Including the 1-1 draw against Utrecht in the third round of the Eredivisie and the 2-1 loss to Valencia in the UEFA Super Cup, Ajax had gone nearly two months without a victory.
A narrow 1-0 win over Roda JC may not have been the most convincing, but it was enough to lift the spirits of the fans and the club. The victory helped ease the tension and frustration that had built up during the winless streak, allowing Ajax to regain some momentum.
However, everyone knew the real challenge lay in the upcoming midweek Champions League fixture. Maccabi Tel Aviv, while not considered a European heavyweight, posed a significant threat. Failing to win would leave Ajax in a precarious position in their group standings, and potentially facing the embarrassment of finishing at the bottom, a fate that would be especially humiliating for the defending champions.
From head coach Ronald Koeman to the players, no one could afford to relax just yet.
After the match, Yang Yang went straight home and fell into bed, exhausted. Later, he replayed the game against Roda JC in the Dream Training system alongside Zax, analyzing his performance before completing a series of basic and skill-based training drills. Soon enough, a new day began.
Somewhere along the way, Yang Yang had grown accustomed to this demanding and fulfilling lifestyle.
Because Vermaelen and Maxwell had played the full match the night before, they were excused from morning training. Yang Yang, however, was up early and headed out on his own, only to find two figures waiting across the road.
It was Maicon and Felipe Luis.
"Good morning, Yang," Maicon greeted.
"Morning," Yang Yang replied with a smile, watching as the two jogged over to join him.
Due to their shared friendship with Maxwell, Yang Yang wasn't a complete stranger to Maicon and Felipe Luis. But as they had only recently arrived at Ajax and had spent little time together, they weren't very familiar with each other.
As the two approached, Yang Yang noticed they seemed a bit nervous—especially Felipe Luis.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Yang Yang asked curiously.
Maicon and Felipe Luis exchanged a glance before Maicon finally spoke up.
"We were wondering… could we start training with you?"
"Huh?" Yang Yang was taken aback.
"We mean, we'd like to join you for your morning and afternoon workouts. Is that okay?" Maicon explained.
"Of course," Yang Yang agreed quickly, delighted at the prospect of having more training partners. He'd been looking for more sparring anyway, so he didn't mind at all. "But what's brought this on?"
Maicon sighed and glanced at Felipe Luis again before explaining. "We're both worried about our performances on the team. We don't want to be sent back to Brazil. We want to stay at Ajax."
Suddenly, it all made sense to Yang Yang. The professional football world could be brutal.
The supply of Brazilian players to European leagues seemed endless. For players in Brazil's domestic leagues, securing a move to Europe was seen as a life-changing opportunity—not just for themselves, but for their families. But making it to Europe was only the first step. Establishing yourself there was the real challenge.
Every year, countless Brazilian players returned home after failing to impress in Europe. Maicon and Felipe Luis were determined not to be among them.
The most notable recent example was Porto's talented striker Alberto. Despite playing well in the Champions League final, he found himself back in Brazil after losing his spot in the starting lineup. Maicon and Felipe Luis hadn't even had that kind of breakthrough. If they didn't prove themselves soon, their time at Ajax would be cut short, and they'd be sent back to Brazil with little chance of another European opportunity.
Hearing their story, Yang Yang couldn't help but recall his own struggles during his time at Almere. Their situation wasn't so different from his own back then.
"Of course, no problem. You're both more than welcome to join me," Yang Yang replied with a reassuring smile.
Maicon and Felipe Luis beamed with relief, thanking him profusely.
Later, when Nicklas Bendtner arrived at Yang Yang's door for their usual training session, he was surprised to see two new faces. Instantly, his competitive instincts kicked in—especially toward Maicon, whom he viewed as a potential rival.
Maicon, noticing Bendtner's reaction, quickly explained, "I used to play in midfield before they converted me to a right-back."
