The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 380 Your talent shouldn't be confined to the flanks
And this is not just a matter of delay.

FIFA also told voters individually that they could change their votes.

Of course.

To reiterate, this year's Globe Award has nothing to do with him.

Nobody realized what big things this year's Ballon d'Or would bring. It all started when the nominees were announced at the end of the month and Blatter publicly criticized Ronaldo.

That's when the real show begins.

It was around that time that many people realized that the enormous profits behind the Golden Globe Awards had long since distorted the award's original nature.

The Ballon d'Or and FIFA Men's Player of the Year awards were merged into the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010, and since then, FIFA has led the way in changing the selection rules several times.

Gaio was also aware that this collaboration did not last long, as the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award were officially canceled.

The prosperity of the world is for profit; the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit.

The separation and reunification of these two entities are nothing more than a matter of interests.

Haven't there been enough corruption cases at FIFA?

soon.

The group chatted and laughed as they walked toward the lounge. They would first gather everyone together, have a talk with Deschamps, and then rest before officially starting joint training the next day.

Tonight is a time to relax and rest.

The players gradually settled into their seats in the locker room. Deschamps walked in, but instead of immediately standing at the front, he first circled around and patted a few veteran players on the shoulder.

Say hello.

Once the room was completely quiet, he smiled and said, "Welcome back to the team. I know you've just come from a busy schedule at the club. There's nothing else to do tonight, just relax and rest. Don't think about tactics or talk about the opponents. Just let your bodies and minds recover."

He paused, walked to the center, and spoke with a slightly more serious tone, but still relaxed: "Don't put too much pressure on the upcoming friendly matches. But we must understand that every national team match is an opportunity to refine the lineup and find our rhythm for next year's World Cup."

Now the team has veteran players anchoring the team, as well as emerging young players. These few matches are a good opportunity to get to know each other better, allowing everyone to familiarize themselves with each other's positioning and rhythm. This will help minimize mistakes when we reach the World Cup next year.

The conversation turned.

Deschamps' gaze swept over Gaio and Ribery, and the smile on his lips widened: "Speaking of young players and veterans, I have to mention two people in particular, Frank and Young!"

Oh~~
clap clap clap!
When Gaio and Ribery were mentioned, the other teammates cheered and even applauded.

Gaio remained relatively calm.

Ribery became excited again, his face flushed, and his teammates around him were already congratulating him.

He agreed with a smile.

High-spirited!

Deschamps was all smiles, saying, "You were still a deadly weapon on the wing this season at Bayern, dribbling, crossing, and linking up attacks. You maintained a top-level performance in every game. I hope you can keep this form next year, and we'll also be aiming for the World Cup!"

"affim!"

Ribery patted his chest, brimming with confidence.

Subsequently,

Deschamps looked specifically at Gaio, his tone full of approval, "I just watched your game at Anfield yesterday, a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace, bringing Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League table. Well done, keep it up!"

Gaio responded with a smile.

"The Ballon d'Or shortlist is almost out, and everyone is saying that you two are the most likely French players to be nominated this year. This is not only an honor for you personally, but also a source of pride for French football." Deschamps raised his voice so that every player could hear him clearly. "French football needs such role models, where the old lead the new, and the new catch up with the old, in order to maintain its competitiveness."

At this point, he added in a slightly joking tone, "What am I looking forward to most right now?"
I was joking with the coaching staff that I really hope half of the 23 nominees for the Ballon d'Or will be French in the future. It's not greed, it's just that watching you all rise from Clairefontaine to become top players in world football gives me a sense of pride, like watching my own children succeed. Of course, this depends on you maintaining your level and on the younger players pushing themselves to the limit. Let's work together to make French football shine even brighter.

Laughter echoed throughout the lounge.

Deschamps raised his hand to smooth things over, still very relaxed, and said, "Alright, that's all I wanted to say. You're free to do whatever you want tonight. Eat whatever you like, chat with your teammates about football, just don't stay up late. We'll have practice together at nine tomorrow morning, and then we'll discuss tactics in detail. Remember, the core task tonight is just one thing—relax and get some rest!"

"it is good!"

Everyone responded with smiles, finding it a rare moment of relaxation during international match days amidst the intense league and European competitions.

At least from now until next year's World Cup, they will have no pressure during international match days.

Before leaving.

Deschamps went over to Gaião and Ribery, patted them on the shoulder, and then turned and left.

The locker room then became lively as the players gathered in small groups to chat.

