Team Spirit

Chapter 209: The Premier League's Three Best Players, the Biggest Transfer Window in a Decade

Mundo Deportivo: "They've slipped up! After winning their respective league titles for five consecutive years, Dartford have failed to win the league for the first time! They just can't perform at the top level!"

Daily Sport: "A clear decline! Lu Kai sets a new personal worst league record, with 15 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League breaking all previous lows!"

Barcelona Daily: "Nine goals and ten assists in La Liga! Ronaldinho beats Figo and Zidane to win the fans' (Catalan region only) Player of the Year award!"

The various awards were subsequently announced.

The most attention-grabbing events this year are the various Premier League awards.

Because the Premier League is quite divided this year.

Logically, Chelsea should be the big winner this year, given their favorable circumstances.

But... the appearance of a freakish green gun made things complicated.

First, let's talk about the Premier League standings. Chelsea is in first place, a record high, and has the highest number of awards.

Arsenal are second, still excellent, but not quite as good as they were last season. This is also the biggest challenge for their players to win honors in the Premier League.

Manchester United finished third, which is a good result, but it's not enough for them; they're only after the championship!
Ten Hag: Isn't it about avoiding relegation?
Everton are fourth.

Liverpool is fifth.

Bolton is sixth.

Green Gunners are sixteenth, West Bromwich Albion are seventeenth.

Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Southampton were relegated.

On the assist charts, Lampard had a breakout performance with 18 assists, leading all others.

However, fans who watched Chelsea and Green Gunners' Champions League semi-final had some doubts. Looking at those two games alone, you wouldn't think Lampard was such a top-class passer.

In comparison, Drogba's two wingers seem to play a more significant role.

It was that match, which had nothing to do with the Premier League, that led the public to have doubts about Lampard's performance in the Premier League.

The second-highest assist provider is Arsenal's Thierry Henry, with fourteen assists.

Lu Kai and Arshavin both ranked third in assists, with thirteen assists each.

Fourth place is again held by two Arsenal players.

Reyes has 12 assists and 9 goals this season.

Bergkamp has 12 assists and 8 goals this season.

Fifth place, still Arsenal, with Ljungberg having 10 goals and 10 assists.

Arsenal's brilliance is evident.

Giggs had ten assists and five goals.

Robben had nine assists and seven goals.

Yaya Toure of Green Gunners had eight assists and ten goals.

Maicon provided seven assists and scored four goals.

In the top scorers list, Henry has 25 goals, dominating the Premier League and is simply a statistics maniac.

The silver boot went to Diego Forlán of Greenfield and Andrew Johnson of Everton, with 21 goals.

Lu Kai, bronze boot, 15 goals.

Fourth place: Crouch and Pires, 14 goals.

Fifth place: Lampard, Hasselbaink, Defoe, Arshavin, thirteen goals.

Arshavin, with thirteen goals and thirteen assists, is known as the "Death Tsar." He is the third most well-rounded and impressive player this year, after Henry, Lampard, and Lukay.

He also won the Premier League's best signing award for this season.

Twelve balls, Gudjohnsen.

Eleven goals: Robbie Keane, Wayne Rooney, and Jerry Wright.

Ten goals: Drogba, Fowler, Heskey, Toure.

This was almost the year when Green Gunners had the least star power in the league, and their statistics were quite "unsatisfactory".

The reason I put it in quotes is because this statistic of Green Gunners is simply incredible among mid-to-lower-tier teams.

Generally, once a player achieves this level of performance, they will be signed by a top club the following year.

Because mid-to-lower-tier teams have poor personnel, have to be conservative in their tactics, and face strong opponents, the data is compressed.

If they can get these stats on a bad team, what will they be like if they go to a top team?
Green Gun: Who are you calling trash?
In addition, Davies won the Premier League Young Player of the Year award this season, beating Wayne Rooney, thanks to his attendance rate and excellent, consistent performance.

His rival is Wayne Rooney of Manchester United.

