If you are a brother, come and play football

Chapter 268 The Strongest Bald Man in Italy (Please Subscribe)
In the match against Atalanta, Lu Deyang sat on the bench for the entire game, and Milan only managed to win 2-1 against Atalanta in the final moments thanks to a goal from substitute Van Basten.

Filippo Inzaghi scored the goal for Atalanta.

Albertini played brilliantly in this match, contributing a goal and an assist, helping his team defeat their opponents.

This wasn't really big news to begin with.

Every year around this time, the Golden Globe Awards selection process becomes a hot topic.

This year there may be more players performing well, so France Football published a 15-man list instead of a 10-man list in November.

Lu Deyang, Ronaldo, Suker, Cantona, Djorkaeff, Desailly, Sammer, Shearer, Del Piero, Klinsmann, Redondo, Beckham, Schmeichel, Maldini, Batistuta, Romario.

These are basically the players who have excelled in the league, the Champions League, and major tournaments.

Djorkaeff, for example, was not well-known before, but his performance in the European Championship was outstanding, winning with his first Golden Goal. He was capable of playing in lower-level competitions before.

Maldini's re-selection should not be a problem.

Needless to say, Manchester United's connection is another story; it's considered a small number of players to be selected from the seven-time champions.

Beckham's inclusion was a slap in the face to the England manager, who has continued to support McManaman.

At this time, the rivalry between the players in the derby teams was still quite serious. After Neville became captain, the Manchester United players and Liverpool players didn't communicate much.

Later, those young people didn't have that feeling anymore; for example, Greenwood and Foden could both recruit prostitutes.

Lu Deyang felt that he had a very good chance.

Former Manchester United teammates failed to bring the ball home.

Schmeichel and Maldini are in similar situations; their positions make it difficult for them to win awards.

They excel at this, and so do others; the performance of offensive players is even more evident.

If a defender were to win an award, Cannavaro's case would seem more like a result of manipulation.

Henry launched a furious attack on Cannavaro after the result was announced, partly due to a loss of composure. Henry's awards over the years had been limited to the French Footballer of the Year and Premier League titles, and Cannavaro had deliberately retaliated against him during the final.

There wasn't much to gain from the trophy either.

The key point is that Arsenal has a considerable reputation, and its odds of winning the title are among the top in every season.

So later, unable to bear it any longer, he went to Barcelona and won the trophy.

Tuttosport is trying to promote Del Piero, but it's all in vain.

In a major tournament year, Del Piero didn't perform well in major tournaments, and he didn't win any significant league titles. His goal-scoring statistics were only relatively average, and he might not even have received as many votes as Djorkaeff.

The Gazzetta dello Sport mocked Torino in its newspaper, writing: "Even Del Piero has lost his starting position in Lippi's 4-4-2 formation, yet they are still fantasizing about him winning the Ballon d'Or. If Del Piero could win the Ballon d'Or, then every Serie A team would have at least one player who would receive it."

Lippi was suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Reporters are all asking him about this.

A somewhat helpless Lippi told reporters, "Piero is an outstanding player, and he is very important to us, but whether he wins the award is not up to me. If it were up to me, I would want him to win the award."

And so, the Milan team, having defeated Atalanta, embarked once again on their journey to Turin.

"They've bought a lot of people recently, and they're not easy to deal with."

Sitting on the bus, Baresi frowned and said.

He was always worried that Milan wouldn't be able to beat Juventus after he retired.

Even though Lu Deyang is there, what if he gets seriously injured?

It's really hard to say. If we don't consider Lu Deyang, it's still a contest of the two teams' financial resources.

Big clubs rarely buy good players cheaply; they usually have to compete for high prices. Serie A can afford to spend a lot of money at this time.

"Don't worry, Dejan said I'll definitely become a core player."

Totti said with a smile.

Lu Deyang pursed his lips and didn't say anything.

