When referee Ben Havert blew the final whistle, the Amsterdam Arena erupted in a symphony of jubilation. The roar of over 50,000 ecstatic fans echoed through the stands, a sea of red and white scarves waving in triumph as the Ajax faithful celebrated a convincing victory.
On the pitch, the Ajax players, visibly fatigued yet elated, raised their arms in unison to acknowledge the unwavering support of their fans. Their appreciation was palpable, and the connection between the team and the supporters had never felt stronger.
The massive scoreboard at the north end of the stadium displayed the final score of the 19th round of the Eredivisie: Ajax 4, ADO Den Haag 0. It was a dominant performance, with goals coming from Victor Sikora, Wesley Sneijder, and Wesley Sonck, along with an own goal by Kazuyuki Toda. This victory not only solidified Ajax's position at the top of the table but also maintained their slender one-point lead over fierce rivals PSV Eindhoven.
The anticipation in the air was thick, as the result added to the mounting excitement for the upcoming De Topper, the iconic clash where Ajax would host PSV Eindhoven at the Amsterdam Arena. With the Eredivisie title race as close as it had been in years, the 20th round of fixtures was poised to be a turning point. A victory for either side could all but secure a direct route into the group stage of the UEFA Champions League next season, bypassing the nerve-wracking qualifying rounds.
Understanding the stakes, Ajax manager Ronald Koeman had made the calculated decision to rotate his squad. Despite the importance of the match, he chose to rest several key players, opting instead to field a mix of youth and experience. The young and promising Belgian center-back, Thomas Vermaelen, was handed a rare start in place of Julien Escudé, partnering with the versatile Johnny Heitinga at the heart of the defense. Vermaelen's performance was a revelation; composed and confident, he repelled ADO Den Haag's rare advances with maturity beyond his years.
In midfield, Wesley Sneijder once again showcased his burgeoning talent. The young Dutch playmaker pulled the strings with precision, notching an assist before driving a low shot into the corner of the net to give Ajax a commanding three-goal lead by halftime. Meanwhile, Nigel de Jong, with his characteristic tenacity, capped the scoring with a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area, leaving the goalkeeper no chance.
As the match progressed, Koeman made tactical adjustments to preserve his stars for the upcoming showdown with PSV. In the 64th minute, he introduced Yang Yang, a highly-rated prospect, off the bench to replace Sikora on the right wing. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the young winger entered the fray, eager to see if he could continue his impressive development.
Yang Yang did not disappoint. In the 79th minute, after a surging run down the flank, he delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area. With impeccable timing, Wesley Sonck met the ball with a powerful header, sending it crashing into the back of the net for Ajax's fourth goal. The Belgian striker, who had rediscovered his scoring touch in recent weeks, celebrated emphatically, his confidence restored, and his place in the hearts of Ajax supporters reaffirmed.
Despite Ajax's emphatic victory, the pressure from PSV Eindhoven remained relentless. In their match held simultaneously, PSV secured a comfortable home win over Vitesse Arnhem, with goals from John de Jong, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, and the ever-dazzling Arjen Robben. The three points kept them hot on Ajax's heels, ensuring that the forthcoming De Topper would be a high-stakes battle with significant implications for the Eredivisie title and Champions League qualification.
As the jubilant Ajax players made their way off the pitch and into the changing rooms, Yang Yang's thoughts briefly drifted from the thrill of victory. When he entered the players' lounge, he was met with a heartwarming sight: his uncle Shen Ming, aunt, cousin Shen Yuzhu, and family friend Wei Zheng, who had just flown in from China, were waiting for him. Their faces were alight with pride and joy, a stark contrast to the fatigue that had settled into Yang's muscles.
Earlier, during the match, Yang had caught a glimpse of them in the crowded stands. Despite the chaos and the noise, their presence had not gone unnoticed. They were far away, surrounded by throngs of animated fans, and though Yang had tried to acknowledge them with a wave and a smile, the sheer distance and commotion had made it impossible to communicate. Now, as he saw them up close, he felt a deep sense of gratitude.
With a sheepish grin, Yang raised his hand in a gesture of apology for not being able to greet them properly during the match. His uncle waved it off with a laugh, understanding the nature of the situation.
...
...