However, Rooney may also be looking down on this newcomer award, after all, he is already far ahead of the Ballon d'Or shortlist and is pursuing a higher level of honor.

Of course, these individual awards are just a piece of cake.

The real highlight is the "three England Footballer of the Year" awards, which are the three Premier League Player of the Year awards.

The most prestigious PFA Player of the Year award is considered to be won by Chelsea centre-back John Terry.

The FWA Player of the Year award, which was slightly less prestigious, went to Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Chelsea emerged as the big winner.

If Arsenal hadn't been champions last year, and Henry's statistics hadn't been so impressive, he might have been the winner of both awards.

But these days, winning awards repeatedly is much more difficult.

However, once the winner of the "Premier League Player of the Year," considered the most prestigious and difficult to judge, was announced, the controversy surrounding the others instantly diminished.

Because the recipient of this award is none other than Lu Kai!
Diario Sport: "WTF? Lu Kai? By what right? When it comes to championships, Chelsea has it. When it comes to stats, Henry has it. It's not Lu Kai's turn at all!"

Mundo Deportivo: "The fact that a player from the 16th-ranked Premier League team can be named the Premier League's best player is the darkest day in Premier League history!"

The Catalan media voiced stronger opposition than the English media; one might mistakenly think they wanted to join the United Kingdom.

"To be fair, I admit that Lu Kai is excellent, but the Premier League's best player award is a bit outrageous."

"As is customary, whether in football or basketball, the best player should be chosen from among the top four teams."

"Oh? I actually think this is the most correct move the Premier League has ever made."

"That's right, Lu Kai has redefined the best player, which is a major development for English football."

In the Premier League's official award speech for Lu Kai, it was clearly stated: "If we only use one dimension to evaluate the best, then we can just copy the names of players from the statistics list."

"As an award, one of our important tasks is to discover and recommend more valuable players who have not been noticed."

"As a newly promoted team, avoiding relegation was their biggest goal, and Lu Kai led Dartford to achieve that. So their season was undoubtedly a success."

"And in the process, they won as many championships as possible, including the Community Shield, the European Super Cup, and the EFL Cup, all of which are real honors."

“We have always emphasized that the league is the foundation. Another meaning of this statement is that with a solid foundation, there should be more expansion and pursuit of more honors. Lu Kai has also led Dartford to achieve this.”

"So in terms of achieving their KPIs, Dartford is the best club this season, without a doubt."

"As for Lu Kai's performance, it's impeccable. He achieved a superb stat line of 15 points and 13 rebounds in his first Premier League appearance. Don't be misled by his past statistics. If you think his past statistics lacked value, then you should admit how valuable his current statistics are!"

"Therefore, we believe that Lu Kai is a player of epoch-making significance, who has ushered in a new era for the award selection."

"Lu Kai, you truly deserve it!"

Of course, there is one thing the Premier League didn't mention, and that is that Lu Kai's performance in the Champions League also contributed to the score.

On the one hand, this brings glory to the Premier League.

On the other hand, the Premier League committee, being so commercially savvy, could naturally see that Lu Kai seems to still have a chance of competing for this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

If Green Gun wins the championship, he will once again become a favorite to enter the final competition.

At that point, any additional honors could potentially determine success or failure.

Because this year's selection process is destined to be even more intense than last year's.

The shortcomings of Lu Kai and Ronaldinho in the league will become the best weapon for their competitors.

Guided by the "new approach," the Green Gun once again amazed the public in the Premier League's official best XI.

Henry, Fran, Andrew Johnson

Arshavin, Lampard, Luka, Robben

Cole, Ferdinand, Terry

Cech
-

Only one player from Everton, ranked fourth, was selected: Johnson.

Manchester United, ranked third, only had one player selected.

Arsenal, ranked second, only had two players selected.

Four Chelsea players were selected.

The fact that three Green Guns players, ranked sixteenth, were selected makes them the big winners.

This lineup has many hidden gems, such as Wright Jr., Gerrard, and Gary Neville.