If you encounter that bald guy, you might not be so lucky.

It's a direct showdown between the number 10 positions.

Zidane's claim of being a near-king of football is no exaggeration.

“Marco is injured again,” Ma Baolu said with a sigh.

Van Basten has been plagued by injuries lately.

"That's the biggest problem."

Baresi nodded and said.

If Van Basten hadn't been injured, he, Lu Deyang, and Redondo would have had exactly three foreign player slots.

With Van Basten injured, the striker position is secondary; the main priority is securing a foreign player slot.

The competition for foreign players in the team has been fierce recently, which has led to some disharmony in the locker room.

After all, if you give up your position, you'll have to sit on the bench.

Moreover, you can't play foreign players if you don't make substitutions. This is a much fiercer competition than that between ordinary players, with too many restrictions. Being one step ahead is very important.

Reizig was playing quite well for Milan, even pushing Panucci to the bench at one point.

Because there were no foreign player slots available, he became a substitute again.

……

Upon arriving at the stadium, Sacchi immediately pulled Lu Deyang aside.

When facing wealthy families, he still needs Lu Deyang to stand up for him.

Otherwise, sometimes I feel insecure.

The two went to the press conference and happened to run into Lippi and Peruzzi.

The four of them sat together on the stage, and the reporters couldn't wait to start asking questions.

"Marcelo, will you deliver a performance that satisfies the fans today?"

"Mr. Sacchi, Rossi said he has recovered from his injury. What are the future roles for Buffon and Rossi?"

"Mr. Lippi, you said you hope Del Piero will win the Ballon d'Or. Who do you think is better, him or Zidane?"

"Who do you think is the biggest threat in Juventus' squad, Dejan?"

"..."

There were many topics that interested the reporters.

Both teams have many famous players.

Sacchi graciously shrugged, indicating that Lippi should answer first.

Lippi pulled over the microphone and said, "The team and I have given our best efforts. Now we'll see how things go in the game. Against a team like AC Milan, it's hard to guarantee a win."

"Between Del Piero and Zidane, who is the core of Juventus?"

A French journalist pressed for an answer.

Lippi frowned; he disliked such topics.

Even if you answer carefully, you might offend the players, not to mention the media might deliberately misinterpret your answers.

Lippi thought for a moment and said, "This is no longer a comparison of positions. Alessandro likes to operate on the left wing. He is a standard winger, and his dribbling is excellent. But Zinedine's position is behind the striker. You can't compare a winger with an attacking midfielder, just like comparing Maradona and Garrincha."

"Do you think Zidane is like Maradona and Del Piero is like Garrincha because their private lives are more chaotic?" the reporter pressed.

Lippi rolled his eyes hard.

Just by making a random analogy, you get chased and bitten.

"I just want to say that they are all great players. You should know very well that my players have very clean private lives," Lippi said irritably.

"But some people have accused you of using banned substances."

The reporter quickly said.

"That's enough for the press conference!"

Lippi slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and stormed out of the press conference room.

Saki smiled at Lu Deyang with a gloating expression.

He didn't particularly like Juventus either; after all, nobody likes an opponent who's on drugs.

"Mr. Sacchi, tell me who Milan's starting goalkeeper will be next."

The reporter asked curiously.

Sacchi pulled the microphone over and said, "Although Sebastian has recovered from his injury, Buffon is performing very well right now. I prefer to let him fully recover and give Buffon some opportunities."

"If Buffon continues to perform well, will you still ask him to give up his position?"

A reporter pressed for an answer.

They got straight to the heart of the matter.

"We'll have to see how things go at the time. It mainly depends on the players' form. I never blindly trust any player; whoever is in the best form starts," Sacchi said with a smile.

Did AC Milan switch to a 4-3-3 formation because of Totti?

the reporter asked.

Sacchi frowned and said, "Players are never the reason for tactical changes; rather, players adapt to tactics. Your questions are hardly something I'm interested in answering. I won't change my tactics because of any player; all they have to do is adapt to my tactics."

