After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

Kearney Training Ground, training day.

As the morning's tactical training session drew to a close, the players were divided into groups for high-intensity close-quarters offensive and defensive drills. Sweat soaked their training uniforms, and the sounds of rapid breathing and the rustling of cleats against the grass mingled together.

"Yan! This way!"

Rhodes’ powerful voice cut through the noise.

He controlled the ball firmly in the defensive midfield position, protecting possession like a rock in the face of Ramsey's pressing.

At the same time, he keenly spotted Yan Yuan starting up to his right front.

Without the slightest hesitation, he flexed his right foot and delivered a perfectly powerful, angled low pass.

The ball pierced precisely through the narrow gap between Saka and Odegaard!

The moment Rodri's pass landed, Yan Yuan had already darted into the open space in the flank like an arrow.

With his back to the defender, he gently slid his left foot to meet the incoming ball, and the ball obediently stopped a step in front of him.

Immediately afterwards, he turned his body halfway and flicked the outside of his right foot, deftly shaking off Monreal who came to cover!

The movements were completed in one smooth motion.

"Great shot! Rodri! Yan!" The assistant coach on the sidelines cheered loudly for the two players' teamwork.

Yan Yuan dribbled into the right side of the penalty area and, facing the onrushing goalkeeper Martin, calmly used the instep of his foot to deliver a well-balanced cutback pass.

The ball found Odegaard unmarked near the penalty spot, and he easily tapped it into the empty net.

"Great job!" The teammates applauded.

Yan Yuan first high-fived Odegaard, then ran towards Rhodes with a smile. The two of them extended their right hands and gave each other a heavy high-five in the air.

Snapped!

A crisp clapping sound rang out.

In that instant, Yan Yuan's mind...

A clear, cold notification sound rang out.

[Player Rodri's interaction level has reached 100%, unlocking the skill: Central Chains, skill compatibility, 93%]

Yan Yuan's body suddenly stiffened.

The smile on his face froze instantly, and a hint of indescribable astonishment flashed in his eyes.

He glanced instinctively at Rodri beside him, who was smiling and high-fiving with other players, completely unaware of what was happening.

"Central Chains?" Yan Yuan murmured to himself, the name of the skill carrying a heavy sense of power.

It's completely different from the attacking midfield skills he unlocked before.

After a brief moment of distraction, Yan Yuan quickly regained his composure, put on a smile again, and rejoined the celebrating crowd.

But the turmoil in my heart could not be calmed for a long time.

This skill came too suddenly, and it was too crucial!

Midfielder! Defensive midfielder!

This is exactly the direction he has been thinking about and trying recently!

……

After the morning training session ended, the players walked towards the restaurant in twos and threes.

Yan Yuan carried his tray and found a quiet spot by the window to sit down.

Outside the window stretches a training field, sunlight spilling onto the green grass, a scene brimming with life.

He had no interest in appreciating it; his consciousness quickly sank into the systems of his mind.

The system interface appears.

In his skill library, there was a brand new skill icon that shimmered with a calm, metallic luster.

[Central Chain]

Yan Yuan focused his mind and opened the skill description:

[Skill Name: Central Chains, Rating: S+]

【Area of ​​Effect: Defensive midfielder/Central midfielder core area】

Skill Effect:

Enhanced Spatial Control: Significantly improves spatial awareness in the central core area of ​​the field (from the edge of your own penalty area to the edge of the opponent's penalty area). Enables clearer perception of teammates' and opponents' movement intentions, and allows for better prediction of passing routes and defensive gaps.

Enhanced Pace Control: Significantly improves the ability to read the pace of the game. Able to proactively adjust the speed of offensive and defensive transitions based on the situation on the field, either launching a lightning-fast counterattack or maintaining a steady, controlled pace to wear down the opponent.

Improved connection efficiency: Greatly enhances the understanding and success rate of passing with teammates in the midfield and defense (center-backs, full-backs, defensive midfielders) and the frontcourt (attacking midfielders, wingers, forwards), making the choice of passing routes more reasonable, and the power and timing more accurate, reducing unnecessary mistakes.

Improved defensive anticipation: Enhances the ability to anticipate the movement routes of the opponent's key attacking players (attacking midfielders, shadow strikers), increasing the success rate of crucial interceptions and tackles.

