Team Spirit

Chapter 156 (Goodbye Jota) Season Mission, Batistuta GOAL
Modric's transfer was completed quickly.

Lu Kai bought over two thousand pounds worth of gifts for Modric's family, leaving them completely stunned.

Compared to his meager salary at Dinamo Zagreb's youth academy, Modric's salary at Dartford has increased significantly—although it's still at the team's minimum wage level.

But it's definitely a high salary for the Modric family.

Modric's relatives suspected that Lu Kai was a human rights abuser, as the high-salary recruitment and overseas work all seemed to match up.

But Modric's parents were sensible; they knew they couldn't sell their child for that much money even if they separated him.

Moreover, they soon saw their child's name in more than ten media outlets.

Mundo Deportivo: "The Green Gunners still love to take advantage! They're still accepting free players after the transfer window closed. Does anyone know Luka Modric?"

The Sun: "Lu Kai flew overnight to Eastern Europe to pick up Modric. Poor Eva Ivanka and Kayla, their idol's orientation is now in doubt!"

Unlike the mindless mockery of Catalan media, The Sun delves deeply into its own professional field.

In fact, Lu Kai's main purpose in going there was to help Modric handle matters related to Dinamo Zagreb and ensure that he was a free agent.

Then, do a favor and guarantee Modric a possible long-term stay at Dartford.

After all, some players are just pieces of a puzzle, and some players, though strong, are destined to be just passing through, while Modric is a cornerstone player, and a cornerstone player who can stay with the team for a long time!
Because Chelsea and Dartford were the most surprising and high-profile teams in this transfer window, Transfermarkt even published a special player review for them.

The players' abilities and potential were marked with star ratings.

The highest level is seven stars, which refers to players who can enter the shortlist of dozens of players for the Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year within two or three years.

Five stars represents the level of star players from weaker teams in the top five European leagues.

Samsung is a fringe player in the top five European leagues.

This list is compiled based on Dartford's new season first-team player roster.

This roundup has garnered a huge amount of traffic, with major media outlets reprinting it.

Lu Kai also bought the relevant newspapers and made annotations in red pen on the inventory, or rather... refuted them one by one.

Drogba: Three-star ability, four-star potential

Transfer rating: C
A word of advice: This is a high-stakes gamble that few believe in. He hasn't been tested in a top-flight league, and his technique isn't particularly outstanding. His only advantage might be his physical strength, but that will be significantly less effective in England, where the players are all very strong. Moreover, he has suffered multiple injuries in the past three years, raising the possibility that he'll become injury-prone.

Lu Kai's annotations: Five stars, seven stars, SSS
-

Gilardino: Strength 3.5 stars, Potential 5 stars

Transfer rating: B
A word of advice: The young Italian has been disappointing, but considering the excellent genes of Italian football, who can predict his future? Aside from his physique, he surpasses Drogba in every aspect and will undoubtedly secure a starting position. However, his best option would be to return to Italy as soon as possible and realize his full potential.

Lu Kai's annotation: Four and a half stars, six stars, S
-

Crouch: Three-star strength, six-star potential

Transfer rating: B+
A message: The tall striker's performance this season has proven he's not yet ready for high-level, high-intensity matches. However, his height advantage means that once he gains weight, he will become England's new striker. Dartford has an effective method for helping players lose weight; I wonder if they have the same experience with weight gain?
Lu Kai's annotation: Four and a half stars, six stars, S+
-

Ribery: 2.5 stars, 3 stars
Lu Kai's annotation: Three and a half stars, seven stars

-

Valbuena: Two and a half stars, four stars
Lu Kai's annotation: Four stars, six stars
-

Murray: Two and a half stars, four stars

Lu Kai's annotation: Four stars, five stars
-

Vardy: One star, two stars
Lu Kai's annotation: Two and a half stars, seven stars

-

"These are the current evaluations of the team's forwards; you should familiarize yourself with them." Lu Kai handed the annotations to Alfred.

The old man understood what Lu Kai meant.

This assessment determined Alfred's attitude towards these players.

Those three seven-star ones deserve special attention.

"No wonder you arranged so many different training sessions for Ribery." Alfred said thoughtfully. In comparison, Valbuena had improved faster than Ribery and played more brilliantly in the limited time he had.