The reporters didn't believe Sacchi at all.

But Sacchi has become quite cunning lately.

I always use clichés when answering them.

The reporters finally turned their attention to Lu Deyang.

"Dejan, who do you think is Juventus' most threatening player?"

the reporter asked.

"One name? I would find it hard to name one. Juventus has too many outstanding players. You have probably seen how much Juventus spends on transfers."

Lu Deyang said.

Many reporters laughed along with him.

In terms of cost, Zidane wasn't expensive, only a few million dollars.

However, the results of the proposal were not what they expected.

Seeing that Lu Deyang didn't want to answer, Saki also stood up and said, "That's all for the press conference. We still need to prepare for the next match."

The discussion in the locker room was lively.

The players were discussing which fish tasted best.

Because professors and some new generation coaches emphasize that eating white meat is better for athletes, fish is now one of the main foods for disciplined players.

"I heard it's pufferfish, which is said to be very delicious."

Redondo said.

"It seems so, but I'm afraid of poisoning so I don't dare to eat it."

Lu Deyang said with a smile.

“Bluefin tuna is very expensive, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Maldini said. “When I went to the restaurant, they told me that even a small piece is very expensive.”

“The taste is average.”

Redondo commented, "That fish is for sashimi. Once cooked, it tastes no different from regular tuna."

"Deyang, what kind of fish do you like to eat?"

"Cod and ribbonfish, because they don't have bones," Lu Deyang said with a laugh. "I always get a sore throat when I eat fish with bones."

"Then we really are alike."

Totti said excitedly, "I also don't like eating things with bones, so I almost never eat fish."

To be honest, Lu Deyang had always wanted to try pufferfish.

That stuff isn't too expensive, and it's not too extravagant for ordinary people to eat it occasionally.

The main concern is that if it wasn't cleaned properly, there might be toxins.

The teammates then moved from discussing the types of fish to cooking techniques.

Not many Italian men can cook, but they are quite picky about what they eat.

Lu Deyang didn't respond and chose to participate in the lottery.

[Your good friend Fernando Redondo has long been an important member of the national team and has received a call-up. Although he declined the national team offer, Argentina will still call him up for major tournaments, and he's a regular starter if he's selected. Therefore, you're drawing a talented player whose position on the national team is unstable, who wants to play but has few opportunities. *Ding!* You've obtained a single-match trial card for the 9th round of the 2002-2003 Bundesliga season, Werder Bremen vs. Hannover 96.

Miku!

This is truly a player who is frustrated and unfulfilled in the national team.

Who can blame him when Zidane is in the same position as him?

Today, Lu Qiu Wang drew Miku, so he'll have a match against Baldy, the number 10 of the French national team.

During their warm-up game, Milan were still discussing how to make fish taste better.

Most people prefer frying, but this method is still considered unhealthy, and later player recipes rarely use similar cooking methods.

Those kinds of low-oil, low-salt, and almost tasteless nutritious meals are a huge torment for people.

If Lu Deyang ate boiled chicken breast every day, he would be ready to retire in 3 days.

That stuff doesn't taste good either; it's tasteless, and it even tastes fishy when boiled in plain water. It's really amazing that you can eat it.

……

Various TIFOs were hung up at the Al-Arena early on.

Juventus are currently in third place, but there is still a considerable gap between them and Milan.

A perfect first place finish is incredibly valuable, and it won't be easy for any opponent to catch up.

Lu Deyang was the focus of attention on the field during warm-up.

Vieri has already met Riva, and he will naturally pay close attention to Lu Deyang, who was highly praised by the national team veteran.

Vieri didn't think he was stronger than Lu Deyang.

However, he felt he could play football with Lu Deyang.

Every striker hopes to have a good wingman.

"Both teams have returned to the tunnel, and the match is about to begin."