As for Ronaldo, he has struggled somewhat this year, performing even worse than his club teammate Rooney.

Manchester United fans were humiliated, as their own forwards were completely wiped out, while Diego Forlán, the flop they had abandoned, pulled off a brilliant comeback.

Damn it... The key is that Manchester United gave Forlan plenty of time, but he still didn't change.

If I had known he was going to have a breakout year, I would have kept holding onto the shares.

This is a huge loss!
……

The FA Cup final took place on May 21st.

Arsenal vs. Manchester United.

In a pre-match interview, Wenger said: "I feel sorry for Drogba; he deserved a best player award. Of course, Lu's award was also well-deserved."

"Just as Lampard's stats are astonishing, so are Land's. But I think the best of both worlds, Lampard and Terry, should belong to Henry!"

Ferguson: "It wasn't Lu Kai who stole Drogba's Player of the Year award, but Lampard and Terry. It's unreasonable for a team to have three best players."

"And the one who did not have English citizenship clearly became the victim."

"Personally, I believe that teams not ranked in the European competition zone are not eligible to participate in the selection!"

Cesc Fabregas, who started the match, also shared his opinion: "I don't agree with this 'best player' award. I think teams not ranked in the European qualification zone are not qualified to participate in the selection of the best player."

"Teams are ranked in different ways, and teams that consistently rank in the Champions League zone deserve all the honors more than other teams."

"Teams like Arsenal and Barcelona deserve more!"

Young people, riding high on their success, can be a bit arrogant and boastful, which is understandable.

At that point, Fabregas probably thought he would never play for a team outside the top three of the league.

He doesn't believe he will become a fringe player on the team.

So he was saying these things from the perspective of the core players of Arsenal and Barcelona; essentially, he was trying to win an award for himself.

He compared himself to Henry and Ronaldinho. Lu Kai saw through this; he was also watching the game live today and was asked this question by reporters.

Lu Kai laughed and said, "Fabregas is not Henry or Ronaldinho; this is not a problem he should be considering at this stage."

"He should play well and try not to be substituted in this game."

"As for whether I deserve it... I can only say that I play for the team's victory, not for awards."

"I don't care what you think. But watch how I play!"

Both were young and impetuous.

Fabregas gives the impression of being somewhat arrogant.

But after Lu Kai spoke out, the fans unanimously supported him.

Because he has the confidence to say that.

"Green Gun Voice (Paid Edition)": "I just don't understand, is it normal that Lu Kai is perhaps the team's core player who has been questioned the most after reaching the Champions League final?"

"Even Mendieta became the undisputed best midfielder in Europe after Valencia reached the Champions League final. Who in the Premier League over the last five years has achieved that?"

"Let alone Lu, even if Ashley Young wins this Premier League Player of the Year award, apart from Dartford players, no other Premier League players or fans have the right to question it!"

"Never underestimate anyone at Dartford, especially their top two! (Anchoring myself to Lu Kai, speaking up for him, indirectly elevating my status, and getting the market to notice me—read and then disappear)"

Because Ashley Young's note was in Chinese, the newspaper editor couldn't understand it and thought it was a quote from a famous person, so they didn't process the note.

Arsenal ultimately defeated Manchester United to win the FA Cup.

After three years, they finally broke Green Gun's monopoly and tasted the joy of winning the championship.

Manchester United, like Barcelona, ​​ended up empty-handed in all four major trophies.

Ten Hag, the interim coach, successfully helped Real Madrid change history, winning the La Liga title by four points over Barcelona.

His "flashy offensive" tactics are loved by fans.

His "humility and low profile" also won him favor with higher-ups.

Whenever people ask him how he transformed Real Madrid in the last two months, turning them into an attacking force and playing beautiful football, he humbly says, "Actually, I didn't do anything. I just handed the ball over to Zidane and Figo. It's that simple."

The beneficiaries, Zidane and Figo, weren't stupid either. Although they knew Ten Hag didn't have much to offer, was it necessary to expose him?

