As the game ticked into the fifty-sixth minute, Ajax seized another opportunity deep within Utrecht's 30-meter zone.
Sneijder, receiving a pass from his teammates, found himself immediately crowded by Utrecht's midfielders. Pressured and unable to proceed, he adjusted his stance, shifting his vision to the right side, seeking support.
"Here!" a clear voice broke through the noise of the field.
Yang Yang had moved into an open spot on the right, raising his hand confidently, signaling his readiness. Ajax's midfield, reading the play instinctively, passed the ball directly to Yang Yang, alerting him to the urgency of Utrecht's defenders closing in.
"Watch out!" a warning shout rang out from the stands, but Yang Yang had already anticipated the pressure. Timing his movements perfectly, he surged forward with a sudden burst of speed that threw Utrecht's defensive line off balance, leaving Rick Kruys scrambling.
Yang Yang's position and quick control over the ball disoriented Utrecht's defenders. Having outpaced Kruys with a swift, well-executed sidestep, he carried the ball confidently toward Utrecht's defensive line. Charisteas, recognizing the threat, reacted instantly, pivoting to cover the backline as Yang Yang advanced.
Charging forward, Yang Yang cut toward the penalty area with the ball glued to his feet, nearing the edge of the box. Feigning a direct strike, he quickly side-stepped and attempted a backheel pass, trying to set up Charisteas in a way that would break through Utrecht's defense, hoping Charisteas would stay onside as he rushed forward to receive the ball.
But Utrecht's French centre-back, Tommaso, saw the play unfolding and anticipated the pass. With a quick, sliding tackle, he intercepted Yang Yang's intended pass, breaking up Ajax's move with a crucial intervention.
However, Yang Yang's reaction time was impressive. Springing back instantly, he chased down the loose ball, expertly flicking it away from Tommaso with his right foot, nudging it into the open space on his left. Now positioned near the arc of the penalty area, he adjusted his stance and, with precision, struck the ball with the inside of his left foot.
The ball rose elegantly, arching in a perfect parabola as it curved toward the goal, bypassing Utrecht's defensive wall. The goalkeeper, Joost Terol, launched himself, fully outstretched, trying to parry the shot. But the ball sailed past, nestling beautifully into the upper left corner of the net.
"Goooooooooal!!"
"Goal!!"
"In the fifty-sixth minute, Yang Yang delivers his second goal for Ajax! The score now stands at 2-0, putting Ajax in a commanding position!"
As the ball hit the net, Yang Yang had already sensed it was a sure goal. His technique, the angle, and the power had all come together seamlessly. Without hesitation, he sprinted out of the penalty area, his arms wide in jubilation as his teammates rushed to join him in celebration.
"Absolutely fantastic!"
"Yang Yang has been outstanding tonight! Not only did he orchestrate the opening goal, but he's now added a second with his own brilliant strike!"
"And there's another impressive detail: tonight, Yang Yang has taken five shots in total, with two on target and a goal to his name. His performance reflects the Ajax coaching staff's tactical planning, utilizing him as a cutting-edge force in Ajax's attack. His skill, combined with noticeable improvement over the past six months, marks him as one of the Eredivisie's brightest emerging talents this season."
...
...
Watching Yang Yang's strike, Utrecht's manager, Foeke Booy, shook his head in frustration.
Their six-game unbeaten streak at home this season—finished.
From the opening whistle, Yang Yang had been a relentless force down the right flank, leaving Utrecht's left-back, Etienne Shew-Atjon, struggling to contain him. Booy had initially assumed Yang Yang's physicality would be his weakness. The young winger, only 18, had always been slight in build, and his youth made Booy believe he wouldn't hold up under close physical pressure.
Yet, in this match, Yang Yang had defied expectations. Even in multiple one-on-one duels with Shew-Atjon, where he was often at a physical disadvantage, he held his ground with surprising resilience. Although not overpowering, he no longer showed the fragility of a player easily pushed around. Instead, he displayed grit and determination that kept him in contention during each challenge.
"He's clearly put in serious work on his strength," Booy muttered to himself, unable to ignore Yang Yang's evident improvement.
As a former player, Booy knew firsthand the dedication it took to add physical prowess to a skillset. Yang Yang's progress was no fluke; it was the product of disciplined training and relentless drive.
But Booy's frustration ran deeper than just the scoreline. He realized now that he had misjudged Yang Yang, relying on outdated assumptions formed at the start of the season. Here was an 18-year-old evolving rapidly, full of potential and difficult to predict—a player who had used this game to make a clear statement: Underestimate me, and you'll pay the price.
Foeke Booy's expression reflected a blend of disappointment and reluctant admiration, tinged with the sting of knowing his assessment had been flawed.
