Football: Starting from the Ronaldinho template

Chapter 230 EFL Cup Semi-Final! Agile midfielders chip the ball repeatedly! Are you playing Manchester City like Argentina?

Beep! ! !
As the referee pulled a red card from his pocket, ignoring the Liverpool players' pleas and signaling Kolo Toure to leave the field as soon as possible, Qin Ming silently got up from the grass.

He still has a lot of respect for this former Arsenal player.

Therefore, there is no need to add fuel to the fire.

I glanced up at the electronic scoreboard; the time had reached 87 minutes.

Instead of shooting directly at the goal, he passed the free kick back to Arteta, and Arsenal began to control the game in the snow.

The numerical advantage is amplified significantly under passing and possession tactics.

Even with Liverpool players gritting their teeth and squeezing out every last drop of energy, they couldn't wrest possession from Arsenal.

Time passes like this bit by bit.

Beep-beep-beep!
With a depleted squad and playing away from home, Wenger was very satisfied with the 2-1 victory.

Qin Ming, however, failed to meet his own expectations.

He felt that he could have done even better in the subsequent opportunities.

"Phew!" Qin Ming inhaled a breath of cold air to calm his anxious mood. He knew that he had become too eager for quick success after the Golden Globe Awards ceremony.

But honestly, even if Ronaldinho were at his peak, would he be able to completely overwhelm Messi and Ronaldo?

No one can give an answer.

"What we need to do is continue to improve the template integration and unlock new system features to keep progressing." Qin Ming's expression became much calmer.

It was already dark when I returned to London from Liverpool.

Dongqiudi: In the 21st round of the Premier League, Arsenal secured a narrow victory, continuing to lead the standings! Manchester City were held to a draw at home by Everton; the Citizens have clearly struggled with their form since their loss to Arsenal, especially given the congested schedule! Leicester City, the dark horse, defeated Tottenham 1-0, solidifying the Premier League title race this season!

442: Arsenal have a tight schedule in January, with league matches against Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the fourth round of the FA Cup and the knockout stage of the EFL Cup. They will play eight matches in one month!
Sky Sports: Manchester City's schedule isn't much better than Arsenal's. Guardiola's tactics, while initially causing considerable confusion in the Premier League, have now become familiar to everyone! The difficulty for the Spanish manager to win the league title in his first season in charge continues to increase!

Qin Ming browsed the news online, unsure of what the professor was thinking.

On December 2, they defeated Stoke City to advance to the EFL Cup semi-finals, where they were drawn against Manchester City.

The two teams just played against each other last month.

Arsenal narrowly defeated Manchester City.

They arrived at the Kearney training ground the next day.

"The last time we won the EFL Cup was in 1993."

As soon as Wenger finished speaking, Qin Ming understood that he was aiming for the championship.

The EFL Cup schedule is strange; the semi-finals are played in January, and the final is at the end of February.

Therefore, if handled properly, it will not have a significant impact on the league.

"And I really need this championship!"

Qin Ming said secretly.

Currently, his template integration rate has reached 97%, but the improvement speed is getting slower and slower. It would be best to achieve this in one step through rewards.

So if he can win the championship at the end of February, he will be more confident in helping the team in the schedule of March, April and May.

"So no matter what the outcome, I still want to give it a try."

Wenger's eyes revealed anticipation.

He has been managing Arsenal since 1996 and has never won the EFL Cup.

Obsession can be terrifying sometimes.

Therefore, even knowing that the league was going to be suspended, Wenger still wanted to give it a try.

Moreover, Manchester City drew with Everton but won against Liverpool, turning the gap from three points to five.

You can gamble.

As for third-placed Leicester City, they are still eight points behind them.

"Me too!" Qin Ming shouted in agreement.

In mid-January, Arsenal made their first signing, acquiring Basel midfielder Elneny.

Wenger isn't unwilling to buy a good defensive midfielder.

However, looking at the top five leagues, there are very few players suitable for Arsenal. The Gunners currently need a defensive midfielder with a large coverage area and high interception ability, and their requirements for him in terms of attack are generally not high.

Kante of Leicester City fits the bill perfectly.

But the team was unwilling to let him go, and Kanté also wanted to stay.

As for buying Xhaka, it would require paying a very high premium, so it's better to save the money and spend it all in the summer transfer window.

"Elneny is a typical supporting player. When his teammates play well, he plays well too. He should be fine as a substitute and a rotation player."

"They are similar to Kirkland in some ways. They are like support characters in a game. You need a core character to perform at your normal level."

"And Arsenal currently happens to have a key player."

Zhan Jun commented on the transfer in the program.

Qin Ming hadn't even met Salah's good friend before the EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium began.

Arsenal made significant changes to their midfield in the last match, allowing players like Sanchez, Cazorla, and Coquelin to get plenty of rest.

Manchester City were just held to a draw by Everton, and some players are injured, such as Kompany, Nasri, Kolarov and Mangala.