Lu Kai then began writing the halftime notes:
Lu Kai: Five stars, one star

Transfermarkt's assessment: We have no doubt about Lu Kai's ability. He would be an absolute core player and star player in any of the top five European leagues. Even without considering his League Two statistics, his performance in various cup competitions alone has matched Thierry Henry's entire season's worth of goals and assists—that's simply phenomenal!

His potential was only rated one star because he was the most misjudged player in Transfermarkt history. That was our assessment of him before, but now he has far exceeded expectations. If he hadn't stated that he wouldn't join another team, we wouldn't doubt that he would have become a seven-star player!
Even if he stays at Dartford forever, even if he struggles to improve, his existence inspires us to think about a question: what exactly is a player's talent? The answer to this question used to be "to play like Maradona," a fluid feel for the ball, the ability to dance and write poetry with your feet.

But now, perhaps Lu Kai has pulled us into a more pragmatic phase: does a player's talent also stem from his actual impact on the field? His superb performance in crucial moments? His excellent statistics in matches? His seemingly unbeatable luck in cup competitions and finals?

We hope that in the future, when evaluating a player, we will no longer hold them to the standards of a dancer, but also to the standards of a football player.

There are some players in this world who, even if they aren't exceptionally talented, inspire endless imagination about their future the moment they touch the ball. But there are many more players in this world whose futures seem predictable, much like our lives.

When we use harsh standards to exclude these players whose potential is already limited from the ranks of geniuses, are we also dividing ourselves into the category of "those destined to fail"? Those fans who belittle Lu Kai's talent may only be looking down on their own mediocrity, which they dare not admit!

Lu Kai has never been defined as a genius, but he has redefined genius!

-

This comment was widely quoted by major media outlets because it struck a chord with many people, evoking both pain and satisfaction. The last sentence, in particular, became a widely circulated and considered a golden quote.

Lu Kai did not comment on this; he is the strongest player currently available according to Transfermarkt's assessment of Dartford.

Gascoigne: Three and a half stars in ability, seven stars in potential.

Transfer rating: S
A message from Gazza: He needs no further explanation. He is grateful to Dartford for giving him the opportunity to continue running!
Lu Kai also did not make any comments, because he shared the same view: besides commercialization, the biggest purpose of bringing in Gazza was actually to educate Dartford's young players.

On the one hand, it lets them see that if you are not self-disciplined, even if you are Gaza, no one will want you.

On the other hand, it also uses Gaza's brilliant thinking to inspire everyone. Young people change the world with their bodies, while the old man leads the change with his wisdom.

The young players will benefit immensely from learning even a few football tips from Gazza.

Especially Modric, this will greatly accelerate his development.

-

Essien: Strength: 4 stars, Potential: 5.5 stars.

Transfer rating: B
A message: He is arguably one of Dartford's strongest players, but his height and skin color both affect people's expectations of him.

Lu Kai's annotation: Five stars, seven stars, SSS
In layman's terms, Transfermarkt means you can be dark-skinned, but you have to be tall and strong. If you don't grow like Vieira, all your natural talent won't work.

This is the dilemma that template theory brings to sports.

Only when a type of player emerges and performs well will people recognize that type of player, and the player market for that style will improve.

Then, when a player from another style emerges and becomes a legend, that style will dominate for a period of time.

Now it's the Ronaldo style, followed by Ronaldinho, and preceded by Maradona... South America, Latin America, technique, ball control—these keywords define this era.

Of course, in a few years or a decade or so, these keywords might become: speed, beast, Lu Kai, goal statistics, number of championships.

Lee Fowler: Two stars for ability, three stars for potential.

Transfer rating: B
Lu Kai's annotation: Two and a half stars, three stars.

Fowler: ? ? ?
-

Modric: Strength 1.5 stars, Potential 2 stars

Transfer rating: C
Lu Kai's annotation: Two and a half stars, seven stars (some people get seven stars because they have reached the seven-star mark, while others get seven stars because they only have seven stars).
-

Barton: Strength: 4 stars, Potential: 5 stars
Lu Kai's annotation: Four and a half stars, five and a half stars
-

Yaya Touré: Three-star strength, five-star potential
Lu Kai's annotation: Four stars, seven stars
-

Amorin: Strength 2.5 stars, Potential 4 stars
Lu Kai's annotation: Three stars, five stars
-

Kairo: Strength 1.5 stars, Potential 2 stars

Daniel: Strength 1.5 stars, Potential 2 stars

Lu Kai's annotation: Finally, it's correct!