...
...
On the sidelines, visiting team coach Ronald Koeman sprang up with excitement as Yang Yang's goal sealed the match decisively.
"Unbelievable! His progress is astounding!" Koeman exclaimed, still in awe.
Throughout his career, Koeman had encountered countless talented players, many with remarkable natural gifts. As a head coach, he had nurtured and guided a host of stars. Yet, only Yang Yang baffled him with his unexpected and relentless improvement.
Could he be a genius?
For those who saw Yang Yang at the beginning of his career, that wouldn't have been the first word to describe him. He didn't possess the natural athleticism of Ibrahimović, who had a powerful build and innate physicality. Nor was he like Van der Vaart, who had been immersed in football since childhood and exhibited exceptional talent. Yang Yang wasn't even like Sneijder, whose solid technical foundation was built on years of disciplined, understated hard work.
Koeman remembered vividly the days when Yang Yang first arrived at Ajax. He struggled to control the ball, often misplacing passes, leaving his teammates needing to adapt to his playstyle to make up for his inexperience. But now, that same player was commanding the ball with confidence and precision.
A natural right-footer, Yang Yang had painstakingly trained his left foot, ensuring it was nearly as reliable as his dominant side. This season, he had taken countless shots and made passes with his left foot, closing the gap between his two sides. His growth was not the product of raw talent but of sheer willpower and relentless determination.
"It's the next two years that will truly define him," said Ruud Krol, nodding thoughtfully.
Krol, who had been one of the first to see Yang Yang's potential, could scarcely have predicted this level of improvement. At this rate, Yang Yang wouldn't just succeed at Ajax—he could become the club's pride, a testament to their youth academy and a star in European football. But to reach those heights, the team would need to nurture and protect him.
Koeman nodded in agreement. "Yes, the next two years will be crucial for his development. What he achieves in his career will be decided then."
He couldn't help but think of Van der Vaart. Ajax's golden boy had joined the first team at sixteen, becoming a regular by seventeen, and in one season had notched seven goals and seven assists in just twenty-seven league appearances. Van der Vaart had seemed destined to follow in Cruyff's footsteps as Ajax's next brilliant talent.
But the following season brought setbacks. Despite an impressive fourteen goals in twenty games, an untimely injury in February stalled his meteoric rise. Over the 2002-2003 season, he pushed himself to adapt, even scoring eighteen goals in twenty-one league matches. Yet, the injuries had taken a toll, and he was no longer the Van der Vaart of old. Recurrent injuries had stunted his growth, and his time spent in Amsterdam's nightlife scene, especially after meeting Sylvia, became a point of concern. Many suspected it was his way of coping with his unfulfilled potential.
Though Van der Vaart still performed well, there lingered a collective sense of disappointment—everyone knew he could have soared far higher. Professional football could be brutal, and Van der Vaart's career was a stark reminder of its unforgiving nature.
Yang Yang's current season mirrored Van der Vaart's early brilliance. But a single breakthrough season wasn't enough; he'd need consistent, steady performances to build on his progress.
Koeman turned to his assistant with a serious expression. "Make sure Yang and Winston know—I want a physical fitness report on Yang Yang's condition every morning."
For Koeman, nurturing a future superstar was a dream. He had seen Van der Vaart's potential and watched it slip away. With Yang Yang, he wouldn't make the same mistake.
....
...
Ajax secured a solid 2-0 victory over Utrecht, thanks to goals from Sneijder and Yang Yang. This defeat marked Utrecht's first loss at home this season, a hard pill to swallow for manager Foeke Booy.
In his post-match interview, Booy was blunt in his assessment. "I have no excuses—we simply couldn't contain Yang Yang on the right flank," he admitted, acknowledging the young Ajax winger's influence on the game.
Ronald Koeman, Ajax's head coach, didn't hold back his praise for Yang Yang either. For the second consecutive match, the 18-year-old was named Man of the Match, his presence on the field undeniable. Yet Koeman was quick to temper the praise with a reminder of Yang Yang's untapped potential. "He's shown he has remarkable skill, but there's still so much more he can accomplish," Koeman said. "If he keeps pushing himself, we'll see even greater performances from him in the future."
Yang Yang's goal in this game boosted his tally to twelve for the season, placing him second in the Eredivisie's top scorer rankings, just behind Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt, who leads with fourteen goals.
The Dutch media was abuzz with excitement, noting the influx of young talent lighting up the Eredivisie this season. At the forefront was 21-year-old Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who had recently transferred to Heerenveen from PSV and had already notched 11 goals. Nineteen-year-old Salomon Kalou of Feyenoord also impressed with 11 goals, tying him with Huntelaar and PSV's veteran, Kenneth Perez. Below them, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Eindhoven's reliable frontman, added depth to the league's goal-scoring charts.
