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

In the latest round of the Premier League, Arsenal will host Crystal Palace.

Rather than calling it a match, it's more accurate to describe it as a grand pre-Champions League warm-up.

Arsenal, fresh off their miracle at Camp Nou, return home to face Crystal Palace.

The fans' chants have never been louder, and the flags have never been waved so densely.

More than this match, fans are looking forward to the Champions League four days later.

The course of the competition seemed to reflect this optimistic mood.

Arsenal played fluidly and effortlessly in this match.

Yan Yuan was undoubtedly the most dazzling focus of the entire event.

In the 28th minute, after a brilliant one-two with Odegaard on the right wing, he cut into the penalty area and, facing two defenders, poked the ball into the far corner with a delicate toe shot, scoring with ease.

In the 55th minute, he moved to the center, received a through pass from Ramsey, successfully beat the offside trap, and calmly slotted the ball into the net, scoring his second goal.

In the 65th minute, after drawing three defenders, he cleverly flicked the ball with his heel to the unmarked Saka.

Saka, who came on as a substitute, did not disappoint his older brother's gift. After a slight adjustment, he fired a low shot into the goal.

3-0, Yan Yuan scored two goals and provided one assist, and hugged Saka in celebration.

Although Crystal Palace pulled one back in the 78th minute in a goalmouth scramble, the outcome of the match was already decided.

In stoppage time, Achraf cut inside from the right wing, received a pass from Maddison, and unleashed a powerful shot that blasted the ball into the net like a cannonball.

4-1, a resounding victory.

As the final whistle blew, the Emirates Stadium erupted in satisfied cheers.

But beneath the cheers, a more tense and focused emotion was quietly gathering.

All eyes are now on four days from now.

The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.

……

During the four-day break that followed, the atmosphere at the Kearney training facility underwent a subtle yet profound change.

Although the 3-0 score in the first leg was a huge advantage, no one dared to be complacent.

Barcelona is a team that is good at creating miracles.

Quite a few teams have been reversed by them.

For example, Yan Yuan's former club, Paris Saint-Germain.

The lights in the coaching staff's meeting room stayed on until late at night, and the tactics board was covered with dense lines and arrows.

At the medical rehabilitation center, physiotherapists are working overtime to help players relax and recover.

In the restaurant, the nutritionist meticulously plans each meal and frequently asks if any adjustments to the diet plan are needed.

A sense of tension as a major battle looms.

It replaced the relaxation that comes after a league victory.

After a high-intensity tactical drill in the next day's training session, everyone took a short break to rehydrate.

Yan Yuan picked up a bottle of energy drink.

He gulped down water, sweat dripping down his jawline onto the grass.

He was preparing to return to his team to continue the group competition when he heard a familiar call.

"Yan, come here for a second." Professor Wenger stood on the sidelines and beckoned to him.

He was wearing that training uniform, his eyes were calm, and he looked like he was thinking about something.

Yan Yuan walked over quickly.

"coach."

Wenger didn't speak immediately, but gestured for him to walk slowly along the sideline of the training field together.

The sunlight shone on the green field, casting long shadows of the two players.

"How have you been feeling lately?" Wenger asked, his tone calm.

"Great, Coach, I feel like everyone's condition is improving," Yan Yuan replied, knowing that the professor was asking about more than just physical condition.

Wenger nodded, his gaze sweeping over the players practicing passing and receiving in the distance.

"Four days later, another big battle is coming. Although we're leading by three goals, our opponent is Barcelona." He paused, turned his head, and looked at Yan Yuan with his deep blue eyes.

"So, I'd like to hear your opinion."

Putting all other factors aside, based solely on your intuition, what do you think are our strengths? And what are we most wary of?

This is not just ordinary casual conversation.

This is a form of trust, an entrustment that views key players as "on-field coaches."

Yan Yuan barely thought about it; the answer seemed to have already matured in his mind.

He took a deep breath, his eyes becoming sharp and focused.

This scene seemed familiar, much like the time when Nash tested him.

Yan Yuan only thought for a moment before giving his answer.

"Hmm... Coach, that's what I think."

Because of the goal conceded in the first leg, Barcelona will definitely attack with all their might from the first minute in this leg, trying to score as early as possible and break down our mental defenses.

Their advantage lies in Messi's individual ability and Suarez's nose for the ball in the penalty area, especially when Messi drops deep to receive the ball and orchestrate attacks; the area connecting our midfield and defense will be the biggest risk zone.

Yan Yuan thought for a moment, then continued.