-

Regarding the defensive players:

Lescott: 3.5 stars, 5.5 stars
A message: As one of the new Ferdinands, Lescott is highly anticipated and has the opportunity to become a key player for England.

Lu Kai: Four stars, five stars
Transfer rating: B+
Lescott: ? ? ?
-

Vidic: 2.5 stars, 4.5 stars

Transfer rating: B-
A word of advice: Eastern Europe has a tradition of producing giants, and Vidic has excellent physical talent, but adapting to England is his biggest challenge.

Lu Kai: Four stars, seven stars
-

Kompany: 1.5 stars, potential 3.5 stars
Transfer rating: C+
Message: This young man has good physical talent.

Lu Kai: Two stars, seven stars
-

Duff: Four stars, four and a half stars

Lu Kai: Four and a half stars, five stars

-

Ashley Williams: Two stars, three stars
Lu Kai: Three stars, four and a half stars

-

Li Weifeng: Two stars, three stars

Lu Kai: Three stars, five stars
-

Curtis Davis: Two stars, Four stars
Lu Kai: Two and a half stars, five and a half stars
-

Louis Jefferson: Two stars, three stars
Lu Kai: You got it right again!
-

Caspar: 2.5 stars, 4.5 stars

Lu Kai: 3.5 stars, 6.5 stars
-

Joe Hart: 1.5 stars, 3 stars

Lu Kai: Two stars, six and a half stars

-

Foster: Two stars, four and a half stars
Lu Kai: Three stars, five stars
-

Ashley Young: Three stars, three and a half stars

Lu Kai: Four stars, six stars, seven stars (never mind, I'll give him seven stars, after all, he was one of the first players to join the team).

-

That's right, Ashley Young is registered as a guard this season.

This directly led to a decline in his net worth.

In addition, his potential was rated very low due to his broken leg, which is also in line with reality.

From an outsider's perspective, Transfermarkt's rating is generally too high.

This was undoubtedly inspired by Dartford's championship achievements, giving the players appropriate room to grow.

However, from Lu Kai's perspective, Transfermarkt generally rated the Green Gunners' players by one star, and some even by two stars.

Many others had poor potential ratings, ranging from two to four or five stars.

Of course, this annotation is top secret within the team and is not to be circulated outside.

Only a few team executives, such as Alfred, Jiang Mengyun, and Emily, were able to see it.

However, for some reason, the relevant information was leaked the next day.

Comments and annotations about Modric have been leaked!
This sparked widespread discussion.

BBC: "Exclusive scoop! Lu Kai is dissatisfied with Transfermarkt's assessment, believing that new player Modric has seven-star potential!"

This is indeed quite laughable.

Even the most devoted fans of the Green Gun wouldn't dare to be so optimistic.

After all, Modric is small in stature and lacks physical gifts.

He doesn't play like Maradona, and he doesn't have much technical talent.

How can you be so virtuous?

Would Dinamo Zagreb refuse to offer such a talented player a professional contract?
"Lu Kai felt too guilty and was morally blackmailed by Modric."

"Whether it's bringing in Modric or giving him high praise, it's all just Lu Kai atoning for his sins."

"Lu Kai elbowed Modric, which led to Modric being benched and abandoned by the team."

"Holy crap! It was him! The guy who vomited on the referee and got a red card?"

"Hahaha! Now that I think about it, I suddenly understand what Lu Kai did."

"Lu Kai is a good person, that's all I can say."

Modric's past from the beginning of last season resurfaced, quickly making him a household name in England as the "clown" player, subject to all sorts of jokes and ridicule.

Ten Hach was furious because he hadn't even read the annotations.

He was eager to learn about the other players in the annotations. Although he didn't agree with Lu Kai's judgment, it wouldn't hurt to know more.

What if he joins another team in the future? They could use this annotation to target Lu Kai's weaknesses.
“No, we can’t do that.” Lu Kai’s voice interrupted Teng Hahe’s reverie.

Ten Hach exclaimed in surprise, "Why? With something like this happening, there's bound to be a search for the traitor within the team. We'll find that person and keep him out of the convenience store for milk tea!"

Lu Kai shook his head.

Finding a mole means the team doesn't trust the players. Even if you're looking for one person, you're hurting everyone's feelings.

Mature players certainly understand, but they feel the same pain.

Besides... Lu Kai knew who the traitor was.

Since the other party had seen the annotation but only published Modric's name, it shows that he didn't have any bad intentions.

He was simply dissatisfied with Lu Kai's high regard for Modric.