After head coach Ronald Koeman dismissed the team, Yang Yang wasted no time saying his goodbyes to his teammates. With a quick wave and a few handshakes, he made his way out of the Amsterdam Arena, where he found his uncle, Shen Ming, and cousin, Shen Yuzhu, waiting for him patiently.
Despite the late hour, the atmosphere outside the stadium was still electric. Ajax fans lingered, savoring the afterglow of a well-deserved victory. Yang Yang, who had gradually become somewhat of a local celebrity, quickly attracted attention. As soon as he stepped outside, a small crowd of fans rushed over, eager to capture a photo with the young winger or secure an autograph. Yang Yang, always polite and respectful, obliged as many as he could, flashing smiles for photos and signing jerseys until the throng of enthusiastic fans was eventually dispersed.
Once the crowd had cleared, Yang Yang turned back to his uncle and cousin with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that," he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Let's head to my place. We can catch up properly there."
To make staying in touch easier, Yang Yang had taken a significant step two days earlier by purchasing a mobile phone. The Nokia 7610 had just hit the market, and its sleek, avant-garde design immediately caught his eye. He liked it so much that he didn't stop at just one; he bought three of the stylish devices—one for himself and two for his cousin, Shen Yuzhu and Wei Zheng. Additionally, he picked up two high-end, more practical phones for his aunt and uncle, wanting them to have something reliable and easy to use.
"I read about this phone in a domestic newspaper," Yang Yang said as he handed over the devices. "They say it's the first flagship phone with a patented design and a one-megapixel camera. It's going to be at least six months before it's available back home in China."
Shen Yuzhu's eyes widened as she examined the phone. "Not cheap," she murmured, clearly impressed by the advanced technology but trying to hide her excitement. "Why would you buy such an expensive phone for no reason?"
Though she tried to sound disapproving, her expression betrayed her delight. Wei Zheng, holding his own new phone, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, these cost over 500 euros each. That's a lot of money."
Hearing this, Shen Ming frowned slightly, his brows knitting together in concern. "Yang Yang, you really shouldn't be spending so much money on us," he said, his tone a mixture of gratitude and worry. "These are very nice, but you need to be careful with your finances."
Yang Yang smiled, unfazed by their concerns. "Uncle, cousin, you've all done so much for me. Cousin and Zheng helped me a lot when I was back in China, and since I've been here in the Netherlands, you and Auntie have been like second parents to me. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Besides, I don't really have much else to spend my money on."
He paused, considering his words. "My weekly salary is 400 euros, and I hardly have any expenses. The club covers most of my costs—food, accommodation, travel. I don't have many opportunities to spend what I earn."
Shen Ming sighed, still concerned. "You need to plan wisely, Yang Yang. A footballer's career is short, and you make most of your money while you're young. Don't waste it. Save as much as you can for the future."
Yang Yang nodded earnestly. "I understand, Uncle. I'm being careful."
Then, turning to Shen Yuzhu with a mischievous grin, he added, "By the way, Cousin, I'm going to buy you a car."
Shen Yuzhu's eyes widened in shock. "A car? What on earth do I need a car for?"
"Uncle only has one car, and he needs it for work," Yang Yang explained. "It's not always convenient for you to use it. If you had your own, it'd be much easier for you to get around. Plus, you could drive Zheng to school without any hassle, right?" He smiled, watching as his cousin's face turned a deep shade of red. Even Wei Zheng, standing beside her, looked thoroughly embarrassed.
Though Shen Yuzhu knew Yang Yang's intentions were good, she couldn't help but feel flustered. The idea of accepting such a lavish gift made her uneasy, especially in front of her uncle. "You really don't have to, Yang Yang," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
Shen Ming, though deeply touched by his nephew's generosity, couldn't help but interject. "Yang Yang, there's no need for all these expensive gifts. Your father needs money too. You should save and send some back home."
It seemed absurd to him—first, four brand-new phones, and now a car. He shook his head in disbelief.
Yang Yang, however, just smiled and shook his head. "Uncle, don't worry. It won't cost me anything."
The room fell silent as everyone processed what he had just said. Shen Ming blinked in confusion. "It won't cost anything? How is that possible?"