"But this is also our opportunity. They are pressing forward aggressively, which will inevitably leave huge gaps behind them. Our advantage lies in speed and the precision of our counterattacks."

Aubameyang, Lacazette, and I all have an absolute speed advantage.

The key lies in the transition from defense to attack. Rodri and Ramsey must pass the ball quickly, accurately, and ruthlessly to find the attacking point in the frontcourt and avoid getting entangled in the midfield too much.

We must use the sharpest counterattack to pierce their eagerness for quick success.

Yan Yuan even started gesturing in the air with his fingers.

"So I think we can give up possession appropriately and retreat to a more compact formation, but not passively take the beating."

The attacking third needs to continuously pressure their passing options, especially Busquets, to force a drop in the quality of their passes.

Once you win possession, immediately use the simplest method to get behind them... just like the second and third goals in the first leg.

As Wenger listened, his admiration grew stronger.

Yan Yuan's analysis hit the nail on the head, and even coincided with the core tactics that his coaching team had devised overnight.

Moreover, it's from the perspective of a top attacker.

I have to say, it's really threatening.

After Yan Yuan finished speaking, Wenger slowly exhaled, a rare, teasing smile appearing on his lips.

"A truly brilliant analysis, Yan—no, I should call you Coach Yan now." Wenger deliberately used the title "Coach."

"It's almost exactly the same as my tactics notes. To be honest, you surprised me a little, and also a little...worried."

"Worried?" Yan Yuan was taken aback.

"I'm worried you might have secretly installed a camera in my office?" Wenger laughed.

"Or have you already started planning your coaching career after you retire? Seriously, are you interested in getting a coaching certificate? If you really want to, I can be your recommender."

Yan Yuan was amused as well. He scratched his head and gave a slightly shy smile.

"Hehe... Coach, please stop making fun of me."

I've only been playing football for a few years. Coach? That'll have to wait until I've won every championship I can get my hands on and until I can't run anymore. Right now, I still prefer the feeling of running on the field.

As for those opinions I just mentioned... they're probably just from watching too many game replays; they're all just wild guesses.

"You silly boy, you're getting all worked up just from being called fat. To be able to come up with something so insightful, that's talent." Wenger's smile faded, he patted the boy's shoulder, his tone becoming serious.

"Your point of view is indeed very correct, so I've decided to make an adjustment for the next match."

Yan Yuan's gaze sharpened as he listened intently.

"For the next match against Barcelona, ​​I plan to start Bukayo and bench Lacazette," Wenger said slowly.

"Lacazette's experience and pivot role are important, but against Barcelona's potential high pressure and counter-attacking style that requires repeated sprints and stretches, Bukayo's energy, speed, and one-on-one dribbling ability might bring bigger surprises."

Especially the gaps behind their defenders that you just mentioned.

Yan Yuan wasn't too surprised to hear about the plan to start Saka.

Saka has been in excellent form recently, showing amazing impact and maturity beyond his years, whether as a substitute or in the starting lineup.

Saka is currently the most dazzling talent in the Premier League U18 age group besides Yan Yuan.

Yan Yuan understood all of this perfectly.

"That boy Bukayo..." Wenger's gaze softened as he looked at Saka, who was practicing passing with Odegaard in the distance.

"His training enthusiasm and football intelligence are now much stronger than when he was in youth training."

I noticed that he often uses his tablet to study, and he likes to watch your game videos repeatedly, especially clips of your off-the-ball runs.

Yan, honestly, you've set a very good example for Saka. You're not only his teammate, but in a way, you're also his mentor.

Yan Yuan followed Wenger's gaze.

At this moment, 17-year-old Saka is training.

His face radiated focus and enthusiasm, and he strived for perfection in every technical movement.

Wenger suddenly turned his head and looked at Yan Yuan, a cunning glint in his eyes.

"Coach Yan, since your analysis just now was so logical, why don't you... experience it for yourself today?"

"Huh? Me? I'm going to experience being a coach? Coach, you're not kidding, are you..." Yan Yuan didn't react.

Wenger smiled and pointed to the ongoing group scrimmage training session.

"Yes, it's you," Wenger confirmed with a smile.

"You're going to Saka's group not as a player, but as a 'temporary coach'."

Tell Saka, Odegaard, and Madison about your positioning tips, how to observe the defense, how to choose the right time to make forward runs, and how to cooperate silently with your teammates... These are all your absolute strengths.

"Let me see your 'coaching' skills, okay? Coach Yan?"