The Dutch press celebrated these young stars with enthusiasm, noting that this season had brought an exceptional wave of emerging talent to the Eredivisie. It had been years since the league had seen such a promising crop of young players: Yang Yang, just 18; Kalou at 19; Huntelaar at 21; and Kuyt at 24—all quickly establishing themselves as top performers.
But of them all, Yang Yang was generating the most discussion. Having recently scored a crucial goal in the Champions League final, claimed the European Golden Boy Award, and been named the best player in the Asian Cup, the Ajax winger's achievements were propelling him to fame beyond the Netherlands, drawing interest from across Europe.
Fans and analysts alike began to wonder: after Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović, could Yang Yang be Ajax's next breakout star destined for greatness? And if so, when would he make the inevitable leap to one of Europe's top four leagues?
With each game, Yang Yang's trajectory seemed to mirror that of past Ajax legends, making it only a matter of time before he caught the attention of the world's biggest clubs.
...
...
The following morning.
Winston Bogarde, known for his punctuality, arrived at De Toekomst early. Yang Yang, upon entering the gym, was surprised to see Bogarde already there.
Without much conversation, the fitness coach motioned for Yang Yang to follow him to the infirmary.
"Starting today, you'll undergo a routine physical check-up every morning, especially focusing on muscle fatigue. After cycling training, a masseur will be available for muscle recovery."
"Wait, what?" Yang Yang asked, taken aback.
Bogarde, thinking Yang Yang didn't understand, clarified, "A massage—for muscle relief."
"Oh, got it," Yang Yang nodded but was still puzzled. "But… why?"
It was an unusual routine, certainly not the kind of treatment he'd been given before. Why now?
Bogarde simply shrugged. "I don't know. You'll need to speak to the coaching staff. Ronald wants to see you in his office."
With a mixture of curiosity and concern, Yang Yang cooperated with the testing. The examination was quick, and soon after, he was directed to the coach's office. He was surprised to find not only Ronald Koeman waiting, but also assistant coach Ruud Krol, fitness coach Jan Kruitenberg, and Bogarde. The gathering seemed unusually formal.
"What's going on?" Yang Yang asked, a hint of worry creeping in. Had he been overtraining?
Koeman and Krol reviewed Yang Yang's medical report with serious expressions before nodding in unison.
"Your physical condition looks excellent," Koeman assured him.
Yang Yang nodded. "Yeah, I feel great."
"However," Koeman continued, "we can't take any risks. Fatigue is one of the primary triggers for injuries. After careful consideration, we've decided to reduce your playing time slightly to keep you fresh and in peak condition."
"What does that mean?" Yang Yang asked, uncertain.
"It means you won't be in the squad for the midweek Dutch Cup match," Krol explained directly.
"But I feel up to it. I've always been disciplined and recover quickly."
"We know," Koeman acknowledged. "Your sleep schedule and recovery speed are exceptional—honestly, it's impressive."
"But," Krol added, "you're only 18. Your body hasn't fully matured, and while you've been building strength, your muscles are still developing. During this phase, you're especially vulnerable. Even minor injuries could affect your long-term career."
Yang Yang's expression grew serious at the mention of injuries. He knew all too well how devastating they could be; they were the worst enemy of any professional player.
"We need you to understand that this plan is for your own benefit," Krol continued earnestly. "We want you to play healthy, injury-free football. These next two years will be crucial for your development. Staying injury-free during this period is key."
Jan Kruitenberg stepped in, saying, "Are you familiar with Arjen Robben?"
Yang Yang nodded. He knew about Robben, the young winger who had joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven last summer.
"Robben's career offers a cautionary tale. His playing time was intense and unbalanced early on, which has led to frequent injuries. Even last season at PSV, he was already plagued with injuries. Since joining Chelsea, he's continued to struggle with fitness."
Kruitenberg handed Yang Yang a record of Robben's appearances since his debut. Robben had joined Groningen's first team at sixteen, quickly establishing himself as a starter. But by the end of his debut season, he had already suffered his first injury due to the physical demands placed on him.
In his second season, at seventeen and eighteen, Robben played 28 league matches and six cup games, all as a starter. The heavy workload saw him sidelined twice with injuries, each lasting a month. After moving to PSV, he continued as a mainstay in the lineup, but in his second season, a severe injury sidelined him from February through the season's end.
Many believed that PSV's title chances had been dashed by Robben's absence, and his ongoing injuries had raised doubts among top managers, including Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson. Chelsea managed to secure him, but Robben's pattern of injuries continued, sidelining him again soon after his arrival.