Yang Yang nodded in understanding. Maicon had struggled to secure a starting spot at Cruzeiro, but Van Gaal and Ajax's technical team clearly saw potential in his speed and technique, especially for a defender. At 23 years old, Maicon had room to improve his defensive skills.
Felipe Luis, who was only 19, shared a similar situation. Both players knew they had weaknesses to address, particularly in defense.
"Our main problem is defense," Felipe Luis admitted. "We've noticed the extra ball control training you do after regular sessions, and we think it could help us improve our defensive play. That's why we wanted to join you."
Yang Yang smiled. "Maxwell will be happy you're here. I won't have to rely on him as much anymore."
After taking a closer look at Maicon and Felipe Luis, Yang Yang noticed that both were relatively thin, much like himself.
"I think it might also be a good idea for you two to talk to Kruitenberg about starting some strength training. Defenders need to be more physically robust than attackers, especially here in Europe," Yang Yang advised.
Both Maicon and Felipe Luis agreed. They knew physical strength was an important aspect of playing in the European leagues, where defenders were often required to win duels and withstand pressure. But building that strength was tough work—it would test their determination and discipline.
Yang Yang hoped they were ready for the challenge.
...
...
The four of them set off from Oudekerk, jogging around the town while skillfully dribbling their footballs. It had become something of a unique sight in the quiet town. However, given the early hour, most of the residents were still asleep, so there was no one around to witness it.
As usual, after completing three laps, Yang Yang headed to the corner breakfast shop to pick up some food.
The shop owner greeted him cheerfully, holding up a stack of fresh newspaper clippings. According to him, that morning, all the major Dutch media outlets had reported on the previous night's game, and they were full of praise for Yang Yang's performance. Many of them credited him as the key figure in Ajax's victory.
"Looks like you're Ajax's lucky charm," the shop owner said proudly, clearly enjoying the idea of being connected to a rising star. He often boasted to his friends and family that Yang Yang, the club's hero, bought breakfast from his shop every morning.
"In eight days, three games, and almost 20,000 kilometers of travel. My God, that's incredible!"
After showering him with praise, the shop owner gave Yang Yang a concerned look. "But, Yang, you just played a game last night, and now you're out here training early in the morning? Aren't you pushing yourself too hard?"
"Don't worry," Yang Yang replied with a smile. "I know my limits."
As Yang Yang collected his breakfast and turned to leave, the shop owner watched him fondly, a squinting smile on his face.
After all these years of following football, he had seen fewer and fewer players with Yang Yang's level of dedication.
...
...
Yang Yang had an appointment with Winston Bogard at nine o'clock, but he arrived at the gym promptly at 8:30.
The gym was empty, so he took the opportunity to do some light stretching to warm up. After about ten minutes, Bogard walked in, surprised to see Yang Yang there early.
"I didn't expect you to beat me here," Bogard said with a grin. He had asked Yang Yang to come an hour before the team's usual 10 a.m. training session, thinking he might be late, but Yang Yang's eagerness was evident. It was clear that Yang Yang was serious about improving his physical strength.
However, Bogard knew that desire alone wasn't enough. Determination and perseverance were equally crucial—especially when it came to the grueling nature of strength training.
"I've been studying your physical data over the past couple of days and discussing it with the coaching staff. We all agree that strengthening your physique needs to be done carefully. We want to build your strength without sacrificing your flexibility or speed."
Yang Yang nodded in agreement. This aligned with his own goals.
"At the moment, you're just over 1.80 meters tall, and your weight should be maintained around 75 kilograms."
Since joining Ajax, Yang Yang's body had developed, but he still looked lean, almost too thin for someone his height.
"For your gym work, we'll focus on three key exercises: bench press, squats, and deadlifts, along with explosive arm strength training. Both the squat and the upper-arm work will improve your speed, helping you sprint faster during games."
Yang Yang nodded again, absorbing everything Bogard said. Although he was unfamiliar with strength training, he trusted Bogard's expertise.
"You know," Bogard continued, "there's a reason why powerlifting competitions around the world focus so much on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Do you know why?"