Moreover, even if all the annotations are exposed, it will not have any impact on Dartford.

No one would believe that annotation.

As for whether the players felt the comments were unfair, they can simply shift the blame onto Ten Hag.

Teng Hai has been blamed for more than just this one thing.

That said, although Teng Hai was taking the blame, he still learned something.

For example, it cannot investigate traitors.

Lu Kai then assigned him the task of arranging physical training for the players in the new season and talked to him about the key to physical reserves.

Despite the heavy workload, Teng Hai enjoys the feeling of swimming in the ocean of knowledge.

Lu Kai and Alfred really think too highly of me!
Ten Hach thought so.

Ding!
Everyone's phones received text messages.

The BBC has released another news report.

BBC: "Transfermarkt's underestimation of Ashley Young has enraged Lu Kai; a seven-star potential rating is enough to prove just how good he is!"

Ten Hag: "It seems the BBC doesn't just talk badly about our club; they can say good things sometimes too. Transfermarkt's assessment of Ashley Young is really unfair."

"However, seven stars is indeed outrageous; five stars is about right."

Emily looked at the headline and said disdainfully, "The BBC's professionalism is getting worse and worse. There's a random vertical bar in this headline! Isn't this just making us a laughing stock?"

Upon closer inspection, Jiang Mengyun realized it was true.

Lu Kai shook his head: "This isn't a vertical bar, it's a capital letter 'i'."

"So good am I"

"I am so outstanding, how can you not give me a seven-star rating?"

Lu Kai imitated a segment.

Alfred realized what was happening.

Good guy.

Did the BBC intern who wrote the headline not completely delete Ashley Young's past posts?

(Shoot at 8:20)?
(50 cents a piece)?

Lu Kai nodded.

Isn't it obvious?

One minute they're criticizing Modric for not deserving a seven-star rating, the next they're praising themselves for deserving one. Isn't that just because they hate Modric for lowering the value of a seven-star rating?

"By the way, why didn't Ashley Young come to clean today?" Lu Kai asked.

Look how convenient this is for committing the crime.

Lu Kai didn't even need to check the hidden camera footage in his office; it was 100% Ashley Young sneaking into his office when no one was around.

Jiang Mengyun said, "Ashley Young said he doesn't need money for the time being, so he won't be doing any summer jobs after this summer."

"Oh, right, he also ordered a big tub of mango pomelo sago milk tea, looks like he's going to have another party at home."

"Teng Hah, didn't you receive an invitation?"

Ten Hah's face stiffened.

He received the invitation, but how could he let his superiors find out about this personal relationship?

Emily frowned: "In this situation, shouldn't we call the police?"

"Don't!"

"Don't!"

Lu Kai and Teng Hahe spoke at the same time.

Lu Kai knew long ago that Ashley Young had a habit of selling information, and that he often needed Ashley Young to leak information to guide public opinion.

If you're going to use someone, you have to allow them the freedom to do things their own way.

Just find the right balance.

For example, he has several gigabytes of videos of Ashley Young stealing secrets. If he took them out, he could send Young to prison in no time.

At least when Ashley Young wanted to transfer, he slammed the video on the table. He has always loved Green Guns deeply and will never abandon them.

Therefore, Lu Kai held back his actions and instead deliberately indulged the situation.

But Teng Hai, why didn't you let Emily call the police?
Ten Hah felt a chill run down his spine when he saw Lu Kai's smile.

He's doing this because the police will arrest him as an accomplice!

In fact, he was the mastermind!

He knew Alfred had a confidential document, but the old man wouldn't let him see it.

He mentioned it to Ashley Young, but unexpectedly, the guy didn't tell the truth and said he hadn't managed to get it.

Damn it, now it's been sold to the BBC!

The Avengers' ship capsized in an instant.

Ultimately, the matter was dropped.

Aside from reinforcing Dartford and Chelsea's reputation as "suckers in the transfer market," it caused no harm whatsoever.

Dartford, on the other hand, has already started training and warm-up matches.

……

Since the team already had a reputation, Lu Kai sold Dartford's preseason slots to several clubs willing to pay this year.

There are two Turkish Super Leagues and one Chinese Jia-A League.

Their business development has been quite successful.

The players are a bit tired, flying around so much.

The adjustment period wasn't going smoothly.

Three low-level warm-up matches, one draw, one loss, and one win.