"Today, both sides will still be playing a 4-4-2 formation, but Totti's position should be moved back, so it will become a 4-5-1."

"Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both sides."

Juventus 4-4-2 diamond midfield:

Goalkeeper: Peruzzi

Defenders: Iuliano, Sergio Borini, Alessio Tacchinardi, Torricelli
Midfielders: Jugovic, Deschamps, Zidane, Di Livio
Forwards: Bokšić, Vieri.

AC Milan 4-4-2 with two strikers:
Goalkeeper: Buffon
Defenders: Maldini, Baresi, Wiljoward, Panucci

Midfielders: Ludjohn, Redondo, Albertini, Savicevic

Forwards: Baggio, Totti.

"Looking at the lineups, the two teams are similar, but AC Milan should actually play a 4-5-1 formation. Totti will definitely have to drop back during the game. AC Milan has already used this tactic before, and it worked quite well."

"This should be a strikerless tactic, with AC Milan's attacking third relying on flexible movement to put pressure on the opponent."

At 7:30 p.m., the referee blew the whistle to start the match.

Totti was somewhat unconvinced because Lu Deyang had warned him several times to be careful of Zidane.

As soon as the ball kicked off, Totti rushed forward.

After Vieri passed the ball back, it landed right at Zidane's feet.

Totti rushed past Vieri to press him.

This surprised his teammate from the national youth team, as he didn't remember Totti being such an enthusiastic person.

Zidane's footwork wasn't particularly fast, and at this point, attacking midfielders tend to have a habit of holding the ball.

Seeing Totti press forward, Zidane didn't rush. Instead, he used his right foot to cut the ball and turn to shield it, blocking Totti's position before passing it to the advancing Toricelli.

As the core of the team, he can't just casually go to one-on-one with someone.

It's not like you can just get past someone in the attacking third and then have a chance to threaten the goal.

Being dispossessed in your own half is a serious matter.

Zidane passed the ball out, much to Totti's disappointment. Torricelli quickly dribbled forward, and Savicevic charged forward head-on with a sliding tackle.

Torricelli then delivered a lob pass to Di Livio.

Di Livio was dribbling the ball rather awkwardly.

He wasn't a player with exceptional ball control, otherwise he wouldn't have never had a chance in Roma's youth team. His simple playing style and diligent running were the foundation of his success.

This short player pays close attention to the situation on the field when dribbling, preferring not to dribble quickly rather than being left unsupported after making a forward run.

Redondo was about to press him as soon as he crossed the midline.

Di Livio didn't continue dribbling, but instead turned and passed the ball to Zidane.

Zidane's hairline is a bit high; he's only missing a patch of hair on the top of his forehead.

But no one dared to underestimate this guy; he was physically imposing, but his footwork was remarkably elegant.

Albertini was immediately passed to the right flank by Redondo, who quickly moved to cover.

Just as Redondo left his position, Zidane turned and passed the ball out.

Through ball!
Wiljoward's interception was a bit too deep; he couldn't stop the ball.

The ball went directly behind Vieira and into the penalty area. Vieri started quickly, and just when the Rossoneri were in despair, Buffon rushed out and pounced on the ball, immediately thrusting forward to block it with his chest.

Vieri, a step too slow, was forced to fall to his side to avoid kicking Buffon in the head.

Normally, no one wants to keep pushing themselves when they can't play. Intentionally injuring someone will not only result in a suspension, but could also lead to retaliation.

Why kick someone in the head if there's no deep-seated hatred between you?

Buffon got up and tried to help Vieri, but the guy was quite considerate; when he pulled back, he deliberately fell to the side to avoid kicking him.

The two of them were too close just now; if they had jumped head-on, Vieri's studs could have easily scratched his scalp.

But seeing an opportunity, Buffon immediately changed his mind, got up and quickly threw the ball out.

Jugovic jumped to try and block, but Redondo leaped up and headed the ball towards the center line.