"Fiat sponsored our team and gave each of the first-team players a car," Yang Yang explained, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I got one recently too, but you know, I don't have a driver's license yet, and I don't really need it most of the time. The sponsor already sent it, though, and it seems like a waste to just leave it sitting in the car park. So, I figured it would be better if I gave it to my cousin."
As the words left his mouth, everyone around him seemed to pause, taking in the unexpected generosity. Shen Ming and Shen Yuzhu exchanged glances, both clearly touched by Yang Yang's gesture. It was a rare gift, and the fact that it came from a sponsor made it all the more special.
"The deal is," Yang Yang continued with a playful grin, "Cousin, you'll be my full-time driver from now on. Whenever I need to get somewhere, I'll give you a call, and you'll be there to pick me up."
Shen Yuzhu chuckled, feeling a mix of gratitude and amusement. "Alright, Yang Yang, you've got yourself a deal," she replied, her voice warm with affection. The idea of being her cousin's chauffeur didn't seem like a chore at all; instead, it felt like a small way to contribute to his blossoming career in Europe.
Shen Ming nodded in agreement, his earlier concerns dissipating. Since the car was provided by the sponsor, it didn't feel like an excessive expense, and it was a practical solution given the situation. "It's settled then," he said with a smile.
Wei Zheng, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with a grin. "Me too—if you ever need anything, just call me, and I'll be there," he promised. The bond between them had grown stronger over time, especially after all the assistance Wei Zheng and Shen Yuzhu had provided to Yang Yang's father, Yang Yongqiang, back in China. They had run countless errands and navigated various channels to take care of the tasks Yang Yang had entrusted to them, lifting a significant weight off his shoulders.
Besides, Wei Zheng was genuinely happy to see the close relationship between Yang Yang and Shen Ming's family. The previous report he had filmed in the Netherlands about Yang Yang's time with Ajax and Almere had sparked considerable interest back home. Since its broadcast, the reaction had been overwhelmingly positive, particularly as Yang Yang's performances in the Netherlands continued to improve. The young winger's growing reputation was raising expectations among Chinese fans, who were eager to see him succeed on the European stage.
"Right now, the performance of Chinese players abroad isn't great," Wei Zheng remarked thoughtfully. "Even though you're not with one of the big four clubs, Ajax is a traditional giant in Europe. Your performance in the Champions League against Club Brugge was impressive. Everyone is looking forward to seeing what you can do in the upcoming matches."
Yang Yang smiled modestly, brushing off the praise with a light shrug. "I just did my best," he replied.
"This time, we're back mainly to prepare for the upcoming Eredivisie broadcast," Wei Zheng continued.
Yang Yang's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You're going to broadcast the Eredivisie back home?"
"Not the whole league, just the upcoming match between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven," Wei Zheng clarified. "The deal is almost finalized. Everyone thinks it's going to be a highly competitive match, and the domestic fans are really excited about it. Several media outlets and websites in China are planning to broadcast the game live, with real-time commentary and analysis."
Seeing the surprise on Yang Yang's face, Wei Zheng quickly elaborated. "Lately, the overall situation for Chinese players overseas hasn't been very encouraging. Meanwhile, players from Japan and South Korea have been making waves in European leagues, especially the two South Korean players at PSV, Lee Young-Pyo and Park Ji-Sung."
Yang Yang nodded, recognizing the names. Lee Young-Pyo was a solid left-back and had become a key defender for PSV Eindhoven. Park Ji-Sung, on the other hand, was a versatile player who had been deployed in various attacking positions. Although it was difficult for Park to unseat the highly talented Arjen Robben, he had still managed to contribute with a few goals this season.
"Before your match against Feyenoord, the Japanese and South Korean players didn't feature, but this time, when you play PSV, Lee Young-Pyo is definitely going to play. He's their starting left-back, and you're a right winger. It's going to be seen as a head-to-head between Korea and China, and the fans back home are eager to see how it plays out," Wei Zheng explained, his excitement evident.
Yang Yang scratched his head, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Well, Lee Young-Pyo is a starter, but I'm just a substitute," he said with a hint of humility. "It's an important match, so there's a chance I might not even get on the pitch."
Wei Zhen, however, was quick to counter his modesty. "Even Koeman said you're the twelfth man for Ajax," he pointed out with a reassuring smile. "You're one of the first names he looks to when he needs to change the game. I'm sure you'll get your chance in this match."