Yang Yang shook his head. He hadn't thought much about these specific exercises before.
"These three movements are the most comprehensive indicators of overall physical strength. The squat tests knee extension strength, the deadlift tests hip extension strength, and the bench press measures the strength of your upper body. Combined, they give a full picture of your body's power."
Yang Yang began to understand. These three exercises targeted different areas of the body, and if he could master them, his overall physical strength would improve significantly. It would also help his speed and shooting power—essential skills for his role on the pitch.
"In addition to your gym work, I'll have you doing outdoor stair runs. And when the time is right, I'll introduce sandbag training. You'll tie sandbags to your body for resistance training. But there's one more thing you'll need to add to your routine."
"What's that?" Yang Yang asked, curious.
"Swimming."
"Swimming?" Yang Yang frowned.
"Yes, swimming is an excellent way to improve flexibility and muscle strength. I want you to train in the pool every day."
Bogard presented a comprehensive training plan that was meticulously tailored to Yang Yang's needs. It was detailed and well-structured, covering everything from strength work to swimming.
De Toekmost had a pool for player training, but there was one small issue.
"I, uh, don't know how to swim," Yang Yang confessed, somewhat embarrassed.
Although he had grown up in a coastal city, he had never learned to swim. Since moving to the Netherlands, he hadn't had the chance to pick it up either.
Bogard couldn't hide his surprise. "You can't swim?"
Later, on the training field at De Toekmost, Nicklas Bendtner found out about Yang Yang's admission and immediately seized the opportunity.
"Wait, you really can't swim? I checked the map—your hometown is right by the sea! How is it possible that you don't know how to swim?" Bendtner teased.
Yang Yang couldn't help but smile at the Danish forward's playful taunts. Bendtner had always been competitive, especially since Yang Yang had bested him in a challenge back in August. Ever since, Bendtner had been looking for something—anything—he could be better at.
But Yang Yang had his own response ready. After completing a final stair run, he pointed at Bendtner and grinned. "Whether or not I can swim doesn't matter. I can still outplay you on the pitch. How about another bet? One-on-one, same stakes: three months of being my training partner."
Bendtner hesitated. The last bet hadn't gone in his favor, and he wasn't keen on losing another one.
Yang Yang sensed his uncertainty and added, "This time, I won't hold back. I'm going to beat you again."
Their teammates, already excited by the banter, egged them on. The training ground echoed with cheers and laughter as everyone watched the two players square off.
The Danish forward, not wanting to back down in front of the team, reluctantly agreed. "Fine," he said with a grin, "but I get to pick the challenge."
The crowd grew louder as the teammates watched, eager for another showdown between Yang Yang and Bendtner. Most of them secretly pitied Bendtner for poking at Yang Yang, but they couldn't help but enjoy the spectacle.
...
...
Although it was only his first day of training with Winston Bogard, Yang Yang quickly came to appreciate Bogard's expertise.
In the gym, Bogard focused on three major exercises—squats, bench press, and deadlifts—along with four additional drills for explosive upper body strength. Since Yang Yang was still a beginner and relatively young, Bogard kept the expectations reasonable. He emphasized steady progress, guiding Yang Yang step by step and teaching him each move with care.
Starting with the basics, Bogard patiently explained the technical details of every movement. He infused each explanation with theory, combining it with hands-on practice so that Yang Yang could fully understand the purpose and necessity of each exercise.
Through these in-depth lessons, Yang Yang picked up the movements quickly, but it was clear he was still a novice. Bogard wasn't in any rush, reminding Yang Yang to focus on mastering the form before worrying about heavier weights.
The weight training session lasted just half an hour. After a short rest, Yang Yang moved on to cycling and stretching exercises. Stretching, in particular, was a regular part of Ajax's pre-training routine, usually led by the team captain before the formal training session began.
Following that, Yang Yang headed to the stairs of the training building to tackle some stair runs—an additional task Bogard had assigned him as extra training before the morning practice.