The outside world is naturally dissatisfied with this result, and they have very high expectations for Dartford, as if Dartford were actually Arsenal and Manchester United.

But Green Gunners fans can accept it, after all, my Green Gunners is just a League One team, what are you expecting?
Is this a case of overpraising someone to death?
Are you just jealous that we can make money?

The second-tier league has more matches and starts much earlier than the top-tier league.

It's only been a few days into August, and League One has already officially kicked off. On August 9th, Dartford will face Nottingham Forest, a long-established League One powerhouse, away from home.

Our Forest team played in the Premier League a few years ago, so their strength should not be underestimated.

Ninety minutes later, Nottingham Forest fans raised their arms in celebration.

Two to zero!
They gave newly promoted Matford a taste of their own medicine!

Dartford lost away from home and are currently ranked 21st in League One.

Third from last.

The sky collapse begins!

The media were overjoyed.

Finally waited for this moment.

Sky Sports: "Spending money doesn't necessarily translate into ability! Today's Dartford could be tomorrow's Chelsea!"

BBC: "Datford's chaotic summer signings and poor player performances warrant a further downgrade!"

The Times: "The loss of key players is Dartford's biggest problem! The broken Dartford have found blood transfusion kits, only to discover that their blood types don't match!"

Diario Sport: "So what if Dartford has money? They'll end up like Real Madrid, getting the money but losing the championship!"

Dartford, who were once the envy of many for their transfers, are now facing double the backlash for their poor performance.

The pressure on Dartford's new signings is mounting.

Especially since just a few days later, they will be competing against last season's Premier League champions, Manchester United, for the Community Shield!

This could be fatal.

If possible, most of the new signings would prefer not to play in that match.

As for the team's current situation, Lu Kai, Alfred, and others are not worried.

Because the team is functioning correctly on track.

Losing to Nottingham Forest was purely due to bad luck.

Who can you complain to about those three goalposts?

Every single goal can change the course of a game, and the outcome can be very different.

As for the Community Shield, Lu Kai believes it's a competition where he has a good chance of winning.

Since Dartford was split up, it is currently in a state of restructuring, with poor player chemistry and a loss of team cohesion.

However, after a difficult season, Manchester United has undergone a major overhaul, and their Community Shield squad is unlikely to have any chemistry.

So at that point, it will come down to the players' actual skill level.

For Dartford, whether they are veterans or new players, the last thing they can do now is rely on individual hard skills!
You, Diego Forlán, can out-tough Drogba?

You, Jemba, can you really be tougher than Essien?
Can you, Quinton Fortune, outmaneuver Lescott?
No matter what, this is a squad that cost 30 million euros to acquire. Even a sunken ship has 3,000 nails, let alone a warship that can take off!
Last season, Dartford's performance depended on the opponent's lineup and form.

So this season, Dartford can go toe-to-toe with anyone they face.

Lu Kai has not yet truly entered "season form".

He still has three things to take care of.

The first issue is Modric's registration.

Croatia has not yet joined the EU, and Modric is not a national team player, so he cannot obtain a UK work permit. Therefore, he has to go through the special talent route.

Lu Kai and Modric need to prepare relevant materials for the hearing.

The second issue is team sponsorship.

Regardless of the type of sponsorship, Dartford had always signed one-year contracts.

On the one hand, the other party does not trust them and is afraid that their sponsorship will be wasted if they fall from grace.

On the other hand, Lu Kai knew his team's level; signing a contract would definitely result in a loss, so he had to sign a one-year contract to increase the price every year.

But now it's almost time to sign a long-term contract.

The team has entered its mature stage, and it may actually be dismantled after promotion to the Super League. Now, they want a long-term contract, and they can still get high sponsorships during the next few years of downturn, which is a great deal.

In addition, although Dartford is in League One, they have been receiving sponsorships at the top level of the Premier League since last season.

They've almost reached the ceiling of sponsorships that most football clubs could get at this time.

Even if the contract is renewed for another year, the increase won't be much greater.

It's not that Dartford isn't worth it, it's just that there's only so much money in this era.

Therefore, Jiang Mengyun mainly negotiated high-priced sponsorships with major corporations for three years.

You have to accept their screening and evaluation.

Similarly, you also need to screen clients. For example, you need to avoid groups that are unlikely to survive for more than three years or whose financial situation is obviously going to have problems.

Therefore, the workload is large and the time is long.

After Dartford lost, weren't there a lot of criticism from the market and media?