Yang Yang felt a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. Wei Zhen's confidence in him was heartening, but he knew the weight of the occasion. Matches like this one against PSV Eindhoven didn't need extra motivation; the players were already fired up, knowing the stakes were sky-high. Every player on the pitch would give their all to secure a win.
Ronald Koeman had been meticulous in his preparations, making several tactical adjustments to ensure Ajax would be in peak condition for the showdown at the Amsterdam Arena. His goal was clear: beat PSV Eindhoven and extend Ajax's lead at the top of the Eredivisie standings. The pressure was immense, but Koeman trusted in the depth and talent of his squad.
On the other side, Guus Hiddink was equally strategic. The PSV Eindhoven manager was also fine-tuning his squad, ready to deploy his formidable attacking trio—Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Mateja Kežman, and Arjen Robben. Though Park Ji-Sung might not feature in the starting lineup, Eindhoven's left flank, spearheaded by the electrifying Robben, promised to be a significant threat.
Robben, at just 20 years old, had already established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in the league. His blistering pace and ability to cut inside from the left made him a nightmare for defenders across the Netherlands. With four seasons of top-flight experience under his belt, split between Groningen and PSV, Robben's attacking prowess was well-known, and Ajax's right side would be under immense pressure.
Ajax faced their own challenges, particularly with their right wing. Hatem Trabelsi, the club's first-choice right-back, was away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, leaving a gap in their defense. Koeman had to make difficult decisions about who would cover for Trabelsi, and whether Julien Escudé would be fit enough to return to the backline after his injury. The French defender's presence was crucial, especially with the likes of Hesselink and Kežman—PSV's top scorer—waiting to exploit any weaknesses.
As for the much-anticipated clash between Yang Yang and Lee Young-Pyo, it remained a tantalizing mystery. The South Korean left-back was known for his defensive solidity, and if Yang Yang got on the pitch, their duel would be a fascinating subplot in an already high-stakes encounter.
The day of the match finally arrived, and the tension was palpable both in the stadium and in the dressing rooms. The atmosphere inside the Amsterdam Arena was electric, with the Ajax faithful creating a wall of sound that reverberated through every corner of the historic ground.
As it turned out, Yang Yang was only half right in his earlier prediction. The match between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven was every bit as challenging as anticipated. The two teams, well-acquainted with each other's strengths and weaknesses, engaged in a tactical chess match. Both Koeman and Hiddink had done their homework, devising strategies to neutralize their opponent's key players and limit goal-scoring opportunities.
Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Mateja Kežman—some of the brightest stars on the pitch—found themselves stifled by the tight marking and disciplined defending on display. Each time one of these marquee players touched the ball, they were immediately swarmed by opposition players, preventing them from finding any real space to operate.
The first half was a tense, physical battle with neither side able to break through. Just when it seemed the teams would head into the locker rooms level, a moment of misfortune for Ajax turned the tide. With minutes remaining in the half, Tomáš Galásek committed a foul just outside the penalty area, handing PSV a dangerous free-kick opportunity.
Mark van Bommel, PSV's captain and midfield general, stepped up to take the set piece. His delivery was precise, curling the ball into the heart of the box where Hesselink, towering above the Ajax defenders, met it with a powerful header. The ball flew past the helpless Ajax goalkeeper and into the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and sending the PSV supporters into raptures.
The goal was a sucker punch for Ajax, leaving them in a vulnerable position as they headed into the break. The team's spirits were dampened, but they knew they couldn't afford to let their heads drop. The second half would be a test of their resolve and determination to claw their way back into the match.
As Yang Yang sat on the bench, watching the unfolding drama, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves. He might not have started the match, but there was still a chance he could be called upon to make an impact. The stakes were high, and the pressure was mounting. It was in moments like these that heroes were made, and Yang Yang knew that if his number was called, he had to be ready.
The match was far from over, and as the second half loomed, both teams prepared for what promised to be a fierce and decisive 45 minutes of football.
...
...
Quanzhou, China.
Yongqiang Shoe Factory was originally just one of many small sports shoe factories in the county, specializing in producing footwear for foreign export. With over 200 employees, the factory had a modest four-story building that served multiple purposes. The lower levels housed the production workshop, while the upper floors were used as a finished goods warehouse, office space, and employee dormitories. Over the years, the production facilities had been modernized, with separate workshops constructed to improve efficiency and safety.
