This arrangement inadvertently passed the football right to Gerard, Deng Kai's intended target for a challenging advance, as it was meant to relieve Liverpool from being pressed on the right side.
Of course, Gerard's pass would have been unreachable by Deng Kai given his speed; if Gerard had kicked the ball away, Deng Kai wouldn't have had a chance to touch the football.
However, the surrounding chants of "the next Beckham" conjured up some glorious images in Gerard's mind.
For example, there was Zidane facing pressure, performing a backheel to trick his opponent.
Or Baggio, handling the press with a nimble turn and a feint that left his adversary floundering.
These were the actions of a master.
Elegant, composed, intelligent, magnificent!