[Note: This skill is a top-tier talent for backcourt playmakers/metronomes, and its effectiveness can only be maximized when combined with the player's vision, basketball IQ, and positional awareness.]

Yan Yuan read the skill description word by word, his heart pounding uncontrollably!

This...this is practically a core defensive midfield skill tailor-made for him!

This skill, when used in conjunction with his signature skill, [Spatial Web Weaver].

Their midfield is absolutely world-class!

All the midfield skills that Yan Yuan had previously unlocked.

Both emphasize vision and creativity in attack, making them valuable assets for attacking midfielders and shadow strikers.

But this time, the [Central Chain] is completely different!

This skill focuses on the core functions of the midfield hub: space control, tempo control, connecting the front and back lines, and defensive anticipation!

This is precisely the essential skill that top defensive midfielders rely on for survival.

"Spatial awareness... rhythm control... connection efficiency... defensive prediction..." Yan Yuan repeated the keywords in a low voice, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Isn't this exactly the ability he most desires to possess as he observes Rhodes and contemplates his own development direction?

With this skill, he can truly become the metronome of the team's offensive and defensive transitions, and the unbreakable "chain" connecting the iron gate in the backcourt and the sharp blade in the frontcourt.

……

The afternoon practice session mainly consisted of full-court group scrimmages.

Professor Wenger stood on the sidelines, holding a tactical board, his sharp eyes observing the players' positioning and teamwork.

Halfway through the training session, during a break when the ball was dead.

Yan Yuan jogged to the sidelines, his face showing nervousness as he spoke.

"Coach," he walked up to Wenger, his voice low but clear, "I...I want to try playing as a defensive midfielder today. Partnering with Rodri."

Professor Wenger turned his head in surprise upon hearing this, his gaze behind his silver-rimmed glasses filled with inquiry.

"Defensive midfielder? Partnering with Rodri?"

He frowned slightly, as if assessing the feasibility of the proposal.

Rodri is currently the undisputed core of the team's defensive midfield, with a tough defense and steady passing.

but…

Why should Yan Yuan, who has a very strong offensive style, play as a defensive midfielder?

Doesn't that sound a bit risky?

"Coach." Yan Yuan took a deep breath, trying to make his tone more confident.

"I think... I can give it a try. I want to contribute more in terms of connection and defense."

Wenger looked at his bright-eyed, eager-to-try protégé.

He recalled Yan Yuan's amazing learning ability and tactical understanding during training, and his outstanding performance when he occasionally dropped back in the attacking midfield position.

Wenger intends to give Yan Yuan this chance.

"Alright, Yan," Wenger pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Give it a try. You and Rodri should communicate. You two will partner as a double defensive midfielder. Remember your positional awareness; defense is the top priority."

"Understood! Thank you, Coach!" Yan Yuan was overjoyed and immediately ran back onto the field to whisper a few words to Rodri.

When Yan Yuan stood next to Rodri and indicated that he would play as a defensive midfielder, his teammates were somewhat surprised.

Aubameyang, standing nearby, blinked: "Yan? Are you sure you want to do this dirty and tiring work?"

Ramsey also cast a curious glance his way.

Rodri patted Yan Yuan on the shoulder in a friendly manner and said, "Welcome to the midfield meat grinder, bro."

The group competition has restarted.

Yan Yuan and Rodri stood side by side behind the center circle arc.

Rhodes remained as steady as a mountain, responsible for sweeping and the first line of defense.

Yan Yuan stood slightly forward, acting as a flexible pivot.

Change is happening quietly.

When the opponent advanced, Yan Yuan no longer rushed to intercept or retreated too far as he used to.

He gained an unprecedentedly clear understanding of the spatial distribution in the middle lane.

Yan Yuan was able to keenly sense the opponent's attacking midfielder's intention to make a forward run and moved his feet in advance to block the passing route.

He can accurately judge the gaps left by the full-backs pushing forward and direct Achraf or Cancelo to cover in time!

When the opposing winger attempted to cut inside, Rodri stepped up to block him.

Yan Yuan did not blindly follow Rodri, but quickly filled the gap left by Rodri. At the same time, his eyes swept across the field and he found that the opposing full-back had already made a high-speed run forward.