In a region where such small-scale factories were common, Yongqiang Shoe Factory was unremarkable, blending in with countless others that dotted the industrial landscape. It had operated quietly for years, never drawing much attention beyond its immediate community.
However, in recent weeks, Yongqiang Shoe Factory had unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight. The once inconspicuous factory had become the talk of the town, with local, provincial, and even national media outlets descending upon it. Reports about the factory appeared in prominent domestic newspapers, and to the surprise of many, even the country's most authoritative national television station and the official Party newspaper had taken an interest. The sudden surge in attention was unprecedented, drawing curious glances from neighbors and passersby alike.
The buzz around the factory was not due to any groundbreaking innovation or record-breaking sales figures. Instead, the reason was far more personal. The son of Yongqiang, the factory owner, had achieved something extraordinary—he had become a footballer in Europe. Rumors swirled that he was performing exceptionally well, to the point where even the national team had taken notice and was considering calling him up.
For Quanzhou, a city not known for its contributions to the sports world, the prospect of having a local player called up to the national team, especially a 17-year-old, was nothing short of remarkable. It was a source of immense pride, not just for the family, but for the entire community.
Tonight, a group of reporters from the national TV station, accompanied by officials from the city's publicity department, arrived at Yongqiang Shoe Factory. Their visit only served to heighten the excitement and curiosity of the locals, who speculated about what this could mean for the factory and the community.
Yet, the real reason for the reporters' visit wasn't a factory inspection or an interview with the owner. They had come to watch a football match.
In the second-floor office of the factory, Yang Yongqiang and his wife, Shen Lifang, welcomed the reporters. The couple had never been particularly interested in football, and they knew little about the sport's intricacies. But tonight was different. Tonight, they were watching because their son, Yang Yang, might be playing.
As they settled in front of the television, the room filled with a sense of nervous anticipation. The screen showed a match in progress, with one team dressed in white jerseys—Yang Yang's team—facing off against opponents in red. Although they didn't fully understand the rules or strategies, the couple's eyes were glued to the screen, searching for any sign of their son.
When the camera panned over to the bench, they caught a glimpse of Yang Yang. For a brief moment, their hearts swelled with pride and emotion.
Eighteen months!
It had been eighteen long months since Yang Yang had left for the Netherlands with his uncle, Shen Ming. During that time, communication had been sporadic—occasional phone calls that often glossed over the challenges he faced. For much of that period, Yang Yongqiang and his wife had little idea of what their son's life was truly like in Europe. It was only recently, through a national television program, that they learned about his achievements. The program had shed light on what team he played for, the pitch he trained on, where he lived, and even what he ate.
The broadcast had also revealed something that weighed heavily on their hearts: their son had kept many hardships to himself. Yang Yang had never mentioned the struggles he faced in Almere, including being bullied by some of his teammates. His parents had been under the impression that he was thriving and well-supported in Almere, but the truth was far more complicated.
This revelation left Shen Lifang feeling a deep sense of sadness and guilt. She regretted not being able to be there for her son when he needed support the most. There had been several occasions when they had considered flying to the Netherlands to visit him, but circumstances had always gotten in the way. Yang Yang had assured them repeatedly that everything was fine, and Shen Ming had echoed these reassurances, so they had postponed their visit.
Now, seeing their son on the television screen for the first time in months, even if the broadcast was delayed by a few minutes, brought both joy and tears to their eyes. It was a surreal experience—seeing him so far away yet feeling so close.
"He looks like you, Mrs. Yang—very handsome," a female reporter sitting beside them commented with a warm smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"Thank you," Shen Lifang replied, her voice choked with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes. The pride she felt for her son was overwhelming, mixed with the bittersweet realization of how much they had missed during his time abroad.
As she watched Yang Yang emerge from the bench to begin his warm-up, Shen Lifang felt a mixture of emotions swell within her. She noticed that her son had grown taller and appeared stronger, more physically developed than when he had left China. This sight brought her a sense of relief—he was maturing, becoming a man—but it also stirred a new wave of anxiety. She couldn't help but worry whether he would perform well if given the chance to play.
"If the match continues like this, Yang Yang will likely be subbed in," a voice on the TV speculated.