It's hard to say whether any buyers are deliberately trying to drive down the price.

I never criticize the idea of ​​turning something worth 23,000 or 24,000 into a tri-fold phone or a folding laptop, because it has nothing to do with me.

But I cursed the Honor folding phone that costs 8999 yuan so badly it was unrecognizable.

Because I actually use Honor of Kings!
I was thinking that you would spend three or four thousand yuan on the folding phone and grit your teeth to take out a loan to buy it.

As a result, you set a price that "everyone can afford".

Isn't this exactly the situation Dartford is facing right now?
Their asking price is even higher than last year, truly rivaling that of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

The other seventeen teams in the Premier League are all noobs!

Not to mention Chelsea, Abramovich also uses financial incentives to make the team's finances healthier, making them the team that loses the most money, bar none.

Companies that have been in contact with Dartford, both domestic and international, are trying to lower the price.

However, Lian Xiang set an example last year by charging nearly five million pounds for the naming rights of a dilapidated stadium, which raised the bar.

This has left businesses completely bewildered this year.

Everyone is criticizing Lien Chan for spending money recklessly.

They are absolutely detestable.

The third thing is Lu Kai's personal season settlement.

Specific data changes will be posted along with the team roster in the free chapter.

However, Lu Kai needed to carefully consider the skills and items that would be awarded in the settlement.

[Midfield Stress - Special: Enhances the team's effectiveness in midfield stress tactics]

[Long Pass and Cross - Special: Enhances the effectiveness of the team's long pass and cross tactics]

Both tactical buffs are very useful.

Dartford will definitely use him this season.

This allows the team's cohesion to improve rapidly, which is also an important reason why Dartford can maintain its fighting power year after year despite bringing in new players.

These tactical drills are Dartford's true treasure.

Within half a season, these players will be able to start developing chemistry.

[Fine Shot Mastery - Bronze: Your shot animation has been improved. Your shot arc has been improved.]

[Step Frequency Feint - Gold: Also known as the Messi-style feint, this improves your step frequency adjustment. Your feints can be faster and more frequent.]

[Non-directional through ball - Gold: Your short passing ability is improved. Before you make a through pass, your leg swing and toe pointing can be modified within a certain range.]

[Positioning Black Hole - Gold: Your ability to intercept quick through balls is enhanced. The ball intercepted by you will often not bounce very far due to your soft touch.]

【Shot Pre-swing: 70+2】

[Cadence adjustment: 78+2]

[Short pass: 76+2]

Interceptions: 72+4

!!!

The "Fine Shot Mastery" skill complements the previously acquired "Stride-Style Fake Shot" skill, enriching Lu Kai's shooting arsenal and further transforming him into a shooting kaleidoscope.

Just because you can hit a powerful shot doesn't mean you're among the top five marksmen in the world.

There are many ways to shoot a goal.

The key points for scoring a goal with the same footwork differ depending on the situation.

Different footwork techniques, even under the same circumstances, require different techniques to score a goal.

Moreover, there are different footwork techniques in different situations.

This is truly profound and extensive.

【Step frequency-based feinting】and 【Stride length-based feinting】complement each other perfectly.

The latter relies on a huge swing amplitude, making it highly deceptive and effective at breaking through defenses.

The "step frequency style" is another style, with continuous and rapid kicks, like a machine gun firing fake shots. Who can resist falling down?

If the limit of the "stride style" is to shake off three players in front of you at the same time.

Because your area is so large, you need three people to guard your respective areas at the same time.

Then, with the "step frequency" technique, you can continuously shake off one person after another... As long as you can control your legs, keep up with the ball, and twist them a little, there will be no end to it!

A spray turret kill is a piece of cake!
Non-directional through balls are a defender's nightmare.

It has the same effect as passing without looking, or even... better.

Passing the ball without looking at the opponent is simply showing off.

Its actual effect is minimal.

Because top opponents are very sensitive to passing routes.

You only have one line, and whether you look at it or not, it can only be transmitted here, so naturally I only need to cut this line.

When Asensio was still playing for Real Madrid, he had a classic no-look shot in the Champions League.

A great opportunity, but it wasn't scored.

At the time, many people criticized him for being arrogant, showing off, and acting like a fool.

But from Asensio's perspective, how that ball could be played was actually fixed.

Whether he looks or not, the effect of the kick is the same: it might be blocked by the opponent, or it might just happen to dodge the opponent's shot.

When things don't go according to your wishes, what's the point of worrying?

