to observe other dribbling techniques: step-overs, Maradona steps, Matthews' move, Cruyff turn...

These dribbling techniques are more common, and many players worldwide have used them successfully, with more video material available.

"Ding!"

"Dribbling feeding successful, host dribbling stats +1!"

"Activate step-over special training!"

"Activate Matthews' move special training!"

"Activate..."

Tang Long became more and more excited with the training, his body soaked with sweat.

Previously, Pirlo had told Tang Long that an excellent midfield master must learn how to dribble past opponents.

However, the Pirlo-style dribbling Tang Long learned was mostly about maneuvering in midfield and drawing opponents when surrounded by multiple players.

Now, practicing forward one-on-one dribbles felt completely different, more thrilling and exciting!

Before he knew it, it was already five o'clock.

The sunset's afterglow had begun to shine on the windowsill where he placed his computer.

Tang Long realized that once he immersed himself in football, time always passed so quickly. He didn't even feel like having dinner, thinking it was better to continue improving himself rather than celebrating his birthday.

Just as Tang Long was about to continue training, Ranocchia called.

"Happy birthday, brother! Got any plans for the evening? Want to have dinner together?"

Tang Long was surprised: "Ah, how did you know today is my birthday? Did I tell you?"

"Haha, you didn't, but I know. Don't forget I used to be Inter's captain, and I remembered every player's birthday because the club would arrange to give players cake on their birthdays."

Tang Long thought about it and realized it was true.

Back when he was at Inter Milan, with over 20 players in the team, someone would have a birthday almost every month.

At that time, Ranocchia would carry a cake, either appearing on the training ground or in the locker room, then gather everyone to sing for the birthday player.

For some reason, Manchester City Club didn't seem to have this practice.

"Let's not go out. Why don't you come to my place? I'll ask my wife to cook some Chinese dishes for you, how about it?"

Faced with Ranocchia's invitation, Tang Long felt a surge of emotion and agreed without hesitation.

Since arriving in England, he hadn't visited Ranocchia's home.

Unlike Tang Long, Ranocchia already had a family; he came to Manchester with his wife and little daughter.

This was the perfect opportunity to visit his house.

Remembering how both Dilata and Gracie had turned him down, Tang Long couldn't help but think to himself: "Women are all fickle, when it comes to critical moments, it's brothers who stand by your side!"

...

As time was getting late, Tang Long quickly changed his clothes, headed to the nearby mall to buy a Barbie doll and a box of Lego toys, then hurried to Ranocchia's home with the gifts.

When Ranocchia first arrived in Manchester, he lived in a luxurious apartment provided by the club.

However, the surroundings of this city-center apartment were quite noisy.

Ranocchia's wife used to be a nurse in a hospital and had trouble sleeping due to irregular shifts, so Ranocchia decided to find a new place.

However, as newcomers to England, he and his wife weren't familiar with the real estate market there and didn't have time to check properties.

Fortunately, former Inter coach Mancini lent a hand, renting out a detached villa he had bought during his time managing in Manchester City to Ranocchia, at a price below the market value.

This was a spacious detached villa with a sizable garden, and its location was not remote.

It's a great place for Ranocchia to drive to training or for his wife to take their child to kindergarten.

After settling in, the Ranocchia family adorned the house warmly, with the garden filled with flowers and plants favored by Italians.

As soon as Tang Long pushed open the garden gate, he was greeted by vibrant colors and a fragrant aroma, instantly feeling rejuvenated.

Ranocchia's daughter, who was in kindergarten, happily accepted Tang Long's toys and said "Happy birthday" to him in awkward Chinese.

Seeing Tang Long's delighted expression, Ranocchia explained with a smile that he had just searched for the pronunciation online two hours ago and had taught it to his little daughter.

Ranocchia's wife was not particularly striking in appearance or figure; she and her husband were childhood sweethearts, having been in love since the time Ranocchia was still playing in the Italian Third Division at Alizzo.

This is rare in the football world, where typically handsome and wealthy professional players are accompanied by supermodels.

While bringing the dishes from the kitchen to the table, she politely said to Tang Long:

"Ranocchia specifically told me to make some Chinese dishes. I learned from online, the ingredients were bought from the Chinese Supermarket in Chinatown. I'm not sure if they suit your taste."

Looking at the sweet and sour pork, spicy stir-fried meat, boiled fish, garlic pork, and stir-fried loofah on the table, Tang Long almost burst into tears.

If it wasn't for Ranocchia's wife being present, which made him a bit reserved, Tang Long would have enthusiastically hugged Ranocchia.

"My brother really treats me well, not only remembering my birthday but also inviting me to his house and instructing his wife to make Chinese food. This friendship, sigh, I don't even know what to say!"