"Yes, neither side has managed to break the deadlock. Koeman and Hiddink have set up their teams well, leaving few opportunities for either to exploit. Both managers came prepared."
"Now it's down to the players' individual abilities. PSV's goal in the first half came from a free-kick won by Robben on the left. Ajax needs to find a way to break through, and maybe bringing on Yang Yang could be the key. Victor Sikora has struggled against Young-Pyo Lee today, and Yang Yang might have better luck, especially with Ibrahimović and Sonck in the middle. Ajax's attack still needs that extra spark."
Yang Yongqiang and Shen Lifang listened intently, though much of the tactical discussion was lost on them. They didn't fully grasp the complexities of the game, but they understood one thing: their son might soon be on the pitch.
Just as Shen Lifang was about to express her concerns, the commentator's voice suddenly rose in excitement.
The camera cut to a bald player in a white jersey, wearing number 18, sprinting toward the touchline, his face alight with joy. In a flash, his teammates in white shirts rushed to join him, engulfing him in a jubilant celebration.
"Sneijder with a sudden strike from outside the penalty area! It's a goal for Ajax!"
"What a brilliant shot! Ajax have equalized!"
"It's one to one now, and the match is back on level terms!"
As Yang Yongqiang and his wife listened to the commentary, they began to understand the significance of what had just happened.
"Does this mean Yang Yang won't get to play?" Shen Lifang asked, her voice tinged with worry. Her concern wasn't for the outcome of the game but for her son's opportunity to make his mark.
"Not necessarily," one of the reporters nearby responded. "It depends on what the head coach decides. This match could have serious implications for the league championship, and the stakes are incredibly high. When you consider the financial impact, it could be worth tens of millions in RMB. Both teams will be doing everything they can to win."
The idea that a football match could be worth tens of millions was almost unfathomable to Yang Yongqiang and his wife, but they had grown accustomed to hearing such figures, especially after learning that Yang Yang's breakthrough match had earned Ajax nearly 100 million RMB. These numbers were staggering, but they underscored the high stakes of the sport their son was now a part of.
"The player who just scored, that's Sneijder," another reporter explained, sensing the parents' interest. "He's one of Yang Yang's good friends at Ajax. The tall man with long hair up front, that's Zlatan Ibrahimović, and the player who passed to Sneijder is Wesley Sonck. They're all close to Yang Yang."
"Really?" Yang Yongqiang and his wife asked, their excitement palpable.
"And the one sitting next to Yang Yang on the bench, that's Thomas Vermaelen, a Belgian. He's been Yang Yang's flatmate for the past six months."
The parents nodded, absorbing this new information. It was fascinating to learn about their son's life in such detail, especially on a live broadcast.
"And speaking of close friends, Ibrahimović, Maxwell, and Vermaelen all share the same agent as Yang Yang now," the reporter continued.
"Agent?" Yang Yongqiang asked, unfamiliar with the term.
"Agents are professionals who handle a lot of things for players—contracts, endorsements, and more. They take a commission, but they're very experienced and well-connected."
"Why not just let Wei Zheng handle it? He's very capable and has always given us good advice. Why should we let someone else make money off our son?" Yang Yongqiang asked, clearly impressed by Wei Zheng's competence.
"This is different, Mr. Yang. Professional agents have specific expertise in the football world that's crucial for a player's career."
As they discussed the role of agents, the live broadcast suddenly shifted focus. The camera panned to the sidelines, and the sound of the crowd's cheers swelled from the TV speakers. Amid the noise, they could faintly hear the fans chanting a familiar name—Yang Yang.
"Look, look! Yang Yang is about to play!" a voice exclaimed.
All eyes in the room turned to the screen. Sure enough, Yang Yang had taken off his jacket and was standing on the sidelines, preparing to enter the match. He shook hands with Vermaelen, exchanged a few words with the coach, and then began jumping up and down to loosen up, his face a mask of concentration.
Yang Yongqiang and Shen Lifang leaned forward, their eyes glued to the screen, hearts pounding with a mix of pride and nervous anticipation. They watched as their son took those final steps toward the touchline, ready to step onto the field and into the spotlight.
...
...