Just enjoy it.

So, it's perfectly fine to kick it in a freehand style.

This is different from a sure-fire goal opportunity that gets wasted.

However, a non-directional through pass is different; it can use movement to guide the opponent's movement, and then change course at a crucial moment.

Top players won't be fooled by your gaze, because they look at the ball, not the player.

However, they can also predict the trajectory and position of the ball based on your movements, so a non-directional through ball is a more advanced way to mislead.

Then why don't regular players learn this move?
Anyway, it's not hard to learn.

This move can hurt both the user and the attacker.

Temporary modifications to movements rely on joints such as the ankles, knees, and thighs, which puts a lot of pressure on the tendons in these areas.

Not only can it cause sprains, but in the long run it can also lead to ligament strains and tears.

That would be serious.

Moreover, if you are assaulted while performing this action, you are more likely to get injured.

Therefore, most players will only casually lift their feet and swing them twice when there is no danger, seemingly pointing forward but actually striking to the right.

The nanny passes the ball.

Anyone who dares to do that in crucial passes will have a short career.

However, Lu Kai's skill allows him to modify the angle within a certain range, and the damage to his joints is not as great as that of a normal player, which is why he can be included in his regular arsenal.

【Ball Possession Black Hole】is an interception skill. Lu Kai has never been picky about defensive skills; he wants them all.

Why did his data explode?
Why is his team so effective?

The defensive role of forwards is severely underestimated in this era.

The current trend is that forwards who don't participate in defense are considered stars.

To prove you're a bigger star, you're going to back down? Then I won't back down?
You press three times in one game? Then I'll only press once.

Zidane: ? ? ?

Ronaldo: That was a bit of a targeted insult!
However, in reality, the deeper involvement of forward players in defense and pressing has a far greater impact on advanced statistics and on the number of goals and the outcome of a match than that of defensive players.

In other words, a single interception by a forward can change the course of the game more effectively than three or four interceptions by a defender.

With such a high cost-performance ratio, it would be stupid not to grab it!
The brilliance of the "ball possession black hole" lies in the fact that after intercepting or stealing the ball, it is even more likely to gain possession.

The phrase "soft feel underfoot" might be a bit sarcastic, but as long as it works, that's fine.

A high-pressing interception and counter-attack... just thinking about it is terrifying!
Moreover, backcourt players in this era generally have poor passing ability.

This means that as long as you work hard and follow Lu Kai's instructions, even if you are an average striker, you can actually achieve statistics similar to Ronaldo and Henry in this era.

Who can tell you apart from Einstein now?
With just this one skill, Lu Kai could increase the average value of the team's forwards by 500 pounds!

If he takes control of all the possessions he wins in the attacking third, his season goal tally could easily increase by 20%.

All I can say is that I must offer my condolences in advance for the defenders Dartford have faced this season.

[Ding! As you approach adulthood and step into high-level competition, it's time to prioritize your physical training. You have activated the season's missions: Strength Training and Shooting Training.]

[Task Requirements: After your daily strength training reaches its limit, conduct an extra hour of training. Perform 100 extra shots on goal each day!]

[Mission Rewards: "Master Essien, the Progenitor of the Beast Waist" and "Master Batti GOAL, the God of War"]

!!!

Lu Kai was overjoyed.

The system still dares to say it didn't steal anything?
If Essien doesn't come, why would "Master Essien, the father of the beast waist" come?

Although the specific effects and attributes are not yet visible, the name alone is enough to spark the imagination.

Physical fitness, tackling, physical strength, and even shooting might all increase!

After all, this is the player who coined the term "beast midfielder".

He may not be the only defensive midfielder, and he may not even be the strongest defensive midfielder in the future, but he will always be the first defensive midfielder!
Lu Kai: It's my turn now!

However, Lu Kai still wants to apologize to Essien. In any case, you can only rank second today.

Just because someone can unleash a powerful shot doesn't mean they're among the top five shooters in the world... This statement still applies to Batistuta.

Because if that powerful shot is Batistuta's GOAL, then you are the best shooter in the world.

Lu Kai absolutely must acquire these two skills.

However, the task requirements are actually quite cunning.

The phrase "after training to saturation, add an extra hour of training" is a very apt description of the word "after".

Because you train, you will definitely improve.

However, once you improve, it becomes harder to reach saturation during your training.

This condition means that no matter how strong Lu Kai is, he will have to suffer for another hour after being completely exhausted.