Looking into the professor's trusting and encouraging eyes, Yan Yuan felt a surge of pride welling up inside him.

He stood up straight, a confident and radiant smile on his face.

"Of course, Coach! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

Then, Yan Yuan made another joking remark.

"Um... Coach... if I really become a temporary coach, could you give me an extra salary? Just pay me the assistant coach rate..."

After saying that, Yan Yuan immediately ran away.

"You brat," Wenger chuckled, watching his protégé turn and run back onto the field.

……

Yan Yuan jogged to join the training.

"Hey Yan, did the professor give you some extra tutoring just now?" Erdgao teased with a smile. He and Yan Yuan had a very good relationship.

Yan Yuan shrugged and imitated Wenger's tone in a serious manner.

"Martin, as per the coaching staff's decision, I'll be temporarily in charge of improving our group's offensive decision-making efficiency. First, your off-the-ball movement needs to be more cunning..."

Odegaard was taken aback at first, then he and the people around him burst into laughter.

"Hahahahaha..."

"Be serious, be serious!" Yan Yuan couldn't help but laugh, but he quickly got into character.

"Alright, guys, enough joking around. The professor wants us to discuss positioning and passing combinations more."

Let's play a more complex "rondo" game to increase the intensity of the competition and simulate Barcelona's high-pressing style.

The key points are observation, decision-making, first-touch passing, and immediate off-the-ball runs to receive the ball.

Soon, midfielders and defenders such as Achraf, Rodri, and Cancelo also joined in.

The training turned into high-intensity, high-density tactical drills.

Yan Yuan naturally became the core of the organization.

During training, he would share his desired decisions with his teammates:

"Saka! Watch out for the opening behind me! Start moving now!"

"James! Great pass! That's the kind of penetrating pass we need!"

"Martin! Beautiful run-off! Support Rodri again!"

"Hakimi! Push up, go faster! The right corridor is yours!"

Yan Yuan not only spoke, but also set an example by his own actions.

Every move he made was deceptive and purposeful; every pass he made was perfectly timed; and every decision he made seemed reasonable and efficient.

After completing a brilliant play, he would immediately grab Saka and point to the spot where they had just been.

"See that, Bukayo? If you had faked a move towards the baseline before cutting inside, the defender would have been more likely to lose their position."

"Okay, I understand, Brother Yan. I'll do that coordination a few more times later."

Saka listened intently, his eyes shining, nodding repeatedly as he tried to absorb every detail.

Yan Yuan would also say that to Erdegaard.

"Martin, you should have observed my position and running direction before you received the ball, so you could have passed it to me much faster."

"Understood, Yan..."

Odegaard and Madison were also infected by this focused atmosphere, and actively discussed various passing routes and running plans with Yan Yuan.

Rodri, from the perspective of a defensive midfielder, also offered some ideas on how to better intercept and launch quick counter-attacks.

Yan Yuan combined his own strengths with those of his teammates and brought them all to fruition.

Even Wenger on the sidelines.

He would also step forward from time to time to offer a few key insights.

But more often than not, he wore a satisfied smile.

Watching how Yan Yuan effectively unites the team and inspires everyone's thinking.

By the end of the training, the young people were soaked in sweat, but they all felt they had gained a great deal.

Yan Yuan wiped his sweat with a towel.

Looking at his talented and energetic teammates around him: Saka, Odegaard, Madison, Rodri, Ashraf, Cancelo...

Like him, they all represent the future of Arsenal.

Wenger watched as Yan Yuan rallied the team, brought out the strengths of each player, and transformed his exceptional football IQ into the team's overall fighting power.

Today, it's not just a tactical exercise.

It was also a quiet transfer of power within the team.

Wenger saw things very clearly.

He is consciously pushing Yan Yuan into the captain's position.

He is not only the tactical core, but also the spiritual core and dressing room leader of Arsenal.

He is doing it this way.

Let other young talents, such as Saka, Odgaard, Rodri, and Ashraf, take over.

Naturally, things began to revolve around Yan Yuan.

Trust his judgment and follow his instructions.

This led to the formation of a core group and trusted confidants with Yan Yuan as the main figure.

Under Yan Yuan's leadership, these young people are forming a united group with a shared language of football.

This is the last legacy Wenger left for Arsenal.

Watching Yan Yuan, in the sunset, with his arm around Saka's shoulder, earnestly instructing him from behind.

Wenger silently said to himself:

"Wenger, your time here is running out. Before you leave Arsenal at the end of this season, make sure this kid wears the Arsenal captain's armband. He deserves it."