Yang Yang didn't need to count; he knew this wasn't the first time he'd come off the bench. Yet tonight felt different. A wave of nerves washed over him, not because of the match itself, but because he was acutely aware that his parents, along with fans all across China, were watching him live on television. The pressure to perform well, to make them proud, weighed heavily on his mind.
But Yang Yang had learned to manage pressure. He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and focused on calming his thoughts. Clearing his mind of distractions, he quickly walked to the touchline, ready to make an impact.
Only two minutes had passed since Sneijder's brilliant equalizer, but Ronald Koeman, ever the strategist, had already decided to make a substitution. The move was clearly aimed at reinforcing Ajax's attack, pushing to secure a victory against PSV Eindhoven rather than settling for a draw.
"Boss." Yang Yang stood beside Koeman, pulling at the hem of his shorts, signaling his readiness.
Koeman turned his gaze toward Yang Yang, his expression serious. "What do you think of the situation?" he asked, testing his young player's awareness.
Yang Yang didn't hesitate. "There's an opportunity on the left," he replied confidently.
Koeman's eyes gleamed with approval. It wasn't just Yang Yang's focus on the game that impressed him, but also the winger's ability to quickly analyze the situation and identify a potential weak spot in the opposition's defense. It was a sign of maturity, ambition, and a growing footballing intelligence—traits Koeman highly valued.
After all, Yang Yang's natural position was on the right wing, but his ability to see the broader picture on the pitch was a crucial asset.
"There's a chance on the left," Koeman agreed, "but we haven't applied enough pressure on the right. The Korean is too active. Robben has De Jong marking him tightly, so I need someone who can neutralize the Korean threat on the right."
Yang Yang nodded, fully grasping the coach's instructions. He understood the tactical nuances at play. Ajax had made adjustments on the right flank during the match, deploying De Jong at right-back—a move that had successfully contained Robin van Persie in the previous round. Against Robben, De Jong had been similarly effective, despite the Dutch winger indirectly contributing to PSV's goal.
However, as the second half progressed, Young-Pyo Lee, PSV's dynamic left-back, had begun to exert more influence on the game. Victor Sikora, who had been tasked with pressuring Lee, hadn't managed to do so effectively, leaving the Korean defender free to advance and create opportunities with his dangerous crosses. Koeman wasn't pleased with this development, and the decision to bring on Yang Yang was meant to shift the balance, adding the offensive pressure that was currently lacking on Ajax's right side.
Yang Yang's role was clear: to press Lee, disrupt his rhythm, and contribute more aggressively to Ajax's attack. Every time Yang Yang stepped onto the field, he brought energy and a direct approach to the game—qualities Koeman was counting on tonight.
"Remember," Koeman continued, his voice firm, "suppressing the Korean is just the first step. I want you to be more active, especially in attack. This is our home turf, and anything less than a win is a loss for us."
Yang Yang understood perfectly. This was more than just another game; it was a pivotal moment in the race for the championship. If Ajax couldn't capitalize on their home advantage against PSV, they risked allowing their rivals to gain the upper hand. A draw would mean shared points, but it would also be a psychological blow to Ajax's title ambitions.
"Go, I believe in you!" Koeman said, giving Yang Yang a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
As Yang Yang prepared to step onto the pitch, Ruud Krol, the assistant coach, approached him with a tactical board in hand. He quickly briefed Yang Yang on the current situation, highlighting the key areas on the field where he would need to focus his efforts. Krol also provided a detailed rundown on Young-Pyo Lee.
"Lee's right-footed, but his left is strong too. He's incredibly well-balanced with both feet," Krol explained. "He's not particularly tall, but his physical fitness is outstanding. He's fast, defensively solid, and a threat going forward. You'll need to be sharp—he's a very complete player."
This was the first time Yang Yang would face such a well-rounded opponent in a formal match. The challenge was daunting. Lee's combination of speed, defensive prowess, and attacking capability made him a formidable adversary. But Yang Yang thrived on challenges. Each new opponent was an opportunity to test his limits, to push himself further.
As he absorbed Krol's instructions, Yang Yang's nerves gave way to a focused determination. He knew this would be a tough battle, but he was ready. The stakes were high, but so was his resolve.
Yang Yang stepped onto the pitch, the roar of the crowd ringing in his ears. This was his moment to shine, to prove not just to his parents watching from afar, but to himself, that he belonged on this stage.