At seven o'clock in Clairefontaine in October, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the sky had just begun to reveal a sliver of pale blue light, enveloping the training ground in a thin, gauze-like mist.

Not far away, the oak grove's branches were shrouded in a faint gray shadow in the mist, even the veins of the leaves were blurred. Only a few early-rising sparrows were gently pecking at the downy feathers on the branches, occasionally letting out a soft chirp or two, which were caught by the mist as soon as they drifted out of the shadows of the trees and disappeared without a trace.

Gaio arrived at the training ground early.

Let's start warming up.

Deschamps said the assembly would start at nine o'clock, but Gaio always starts training at seven in the morning.

Therefore, we arrived at the training venue early.

Follow the steps.

As the sun slowly climbed higher, the fog began to thin enough to see the windows of the office buildings in the distance.

Gaio kicked the last ball into the empty net, and only after watching the ball roll into the back of the net did he straighten up and stretch.

He picked up the balls scattered on the grass, put them back in his arms, and as he passed the railing, he grabbed his coat and headed towards the cafeteria.

Go to the cafeteria.

Many of my teammates had just gotten up.

Gaio greeted them, and then they rested together, reading the day's newspaper and chatting about football.

Next, we went to the locker room to prepare for the morning's training.

Time flies.

On the training ground in Clairefontaine, players gathered in twos and threes around the water station to wipe away sweat, the sun warming the field.

Deschamps walked over to Gaio with his tactical board, pointed to the empty grass not far away, and said with a smile, "Young, let's chat for a few minutes. I'll take this opportunity to see what you think about your new position."

Gaio screwed on the water bottle cap and followed him to the sidelines, his gaze falling on the tactics board—the central area of ​​the attacking third was circled in red, and several arrows extending towards the flanks and the penalty area were drawn on it.

“I’ve thought about this for a long time and watched many of your games. From your debut, including this season playing right winger for Liverpool, your dribbling, crossing, and cutting inside are all top-notch,”

Deschamps started by talking about his familiar position, pointing to the right side of the tactical board with his finger. "But when I watch you play, I always feel that the right winger position is a bit limiting for you. Your passing vision when dropping back to receive passes, your finishing ability when making forward runs into the penalty area, and your awareness of suddenly pulling wide to create space for your teammates are all things that a single winger role cannot fully unleash."

Gaio nodded thoughtfully.

Deschamps turned the tactical board around, his pen landing on the center: "I want you to try being a free-roaming attacking player, not fixed to the right. If you want to drop back to connect with the midfield, go behind Giroud. If you want to attack the penalty area, move forward as a second target man. If the opponent's wing defense is loose, you can also pull over and break through. Simply put, you can play on the wing, in the center, drop back, and make runs. You can completely follow your own rhythm on the field, without being tied down to a specific position." Deschamps looked up at Gaio and added, "At Liverpool, you could coordinate with Gerrard to orchestrate the attack; in the national team, you can also link up Giroud and Ribery."

Your ball control is the best I've ever seen. This ability to hold onto the ball and create opportunities for your teammates can really bring the whole attacking third to life when you're in the middle.

I've always thought that you're not just a finisher, but also an offensive engine.

Your talent shouldn't be confined to the flanks.

Perhaps you could look at Messi at Barcelona; I think you can do even better than him.

Gaio stared at the arrows on the tactics board for a few seconds, then laughed: "A free-roaming forward? I've never really played that position properly before. Whether in the club or the youth team, I was either a regular winger or occasionally filled in as a midfielder. But hearing you say that makes me want to give it a try."

Deschamps patted him on the shoulder, his tone expectant, "No need to rush to find your rhythm. We'll work it out slowly in the next few days of training together, and then we'll have a friendly match with the national team, so you can give it a try."

First, try to develop your positional sense in non-contact training. With your ability, as long as you're in the right position, you can definitely boost the national team's attack.

Gaio smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll definitely try it out. If I run to the wrong spot, you'll have to remind me."

Deschamps laughed heartily, "You kid, I don't think you need my guidance at all, just do it this way!"

The morning mist had completely dissipated, and the sunlight made the lawns of Clairefontaine shine.

The break is over.

Today's intra-team scrimmage practice is about to begin.

Deschamps divided the players into red and blue teams, and then the assistant coaches began to explain their respective positions and responsibilities to the players.

Deschamps spoke to Gaio last.

It seemed to be addressed to Gaio, but it was actually being addressed to someone else.

"Yang, you'll stand here today," Deschamps said, pointing to the central penalty area on the tactical board. His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear to everyone. "You're a free-roaming forward. Don't block the right winger's position. Just play however the game allows."