He immediately shouted a warning to Ashraf on the right wing.

"Ashraf! Watch out behind you!"

Upon hearing the sound, Ashraf immediately retreated, effectively blocking the opposing full-back's path to receive the ball.

A potential cross from the wing was nipped in the bud.

"Great shot! Yan! Timely cover! Clear command!" the assistant coach on the sidelines couldn't help but shout.

On the offensive end, the improved connection efficiency of the [Central Chain] is even more immediately apparent.

When Pepe intercepted the ball in the backfield, he didn't launch a long ball directly to the striker as usual, but instead habitually passed the ball to midfielders Yan Yuan or Rodri, who were in better positions.

Yan Yuan receives the ball.

With his back to the direction of the attack, he remained remarkably calm despite the harassment from the opposing striker.

Instead of turning blindly, he gently tapped the ball back to Rodri, who was in a better position, with the inside of his right foot.

At the same time, he turned his body slightly to break free from the entanglement.

Rodri received the ball and, without stopping it, delivered a precise long diagonal pass to Lacazette, who was making a high-speed run down the left flank.

Lacazette easily controlled the ball and cut inside to create a threat!

The whole process was smooth and seamless.

From Pepe intercepting the ball, to Yan Yuan making a back pass to get past his marker, and then Rodri's long pass, a three-touch passing sequence instantly shifted the ball from the dangerous area in the backfield to the attacking area in the frontfield! The rhythm was fast but not chaotic, and the passing lanes were clear and logical.

"Beautiful! That transfer!" Even Professor Wenger couldn't help but nod slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

What's even more surprising is the synergy between Yan Yuan and Rodri.

The two seemed to be on the same wavelength, taking turns filling in for each other.

When Rodri pushes forward to participate in the attack, Yan Yuan will quickly retreat to fill his defensive position and use his enhanced spatial awareness to direct the defense.

When Yan Yuan dribbles forward, Rodri provides protection and support from his side or behind.

The two players demonstrated a high degree of chemistry and complementarity in their coverage, passing choices, and rhythm control.

How should I put it? These two are practically like a midfield partnership that has been going on for many years.

The group competition has ended.

Professor Wenger gathered the players to the sidelines.

His gaze fell on Yan Yuan, his admiration and delight for his beloved disciple undisguised.

"Yan," Wenger's voice was gentle yet firm, "your performance today... was excellent! Especially your attempts in the defensive midfield position. Your positional awareness, your ability to read the game, and your combination play with Rodri all exceeded my expectations."

He paused, then continued.

"Your talent in midfield is becoming more and more comprehensive, from winger to attacking midfielder, and now to trying out defensive midfield... You always seem to be able to find new possibilities. That's very rare."

His gaze toward Yan Yuan was filled with the preciousness one would show to a piece of unpolished jade.

"Thank you, Coach!" Yan Yuan was thrilled, and his face was flushed with excitement.

Wenger took a thick brown paper document bag and a USB drive from the assistant coach and handed them to Yan Yuan.

"Here are some technical points, tactical case studies, and video clips of top players' matches that I've compiled regarding the defensive midfield position. Take them back and study them carefully, combine them with your feelings today, think about them more, and feel free to ask me any questions you don't understand."

Yan Yuan took the item with both hands, feeling its weight; it contained not only knowledge, but also Professor Wenger's weighty trust and expectations.

"This season," Professor Wenger looked at Yan Yuan, then glanced at Rhodes beside him, his tone becoming serious.

"I will consider tailoring a more flexible and layered midfield tactical system for you two lads."

Different combinations of two defensive midfielders, or even three midfielders, can be tried.

"This is not only a tactical safety measure for the team, but also for..." He looked intently at Yan Yuan,

"Fully unleash the midfield maestro talent hidden within you!"

"Son, you have the potential to become a top-class all-around midfielder, so don't limit yourself. Go back and study these materials carefully. I look forward to seeing you shine even brighter in the midfield!"

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the Kearney training field, casting Yan Yuan's shadow long.

He stood on the sidelines, holding the things Professor Wenger had given him, gazing at the green field that held his sweat and dreams.

The professor's expectations and high regard completely opened the door for Yan Yuan to play in the midfield position.