Yang Yang stared at Robben's game log, the numbers stark reminders of how overuse had compromised the young winger's career.
Kruitenberg continued, "Robben's situation echoes that of another former PSV star, Ruud van Nistelrooy. Like Robben, he faced persistent injury setbacks at PSV. Manchester United delayed signing him for this reason. It's why clubs like United take a very careful approach with young talents, especially in physical management."
Handing over another record, Kruitenberg added, "This is Cristiano Ronaldo's appearance log. He's nearly twenty now, but observe how conservatively Sporting Lisbon and then Manchester United have managed his playing time."
In Ronaldo's debut year, Sporting Lisbon introduced him slowly, giving him around 40 minutes per game as a substitute—a balanced approach to build his stamina and skill without overexertion. In his first season at Manchester United, he was eased into games, his appearances limited and managed. Even now, in his third season, he's only recently been integrated as a regular starter.
As Yang Yang looked at these examples and compared them to his own progression, he recognized Ajax's careful handling of his playing time and development.
Reflecting on what he had learned, Yang Yang recalled something Johnny Rep had once told him: "PSV may offer excitement, but Ajax understands how to nurture young players." It was clear now that Ajax indeed had a well-crafted, strategic approach to developing their talents.
"I understand. I'll follow the coaching staff's plan," Yang Yang said, nodding in agreement.
He understood Koeman's position; the coach needed his best players on the field but also wanted to protect their long-term potential. Yang Yang didn't want to become another player who burned bright and faded too soon, like Robben or his idol, Ronaldo, who had battled with injury setbacks. He was determined to avoid repeating the mistakes of others.
"Trust us, Yang," Koeman said reassuringly. "We all want you to succeed, but it's important that you're protected from overuse."
For Ajax, Yang Yang was now a rising star, a valuable asset. Excluding him from the lineup, especially in key matches, required a firm explanation to both him and the fans, who eagerly anticipated his performances.
Yang Yang, understanding the coaching staff's motives, responded confidently. "No matter what the plan is, whenever I step onto the field, I'll give my all."
The Dutch Cup? It was just another match. Ajax's primary goals were clear: the Eredivisie title and success in European competition. The club, having dropped to the UEFA Cup, was focused on securing a Champions League berth for next season. In these ambitions, Yang Yang remained one of Ajax's pivotal players.
Yang Yang appreciated the club's dedication to his growth. A healthy, consistent Yang Yang was far more valuable than one frequently sidelined with injuries. The lesson was reinforced by Robben's situation at Chelsea, where his transfer had come at a cautious 15 million euros, paid in installments—a reflection of his injury history's impact on his market value.
...
...
With Yang Yang's agreement to rest, Ajax's technical team swiftly finalized their strategy, and the coaching staff prepared confidently for the midweek Dutch Cup clash against Heerenveen. As planned, Yang Yang was omitted from the squad, observing the game from the stands instead.
Head coach Ronald Koeman opted for a front three composed of Ryan Babel, Charisteas, and Wesley Sonck, with the Belgian forward positioned on the right wing to see if he could regain his form. However, Sonck's performance proved underwhelming, as he struggled to make an impact.
In the 59th minute, Koeman introduced Steven Pienaar as a substitute, placing him in midfield alongside Sneijder to bring more energy and creativity. Twenty minutes later, in the 70th minute, he replaced Sonck with De Mul, aiming to bolster Ajax's right side attack.
Pienaar's entry had an immediate effect, his dynamic play in the midfield repeatedly troubling Heerenveen's defense. Working closely with Ryan Babel, Pienaar exploited openings on the right flank, while left-back Filipe Luís also began pushing forward, finding his rhythm as he overlapped to support the attack.
As the game neared its end, Filipe Luís seized a key opportunity in the 87th minute. Driving down the left, he delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Charisteas outmuscled his marker, rising high to head the ball from close range, scoring decisively to put Ajax ahead.
With Heerenveen facing elimination in the knockout fixture, they were forced to press forward. Their frustration led to increasingly aggressive tackles, prompting Koeman and his assistant, Ruud Krol, to voice their protests to the officials from the sidelines.
In stoppage time, Ajax capitalized on Heerenveen's overextension, launching a swift counterattack. After Sneijder's perfectly timed through pass, De Mul broke the offside trap, sprinting into open space before squaring the ball across the penalty area to the left. Ryan Babel met it calmly, slotting the ball into the net with a precise right-footed finish.
The score shifted to 2-0!
Yang Yang, watching from the stands, felt a mix of admiration and restlessness. As he observed Ajax's play, he couldn't help but feel the urge to be on the pitch, eager to contribute and join in the intensity of the match.