He then turned to the other team members, his tone becoming more serious: "You guys need to get in sync with Yang, pay close attention to his retreat routes, and watch out for his forward runs. Don't just focus on leading the charge yourself."

He gave detailed instructions.

His teammates were only slightly surprised. Given Gaio's current ability and status, no one questioned his right to have secured a core position.

In the two matches against Spain, Gaião has already proven his worth!
soon.

In the first minute of the game, Matuidi intercepted the ball in midfield and immediately passed it towards Gaio.

Gaio habitually runs to the right flank, and dribbles the ball away again.

After passing the ball back, Gaio frowned and reflected for a moment.

Deschamps shouted from the sidelines, "Don't think about the wings! Move towards the center!"

For the next ten minutes, Gaio didn't play smoothly and his coordination with his teammates wasn't very good.

Knowing something is one thing, but being able to do it is another.

He's played as a winger for years, and his habits are too deeply ingrained.

It will be difficult to change in a short period of time.

"Don't rush!" Giroud ran over and patted him on the back. "You cut behind me, I'll screen for you, and when the ball comes, I'll be your screener."

Gaio nodded.

soon.

Gaio saw Matuidi intercept the ball again. This time, instead of running to the wing, he cut into the space behind Giroud.

Matuidi did indeed pass the ball to him.

With his back to the defender, Gaio flicked the ball with his heel to Valbuena, who was making a run down the flank, and then turned and ran toward the edge of the penalty area.

Valbuena understood immediately and passed the ball back to Gaio, who had already shaken off a defender.

This time, instead of cutting inside, he looked up and glanced at the penalty area, where he saw Giroud squeezing between two defenders.

It's now!

With a flick of his ankle, Gaio sent the ball skimming along the grass, passing right between the legs of the Blues' center-back and finding Giroud at his feet.

Giroud, without letting the ball come to a complete stop, turned and shot into the far corner. The ball grazed the inside of the post and went into the net, and the Red Team's bench erupted in cheers.

Giroud ran over and hugged Gaio, patting him on the back and laughing, "Beautiful! That through ball!"

Ribery came over and ruffled his hair: "You've adapted to the new position so quickly, kid. If you're not a genius, who is? Hahaha."

Gaio looked at the ball rolling in the net and heard his teammates' praise, which made him feel much more relaxed.

He seems to have found his rhythm in the free-roaming position in the attacking third.

Deschamps stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, a smile playing on his lips, and gave him a thumbs up.

Sunlight fell on Gaio's jersey, making the blue and white "FFF" logo seem to glow.

Soon.

Training is over.

Before lunch, Deschamps specifically sought out Gaio, saying, "He got into the game faster than I expected today."

Gaio smiled and nodded: "At the beginning, I still had some of the habits of playing as a winger, and it was difficult to change them in a short time."

“It’s good that you dare to break out of your established habits.” Deschamps suddenly added with a hint of sarcasm, “Honestly, seeing how you were in Clairefontaine, I can’t help but think that the Liverpool coach didn’t really understand your role.”

Gaio paused for a moment, then didn't reply, just looked at Deschamps.

"Placing you on the right wing, although you can make breakthroughs and crosses, it just doesn't feel quite right."

Deschamps didn't hide his thoughts and continued, "Your vision when dropping back to receive passes, your ability to organize the rhythm of the midfield, and your awareness of suddenly moving into the middle—these are all things that can't be confined to the word 'winner.' Like today, when you dropped back behind Giroud and then made a through pass, wasn't that more efficient and less strenuous than making a hard run down the wing?"

He paused, his tone less sarcastic and more objective: "It's not that Liverpool's coach is bad, it's just that his system doesn't seem to leave you any room to improvise."

Your space to operate is to break down the right flank and cross from the byline, or cut inside and look for opportunities to shoot.

It's a shame to leave someone with your abilities in a fixed position.

You should have felt it yourself today. When you're not tied to the wing and can drop back and make runs, don't you play much more smoothly?

Gaio scratched the back of his head and couldn't help but laugh: "Indeed, it's more comfortable."

"Just relax." Deschamps patted him on the shoulder. "Keep this up, not only for the upcoming friendly matches, but also to prepare for next year's World Cup. As for Liverpool, you know what to do."

finished,

Deschamps gestured with his chin toward the cafeteria: "Let's go. If we dawdle any longer, the hot soup in the cafeteria will get cold."

(End of this chapter)