Moreover, they were sometimes unsure whether Ten Hach was genuinely ignorant or simply feigning ignorance.

Figo: "I'm leaving Real Madrid, and before I leave, I really suggest that Real Madrid keep Ten Hag. Real Madrid needs a reliable coach like him."

"It's unrealistic to find a high-pressure coach to control a large group of superstars, because these players are the best in their fields, and they can't possibly submit to authority, otherwise they wouldn't have achieved what they have today."

Zidane: "Teng Hag is an excellent coach. His tactics with me as the absolute core are full of wisdom. We are optimistic about Real Madrid's performance next season."

Ten Hach didn't know how to handle the interview during the award ceremony, but the image of Alfred came to mind, so he followed his mentor's example and said calmly, "I won't make any big changes to the Galacticos; they are already good enough."

"With just the right reinforcements, we will become the strongest contender for all the championships next season!"

The word "appropriate" resonated deeply with Real Madrid's management.

This is not an exorbitant demand.

That Luxemburgo guy, not very famous, but he's got a lot of nerve. He ordered 100 million euros worth of food as soon as he arrived, and even if he's not fired, he wants to keep ordering this summer.

Do they really think Real Madrid is Chelsea?
Real Madrid has been around for so many years. If they have to spend money to buy players like Chelsea to rise again, then all their previous efforts have been in vain.

Teng is very knowledgeable!

Or, why don't we just let Ten Hag try it out for a year?
If we can poach a few players from Green Gunners at a friendly price this summer, and things go well for the new season, everyone will be happy.

If that doesn't work, then invite Alfred.

This also gives the top leadership another opportunity to deal with the crisis.

If Florentino really invests heavily in Alfred, but the team still doesn't improve in the Champions League, then his position as coach will be in jeopardy.

In this way, Ten Hag completely won the trust of Real Madrid's management.

He was permitted to make moves for Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

During a meeting of Real Madrid's top management, the head of the transfer department suggested that they should make a move on Chelsea's players first and spread rumors about them, which would help lower the price.

But Ten Hagh was the first to refute: "I know Green Gun. If you treat Lu as a friend, then he will treat you as a friend in return. And Chinese people have always been very generous to their friends."

“But if you offend Lu from the start, you will definitely suffer his revenge. Even if you are Moji.”

Upon hearing this, Real Madrid's management took it to heart, as the escalation of the conflict between Lu Kai and Moggi was something no one had anticipated.

In accordance with European custom, Lu Kai shouldn't have provoked Mogi.

It was a thankless task.

But the result?

Lu Kai delivered a critical hit to Moji!
Florentino: "Explain your thought process."

Ten Hag was overjoyed, as the matter his teacher had arranged finally had a chance to be implemented: "Here's the thing, Green Gunners still have one last game to play, and before that, any rumors about player signings will affect their performance."

"Therefore, we must remain calm."

"I will inform Lu through personal connections that we are interested in some players from the Celtics, but for the sake of the Celtics, we will not be making any moves for the time being."

Transfer manager: "That's it?"

Ten Hach: "That's it."

Transfer manager: "What benefits will we get?"

Ten Hag: "Given my relationship with Lu, Lu would have priority in the deal with Real Madrid at the same price!"

Transfer official: "Can't the price be lowered?"

Ten Hach laughed: "If you want to pick up trash, there are plenty everywhere—in the favelas of Brazil, on the African savanna, and on the playground in Zhongguo. Some even pay you to do it. Do you want some?"

"A product of Green Guns is guaranteed to be top-notch. Dartford players are now a luxury item; not everyone can afford them. It's like Hermès; if you don't deserve a bag worth hundreds of thousands, you won't even see a picture of the newest model!"

Transfer official: "So, which players do we want to bring in?"

Ten Hah shook his head and said, "That depends on how Lu informs me."

Everyone was stunned.

What do you mean?
You buy whatever Lu tells you to buy?
Are you perhaps a traitor?