After completing the running drills, Yang Yang went ahead with his challenge against Nicklas Bendtner. The result, as expected, was another resounding defeat for the Danish forward, meaning Bendtner would once again serve as Yang Yang's training partner for another three months.
With Jan Kruitenberg now part of the Ajax staff, the team's pre-training warm-up routine had also been tweaked, including the addition of rondo drills. Yang Yang was already familiar with this kind of training, having been through it during his time at Almere, where it had pushed him to his limits.
This time, Yang Yang asked to participate in the rondo game as part of his fitness regime. It was also part of Bogard's training plan, and Yang Yang saw it as an opportunity to sharpen his skills. For added difficulty, he chose not to use his [God's Vision] ability during these drills, relying solely on his natural awareness and movements to recover possession. This approach made the exercise more valuable for his development.
Even though he was once again tasked with chasing the ball during the rondo session, the difference between this moment and a year ago was immense. His understanding of the game, his experience, and his technical grasp had all grown significantly, making him far more confident and composed in these situations.
After the rondo drill, the morning training session officially began. Since it was the day after a match, Ronald Koeman focused on restorative exercises, keeping the intensity relatively low.
Bogard's training plan might have looked intense on paper, but there were sufficient rest periods built in between exercises. As long as Yang Yang followed the schedule closely, it wouldn't interfere with the team's morning sessions.
After about an hour and a half of training, Yang Yang and many of his teammates stayed at the players' restaurant in De Toekmost for lunch. Yang Yang, however, strictly adhered to the meal plan given to him by Bogard, which focused on balanced nutrition. While the food was healthy, it wasn't particularly tasty—a big adjustment for Yang Yang, who was used to more flavorful dishes.
During the lunch break, most of the other players relaxed in their own ways. Some played video games, others watched TV or movies, while a few played pool or table tennis. A handful were busy calling their girlfriends.
Yang Yang, however, chose to take a nap before entering the Dream Training system with Zax to continue his personal training. He also discussed his morning workout with Zax.
Zax had a favorable impression of Winston Bogard, recognizing the fitness coach's high level of professionalism and dedication. "You can trust his methods. If you stick with him, your physical strength will improve significantly," Zax assured Yang Yang.
However, like Bogard, Zax also reminded Yang Yang that he was still in a critical period of growth. The key to successful strength training was moderation.
"Don't let your entire training regimen become just about building physical strength," Zax warned.
"I know," Yang Yang replied with a grin. "Winston mentioned that overdoing it could negatively affect my physique."
For example, while bench presses were great for building upper body strength, overtraining could lead to an unbalanced physique—something Yang Yang wanted to avoid. After all, at 17 years old, he still wanted to look good.
"And make sure to work on your swimming. It'll help with shaping your body," Zax added with a sly tone.
Yang Yang couldn't help but roll his eyes. Zax knew perfectly well that Yang Yang couldn't swim yet, and the comment seemed designed to provoke him.
"Zax, you've been getting cheekier lately," Yang Yang muttered.
"Really?" Zax responded nonchalantly.
Yang Yang chuckled and decided to drop the conversation.
...
...
After a short nap, Yang Yang got up and made his way to the swimming pool at De Toekmost.
The pool, located on the first floor of the first-team training building, stretched 50 by 100 meters.
Winston Bogard was already there, waiting. The imposing 1.9-meter-tall man wore nothing but a pair of swimming trunks, revealing his well-defined muscles. Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.
Those eight-pack abs, the perfectly sculpted deltoids—Bogard looked like a professional bodybuilder.
But when Yang Yang glanced at the 1.3-meter-deep swimming pool, his confidence wavered. Just like any other non-swimmer, he had a natural fear of water.
"I'm planning to teach you how to swim over the next two weeks," Bogard explained. "So, while we're still here before the next away game, you'll need to report to the pool every day at noon."
With that, Bogard handed Yang Yang a pair of swimming trunks, a swim cap, and goggles, signaling him to change and prepare for the lesson.