Moreover, as he gets stronger, it becomes harder for him to reach his full potential, and he will spend more time on strength training.

It might actually take two or three hours to complete.

So inhuman!
This is absolutely a huge torment to a person's mental health.

Don't you see those who build muscle or lose weight either become depressed or gay? It's because the process is too painful.

"Hey, Teng Hahe, go buy a batch of fitness equipment and expand our gym." Lu Kai waved his hand dismissively, not caring at all how expensive the equipment was.

Once the new stadium is completed next year, all this equipment can be moved in, and there will be no waste.

The days of owning a cheap second-hand bicycle for 500 yuan are gone forever.

Lu Kai then went to a convenience store and ordered a cup of Qingshan Nuonuo Milk Tea.

It turned out that Modric was giving Jiang Mengyun feedback on a problem in a very serious manner.

Modric: "Boss, I strongly request that the Mango Pomelo Sago series of milk teas be removed from the menu."

Jiang Mengyun asked, puzzled, "Why? This milk tea sells very well."

Modric pulled out a Croatian-Chinese dictionary: "It sells well because 80 percent of the sales are provided by Ashley Young, who likes the homonym of 'milk tea'."

"The Chinese pronunciation of this milk tea sounds like Ashley Young hitting Lu Kai."

"This is extremely damaging to the authority of the team's leadership, and as a member of Dartford, I absolutely cannot stand by and watch this continue!"

Jiang Mengyun nodded; that made some sense.

Modric then pulled out a copy of "Learning from the Strong Team" from his pocket and said with great emotion, "Perhaps it's because we've been spending so much time with Lu, or perhaps it's because Lu is very low-key, but I've noticed that our teammates are too casual with Lu."

"Over 30 total goals for four consecutive seasons, over 40 for three consecutive seasons, over 30 assists for three consecutive seasons, and over 80 goal contributions for three consecutive seasons! These are god-like statistics!"

"Our salary increases, our bonuses, our fame, and our championships—the vast majority of them come from Lu! Who dares to deny that? I believe no one would!"

"He only had one interview on The Voice of the Green Gunners! Other players have had two or three! What a dedication!"

"But did we really treat him as a god?"

No! Not even a little bit!

"As someone who came out of the flames of war, I understand one thing very well: if you don't cherish good things, you'll lose them sooner or later!"

"So starting today, I hope that when you see Lu, you can sincerely call him GOAT! I will record these and keep track of them. If anyone doesn't call him GOAT for at least thirty days each month, I will submit it to Mr. Alfred for public criticism by the whole team!"

Modric finished by raising his fist and shouting, "GOAT!!!"

Everyone else in the convenience store was infected by him; his brutal mobilization, which came from a war-torn country, was the most exhilarating because of its terrifying sincerity.

"GOAT!"

"GOAT!"

"GOAT!"

Ashley Young, sitting in the corner, frowned.

It seems like someone with cerebral palsy has really come here!

Are all these former socialists from the Guo family really that pure?
If Modric plays like that, Ashley Young's position will be in danger.

After all, the reason why my position is so stable is because I am a two-faced person who is good at playing both sides.

In front of Lu Kai, Ashley Young will always be loyal!
"GOAT!" Ashley Young shouted, then walked over to Modric. "Momo, I don't have your phone number yet, how about we add each other as friends?"

Modric shook his head, his gaze sharp as a knife, making Ashley Young feel uneasy.

Ashley Young shrugged and turned to leave.

Modric shook his head.

Socialism helped him develop a pure heart.

He could tell that Ashley Young was just a fake fan!

"Alright, Luca, get ready, we're going to the special genius hearing soon." Lu Kai didn't mind Modric's idolization campaign.

In fact, with more championships, some players will indeed feel like they are champions.

Appropriate reflection and core worship are conducive to overall stability, thereby unleashing greater power.

[PS: I first noticed Diogo Jota because he took the shot himself in a Portugal match instead of passing to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also in a good position. Portugal's tactics were terrible at that time; too many players missed chances trying to pass to Ronaldo, which affected the team's performance and put Ronaldo in a very passive position.]

Jota looked a lot like Cristiano Ronaldo at that moment; they both always believed they were the protagonists on the field!
I believe that in Jota's world, he used a thrilling drift to get his sports car back on track, and then recounted the terrifying moment to his teammates during warm-up at Anfield, thus beginning another championship season for him!
RIP

(End of this chapter)