Lu Deyang started very quickly.

This is also where Micoud is better than Zidane.

As an attacking midfielder, his speed is quite good.

Almost instantly, Lu Deyang squeezed past Torricelli.

Instead of going to the sideline, Lu Deyang caught up with the ball and headed it with his chest.

Seeing this, Tacchinardi quickly moved closer.

Snapped--

Lu Deyang was faster, taking the initiative to flick the ball under his arm.

It wasn't very high, but it flew over Tacchinardi and found Baggio at the very front.

Baggio wasn't having an easy time either, as Borini behind him kept trying to distract him with subtle tactics.

Knowing he couldn't face the ball head-on, Baggio turned and ran towards the center, actively heading towards it.

He didn't even stop the ball before making a lob pass, and the ball bypassed the defense and found Lu Deyang.

At this moment, Lu Deyang accelerated and rushed up from the flank of the arc.

Many fans nodded in agreement. Lu Deyang had indeed not run at full speed because he was afraid that Baggio would be offside when he passed the ball. As soon as the ball was passed, his speed suddenly increased significantly.

Juventus goalkeeper Peruzzi made a decisive run out of the goal. By the time he reached the edge of the penalty area, Ludjohn and Tacchinardi had already reached the top of the box.

Just as the ball was falling, Lu Deyang raised his right foot and tapped it from below.

Snap—the sound was crisp and the force was just right.

Peruzzi felt a wave of despair. He futilely raised his hands and jumped, watching the ball fly past his hands. Just as he turned his head, the ball flew under the crossbar and into the goal.

boom--

"Deyang!!!"

"Deyang!!!"

"Deyang!!!"

The away fans cheered.

The Rossoneri fans were itching to rush into the home fans' stands, grab the Juventus fans by the neck, and open their eyes wide.

Don't think that buying some players in France will turn your fortunes around.

We, AC Milan, are invincible!

"Deyang!!!"

"Dejan Goal!"

"Goal! Goal! Goal!!!"

"In the first counter-attack of the game, Dejan used his speed to receive the ball and then chipped it to Baggio. Baggio passed it back to Dejan, completing a brilliant one-two, and the goal was already destined."

"Juventus conceded a goal just three minutes into the game. I believe many Juventus fans are still confused about what happened, especially since some of them who arrived late have only just sat down. However, as long as they keep in mind that Juventus cannot beat AC Milan with Dejan Damjanovic, they will quickly understand the situation on the field."

"Actually, Juventus should have been prepared for this. They didn't think that Dejan, who had a perfect record against Juventus when he was at Sampdoria, would lose to them after transferring to AC Milan. That would be the biggest joke in football this century!!!"

Lippi stood on the sidelines wearing a wool coat.

He truly didn't expect Juventus to concede a goal so quickly.

With a 4-4-2 diamond midfield and the French national team duo of Zidane and Deschamps, he thought it would put more pressure on AC Milan. Now it seems that no matter what combination there is, it is not very effective against Lu Deyang.

This gave him a bit of a headache.

Those behind Juventus have high expectations for the team's performance.

Lippi doesn't want to lose his job coaching a top club.

On the other side of the Milan coaching bench, Tardelli and Sacchi celebrated with jumping and skipping.

Tardelli asked, "How long will Dejan play today? Have you thought about what you'll say to the reporters after the game?"

Sacchi scoffed and said, "I'm the head coach of AC Milan, why should I explain myself to the reporters?"

Despite saying that, Sacchi still muttered to himself on the sidelines.

"Today's tactics have actually changed from before, but you might not be able to tell. This is a deeper level of competition between Lippi and me. Dejan's responsibilities on the field today are also different from before. If you watch closely, you will notice a significant change in his playing style. This is my tactical arrangement, and Dejan is also part of the tactic. He must adhere to the tactic. We will absolutely not rely too much on any player..."

(End of this chapter)