Their defense can only consist of Zabaleta, Otamendi, Demichelis, and Clichy.

"Argentine youth team captain Zabaleta made a beautiful tackle during the 2008 Olympics!"

"As a key figure in Manchester City's two Premier League titles, he is considered one of Argentina's best right-backs since Zanetti!"

"Unlike Kyle Walker, he has average physical attributes, but high basketball IQ and a wealth of experience!"

Emirates Stadium.

"Impressive." Qin Ming brushed the grass clippings off his legs, grasped Zabaleta's hand, and stood up with a burst of strength.

"You remind me of a young Leo."

Zabaleta laughed.

Although he didn't have many direct confrontations with Qin Ming during the ten-odd minutes of their exchange, he still found it very difficult.

During national team training, he knew Messi was going to break through, but he just couldn't stop him.

Qin Ming, on the other hand, gave him a sense of unpredictability.

I can't figure it out.

In the 8th minute of the match, Qin Ming used the side of his shoulder to catch the ball when Monreal made a lobbed pass.

Correct.

It's not about stopping, it's about inhaling.

Even with his extensive experience, he couldn't have foreseen this.

After being tackled, he had no choice but to foul, resulting in a yellow card.

Qin Ming smiled but didn't continue.

He looked at the other end of the field, where De Bruyne was not playing in midfield today, but instead was moved to left winger.

What does Guardiola mean?
He didn't understand.

Maybe Guardiola will start to enjoy pulling stunts in the semi-finals from now on?
"We also use a 4-2-3-1 mirror defense against Arsenal, just like Paris Saint-Germain, to contain their attacks, and then look for scoring opportunities by combining attacks from the wings and the center."

Guardiola was talking strangely on the coaching bench.

However, just as he was about to sit down to rest, his buttocks stopped in mid-air.

The gasps from the Emirates Stadium enveloped him.

On the field, during a scramble for the ball between Qin Ming and David Silva, the ball bounced up from their feet.

Space Magician VS Green Field Magician!
David Silva instinctively stretched out his foot, but Qin Ming was faster.

Snapped!
Qin Ming flicked the football forward.

Then people witnessed a dreamlike scene.

Qin Ming seemed to be able to touch the ball with every part of his body, using his knees, shoulders, insteps and other parts to give the football a magical agility.

Wow! Nearly 50,000 fans at the scene gaped in astonishment, enjoying the spectacular sight.

But for Fernandinho, Otamendi and Demichelis...

Powerless!

They tried everything they could but couldn't touch the ball.

The absence of veteran captain Kompany exposed the problem.

No one reminded their teammates to commit a foul immediately.

"I have a chance!" Qin Ming realized he was surrounded by three people, so he casually swayed his heel to the right.

Snap! He sent the ball away from the encirclement, finding the unmarked Sanchez.

The Chilean player inwardly cheered.

His powerful thighs pushed off the ground, allowing him to leave Clichy half a body length behind in the blink of an eye.

His burst of speed was even faster than Qin Ming's.

Moreover, his low center of gravity allowed him to use his superior position to cut inside and block Otamendi. He had a chance to shoot!
Joe Hart was absent today, and Caballero started in goal.

The bald man was very calm.

Move quickly to the left.

As Argentina's backup goalkeeper, he studied Sanchez for a long time before the Copa America final.

He believes that if he gets the final penalty kick...

Sanchez will definitely miss the penalty!

Just like right now, Sanchez will definitely shoot, most likely at the near post.

come on!

But the next second, his bald head seemed to be covered with question marks.

At this distance, why not shoot or pass?
Are you Sanchez or Giroud?
He looked at the football that had been passed in a triangular pattern.

It's over.

After repeatedly dribbling past opponents with his lobbed ball, Qin Ming continued his advance into the penalty area.

Giroud was still covering for him.

Bang! With a dull thud, the football was struck to his left!
Caballero moved two steps before diving to his side.

But he didn't even manage to catch the air generated by the football.

1-0! ! !

"Alexis, beautiful! Doesn't this defense remind you of Argentina? You're in absolutely amazing form today!"

Qin Ming gave Sanchez a big hug.

Otamendi, Demichelis, and Zabaleta's faces darkened.

After exchanging glances, they thought that if Clichy were replaced by Rojo, Manchester City's defense would be just like Argentina's, exactly the same as when they played Chile in the Copa America final.

"I definitely had that illusion; I thought it was Argentina!"

Sanchez couldn't help but grin when he heard that.

"Hahaha! Go tell your Copa America champions!"

Qin Ming couldn't help but chuckle.

Putting everything else aside, Sanchez is definitely a match for Argentina.

Qin Ming remembered that the Copa America was held again next year.
The final was again Argentina versus Chile, and Chile won on penalties once again.

Who can I talk to to explain this?

"Keep up the good work for next year's Copa America!" Qin Ming gave Sanchez a high five.