What was his first time in the pool like?
For Yang Yang, it was nothing short of chaotic. As soon as he stepped into the water, he slipped, swallowing several mouthfuls before Bogard could help him back to his feet.
Meanwhile, outside the pool, Maxwell, Vermaelen, and a few other teammates had gathered, peeking in through the windows. They were already in hysterics, laughing at the sight of Yang Yang's struggle.
Who would've thought that the same Yang Yang, so commanding on the football pitch, would be completely out of his element in the pool?
"This bunch of idiots must be loving this," Yang Yang muttered, glaring at his laughing teammates.
He was already plotting his revenge, deciding that none of them would be spared during the afternoon training session.
Bogard couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, amused by Yang Yang's reaction. But what really caught his attention was the camaraderie between Yang Yang and his teammates. If their relationships were distant or strained, they wouldn't have dared to laugh. But the close bond they shared allowed them to joke and tease each other like this.
Bogard, now in his early thirties, understood the dynamic all too well, having been in similar situations himself.
"Alright, let's focus," Bogard said, pulling Yang Yang's attention back to the pool. "You need to relax. Don't fear the water. Let go of the tension, and you'll adapt in no time."
Yang Yang took a deep breath, composed himself, and threw himself into learning how to swim.
...
...
When Ronald Koeman and Ruud Krol stepped onto the training ground, they immediately sensed something was off. The atmosphere felt a bit unusual.
How to describe it?
Several players, including Maxwell, Vermaelen, De Jong, and Heitinga, wore expressions of frustration, their moods visibly strained. Both coaches noticed, but they didn't have time to investigate right away, as the training session was about to start. It wasn't until afterward that they caught up with Galásek.
"They're all a bit worn out," Galásek chuckled.
"What happened?" Koeman asked, puzzled.
"During the rondo game before training, Yang Yang specifically targeted those guys, putting them in the middle more than usual. He was having a bit of fun with them, nutmegging each one—without exception."
"Nutmegged? All of them?" Koeman and Krol exchanged amused glances.
"Yes," Galásek confirmed with a laugh. "Yang Yang even set up a challenge after training, but the moment the session ended, those four just grabbed their things and ran off before he could get to them."
At this point, Galásek couldn't contain his laughter, and the two coaches couldn't help but smile as they imagined the four players scurrying away in embarrassment.
"Do you know why he did it?" Krol asked, intrigued.
"I think it has something to do with earlier when Yang Yang was practicing swimming with Bogard. They apparently laughed at him during the session, so he decided to get some revenge."
"Swimming?"
"Yeah, Yang Yang can't swim. When he first got in the pool, he choked on the water. The guys gave him a hard time about it."
Both Koeman and Krol were surprised. They hadn't known that Yang Yang couldn't swim, and they could easily picture the scene of the players ribbing him.
After Galásek left, Ronald Koeman shook his head with a laugh. "I always thought Yang Yang could pick up anything quickly. I didn't expect swimming would be a challenge for him."
For many at Ajax, watching Yang Yang's rapid development had been impressive, and his ability to adapt to new situations so easily was something they had admired. Knowing he had a weakness like not being able to swim made him seem more human, more relatable.
It was a reminder that even the most promising talents had areas where they struggled, and that made Yang Yang feel more down-to-earth.
"Give him some time," Krol said confidently. "He'll learn to swim soon enough—and knowing Yang Yang, it won't be long before he's better than most of the team at it."
Koeman nodded in agreement. He had no doubts about Yang Yang's determination.
"But, Ruud, don't you think that after Yang Yang returned to the team and helped us beat Roda JC, the atmosphere in the squad feels different? It's like the team has more energy and cohesion now."
Krol paused to think about it and realized Koeman was right. The overall mood had lifted, and the team seemed more relaxed and focused.
That positive atmosphere would be crucial for their upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage match, where they needed to carry that renewed energy and spirit forward.