Ten Hach was sweating profusely: "Uh, what I mean is, the Green Guns have entered auction mode. We have to keep up with their pace and look at them one by one."

"We will have the players we want, but we can't rush it."

Everyone nodded.

This is indeed true.

All the top clubs are keeping a close eye on Green Gunners' players, and Green Gunners certainly have the qualifications to be auctioned off.

This happened last year.

However, this year should be the last time.

After this, the green guns were truly completely exhausted.

Even if Alfred is highly skilled at training, it will take at least five years for the next batch of promising young talents to mature.

Therefore, this year is the only opportunity in the next five years to significantly add core players to the team.

After the meeting, the person in charge of the transfers stayed behind and asked Alfred, "Sir, although this year is the best opportunity to introduce cores, our Galactic Battleship does not need or has the conditions to introduce various cores."

Why should we keep Ten Hach?

Alfred smiled slightly: "With Ten Hag, we have gained the upper hand in this biggest transfer battle in the past five years."

"This will allow us to bring in more core players at a lower price, faster speed, and with more accurate information."

"That is the value of Ten Hach."

"Even if we don't need his value, doesn't that mean others can't? Signing Ten Hag doesn't necessarily mean we'll use him, but at least we can't let others use him!"

The transfer manager's eyes lit up.

That's it!

If the top three Italian teams, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, ​​and Liverpool were to acquire Ten Hag, their financial resources would allow them to rebuild the Green Gunners squad in an instant, making them the true enemies of Real Madrid.

Alfred said, "Lu sent Ten Hag over, probably with the intention of getting Real Madrid to help them raise the price. Since it can make our rivals bleed more, why don't I do them a favor?"

"Moreover, without guidance from insiders at Green Gunners, even if they bring in core players, it might not be effective. They might spend money without getting results, and instead cause chaos within the team, leading to the collapse of the original system and rules."

"Just you wait and see, these teams that bought Celtics' core players for high prices this year are likely to suffer a major setback!"

Alfred then looked into the distance.

A group of fools trying to buy at the top, but they don't understand the true meaning of buying at the top.

To buy at a high price, you need to do it in the most high-profile way, buying at the highest point to create an advertising effect.

If even one condition is missing, you'll become a sucker.

This year, Green Gunners reached the Champions League final, which was their peak.

If he were to accept a job at this point, he would either accept Alfred or Lu Kai, and Florentino would even be willing to spend 100 million euros for the latter.

But neither of them will leave.

Real Madrid would be better off not getting involved this year.

At most, a few tens of millions of euros can be spent on a few scraps to piggyback on the champion's genes.

This perfectly aligns with Real Madrid's "minor adjustments" philosophy this year.

……

Pond Convenience Store.

Jiang Mengyun is printing the blacklist.

Barcelona will be the first to be affected!

These teams have all already hinted that they are interested in the Celtics players.

Mundo Deportivo and Mundo Deportivo even contacted Yaya Touré's family through special means, stating that "according to his family, Touré really wants to transfer to Barcelona," thus putting pressure on them in advance for subsequent price negotiations.

This is undoubtedly a taboo against green guns.

If this deal actually happens, then Barcelona will have to pay at least 10 million euros more for their trash talk.

Alfred later gave an interview, stating that he would not participate in any player transfer discussions before the Champions League final. A true friend of Green Gunners wouldn't discuss such matters at this time.

A reporter from World Sports Daily laughed and said, "Do you really think everyone wants to be your friend?"

Alfred then showed a private message from Barcelona's Juventus Laporta: "Dear Mr. Alfred, on behalf of Barcelona, ​​I would like to make friends with you and Dartford. We can certainly have friendly talks about player transfers this summer. After the Champions League final, we invite you to fly to Barcelona to experience the friendliness and passion of Catalan football..."

The World Sports reporter was stunned on the spot.

Barcelona, ​​we criticize Green Gunner every day for you, but why do you turn into a sycophant as soon as the transfer window opens?

How are we, the fans who travel all over the world, supposed to survive?
(End of this chapter)