"Let's focus on winning the first round!"

Sanchez watched as Otamendi and the others began to make their move.

Inside the broadcast room.

"A connection between two Ballon d'Or top ten players!"

"How does Manchester City feel with half of Argentina's defense? Does it feel like they're being besieged by Brazil and Chile?"

"Let's take a look at the replay. Qin Ming's samba-like footwork on the green field allowed him to dribble past multiple defenders and finally pass the ball out!"

"It's absolutely beautiful!"

Zhan Jun felt that Qin Ming's playing style seemed to have changed recently, and he was no longer as agile as he was when he was at Wolfsburg.

Of course, the high intensity and fast pace of the Premier League make it difficult for him to handle.

But he still prefers the more agile Qin Ming.

Now, he has finally found his rhythm from last season and realized that Qin Ming has also been making quiet progress.

When his teammates aren't performing well, he makes his game easier for himself.

When his teammates stand beside him and offer him support, he doesn't hold back his sharp edge.

Courtside.

Guardiola covered his bald head and stomped his feet frantically.

The absence of Kompany and Mangala today left him with no choice but to select Demichelis, who is older and prone to relapses.

"Sigh! The players are in poor form too. The game against Everton drained too much of our energy." Guardiola lay on the bench.

Compared to Guardiola's worries, Wenger was very excited at this time. The four teams in the semi-finals were Manchester City, Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal.

He is confident that they can overcome Manchester City, no matter who their opponent in the final is.

“We just beat Liverpool a few days ago, and we haven’t lost to Everton this season either. Qin has a new nickname now.”

Pat Rice laughs whenever he thinks about it.

"What nickname?" Wenger asked.

"Merseyside Killer".

Pata Rice was both amused and exasperated.

Qin Ming has only been in the Premier League for a short time, but he already has a whole host of nicknames: Tottenham's nemesis, Merseyside killer. What else will he have in the future?
Pat Rice is looking forward to it.

on the field.

Otamendi couldn't help but shudder when he recalled the image of Qin Ming flicking the ball.

How can there be such a player in modern football?
"Qin's technical skills are outstanding. Don't try to steal the ball from him in the air; none of us can beat him."

De Bruyne offered a reminder.

"Come on, let's try for a draw away from home and then look for another chance at home!" Fernandinho encouraged the Manchester City players.

But after the game restarted, Sanchez really treated Manchester City like Argentina, launching a crazy attack on the flanks, leaving former Arsenal full-back Clichy in a state of constant distress.

Back in the day, he, like Kolo Toure, helped Arsenal win the title undefeated.

After Ashley Cole transferred to Chelsea, he naturally became Arsenal's first-choice full-back.

He was also selected for the PFA Team of the Year.

Unfortunately, his advanced age and an ankle sprain six months ago have significantly impacted his competitive performance.

Kolarov took the starting position.

Now that they've finally waited for their opponent to get injured, they've run into a Sanchez who's been buffed.

"I've never played such a comfortable game before!"

Qin Ming was secretly delighted.

In the past, he was always the one bearing the pressure and being closely guarded by the opponents.

Sanchez is now making a fierce run.

He can often find an empty seat.

"Here we go again!" Seeing Sanchez get past Clichy and then suddenly stop and start to shake off Otamendi, Qin Ming immediately cut in from the far end.

Sanchez seems to be addicted to providing assists.

*Thud!* A kick that wasn't exactly precise was sent out, but it was enough to get past Demichelis.

"Mine!" Qin Ming was racing against Zabaleta without holding back at all.

The two are about 14 years apart in age.

Zabaleta is of medium build, standing at 176cm.

With his long legs outstretched, Qin Ming quickly outpaced Zabaleta and, amidst the expectant gazes of Arsenal fans, slid to the ground and unleashed a powerful shot!
2-0! ! !

"In again!"

"Two goals!"

"Sanchez's continuous breakthroughs on the wing led to a cross that Qin Ming scored with a shot from the far post!"

"Today, the two players completely dominated and thrashed a struggling Manchester City!"

Zhan Jun clenched his fist.

At the Emirates Stadium, the cheers erupting from Arsenal fans made Qin Ming's smile grow even wider.

"Alexis, keep this up from now on!" He gave Sanchez a big hug.

He had so much fun playing today.

A brace, coupled with winning the EFL Cup and the Golden Boot, would result in an even higher level of reward.

"Manchester City, trailing by two goals, have tightened their formation. It seems they know it's unlikely they can do much at the Emirates Stadium today, so they're just holding on and waiting for the second leg at the Etihad!"

"Arsenal don't want to expend too much energy either, they have a league match in two days!"

Time flies!

"Beep-beep-beep!"

"The match is over! In the first leg of the 2015-16 EFL Cup semi-final, Arsenal defeated Manchester City 2-0 at home, with Qin Ming scoring all of the goals!"

(End of this chapter)