We made you the King of Prisoners, and now you've become the King of Football?

Chapter 17 The Kick Style Abandoned by the Times

"Karl, what do you think of that kid Jiang?" Yardin suddenly asked.

Caldera, who was recording training data on a tablet, paused for a moment before replying, "He's a good player, and quite hardworking too."

"Ever since he joined the first team, he has been coming to the gym two hours early every day to train his physical fitness."

"Well... we haven't seen any particularly noticeable results yet."

He casually recounted Jiang Ming's recent situation.

But Yaldin shook his head: "I'm not asking you that. I'm asking what you think of his playing style?"

"Kicking style?"

Caldera paused, then thought seriously: "Quite a capable playmaker midfielder, isn't he?"

"Whether it's regular training or yesterday's game, his average passing accuracy is over 90%, and he often delivers some unpredictable and threatening passes."

"His seasoned vision and keen sense of opportunity make it hard to believe he's only 17."

Upon hearing this, Yardin nodded and said in a deep voice, "Then what do you think if I want him to start so that Bernardo and the others can rest?"

“I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Cardella replied immediately. “His physical condition is too poor; he simply cannot meet the 90-minute requirement.”

They had worked together for so many years, and although they were said to be superior and subordinate, Cardera always dared to speak the truth to Yardin and never hid anything from him.

"No, I don't want him to run all over the field like the other midfielders. I want him to stay in one position and focus on orchestrating the attack," Jardim explained.

"Like Riquelme."

Caldera instantly realized: "You mean... a classic attacking midfielder?"

Yaldin nodded.

Caldera paused for a moment: "But that position has long been abandoned by modern football! In a total football system, losing one player to track back is a huge disadvantage."

"I know," Jardin sighed. "Otherwise, why would Van Gaal have done that back then?"

Juan Roman Riquelme.

The Argentine legend, hailed as "the last classic attacking midfielder," arrived at Barcelona just as Louis van Gaal was in charge of the club.

Van Gaal is a staunch follower of Michels, and all the teams he coaches employ a total football system.

Every player is required to run throughout the game and be involved in both offense and defense.

However, the classic attacking midfielder's playing style is exactly the opposite of this.

Instead of overwhelming their opponents with high-speed running, they relied on slow-paced ball control to gradually disrupt the opponent's defensive rhythm.

Its extremely delicate control over small areas allows it to firmly protect the ball at its feet even when surrounded by multiple players.

Then, relying on the superb field vision, he delivered a deadly pass that pierced through the entire defense.

They hardly participate in defensive rotations, focusing all their energy on offensive organization, leaving the rest of the defensive duties to their teammates.

This is exactly the opposite of Van Gaal's tactical philosophy.

Van Gaal bluntly told Riquelme, "When you have the ball, you are the best player in the world, but when you don't have the ball, it's like we're playing with one less player."

To fit his system, the Dutch coach even tried to convert this midfield maestro into a winger.

Ultimately, his talent was worn down, and that most classic "clash between classic and modern" in football ended with Riquelme's disappointing departure.

And now, Jardim actually wants to reinstate this position, which has long been obsolete in modern football, in his own team.

Caldera lowered his voice: "Isn't this... too risky?"

"Give it a try. Having more solutions in the game will help the team go further," Jardim said in a deep voice.

Caldera thought for a moment and then smiled, "Alright, since you've made up your mind, let's give it a try."

"Anyway, you converted Fabinho into a defensive midfielder before, and didn't you do a pretty good job of it?"

……

After training, the Monaco players came off the pitch to rest in the locker room.

Jiang Ming was thinking that he would take a nice hot bath later to relieve the fatigue of the day.

Just as he reached the sidelines, Yardin called out to him, "Jiang, wait a moment before you go."

"What's wrong, boss?"

Jiang Ming scratched his head, wondering to himself: I've been doing pretty well lately, so why should I get a private talk?

"How did you feel about yesterday's match?" Jardine asked.

Jiang Ming rested his chin on his hand and thought for a moment before speaking: "The pace is too fast, with full-on offensive and defensive transitions. It truly lives up to its reputation as a European competition."

Jardine nodded, then suddenly changed the subject: "So, if I were to start you in the Ligue 1 match against Marseille the day after tomorrow, do you think you can handle it?"

Jiang Ming was stunned for a moment.

Is the team so short-handed? He just made his debut, and they're already putting him in the starting lineup?

He then honestly replied, "I can't guarantee it, but I will definitely do my best to help the team when I'm on the field."

"Alright, that's enough with the right attitude. I'll let you know the specific details after Karl and I have finalized the tactics tomorrow." Yardin waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.

"Yes, boss!"

……

Jiang Ming pushed open the locker room door, where his teammates were packing their things in twos and threes, making a lot of noise.

Fabinho spotted him immediately and whistled at him: "Jiang, what did the boss want with you? Was it because you played well yesterday and he's going to give you a bonus?"

"It's more exciting than the bonus." Jiang Ming smirked, hesitated for a moment, and said, "The boss said he's considering making me a starter the day after tomorrow."

The locker room fell silent for a moment.

The players present all had different emotions in their eyes.

Some people think that Jardim's approach was too aggressive. Even if he played a good game, it's not enough to make him start immediately.

Some believe that there are too many injuries in the team at present, and that appropriate rotation is necessary to avoid potential injury risks.

"What?!"

Mbappe jumped to his feet, his eyes wide with disbelief.

He rushed over, grabbed Jiang Ming's leg, and cried out in a mock-sobbing tone, "Little Jiang! Jiang! No, Brother Jiang!"

"What drug did you give the boss? How come you always get playing time before me? Teach me!"

He was in the reserve team earlier than Jiang Ming, and thought he would make his debut soon.

As a result, Jiang Ming was like a completely different person after that U19 game. His skills improved by leaps and bounds, and he was even ready to start.

How could Mbappe accept this?

You said you bought a car, I'm so happy for you, bro.

But you really can't drive a Land Rover!

"Sure!" Jiang Ming agreed without hesitation, meeting Mbappe's expectant gaze and lowering his voice, "Actually, I'm possessed by Ronaldinho."

After hearing this, Mbappe let go of the bag and disdainfully patted his pants.

"You're kidding! With your puny build, you call yourself Ronaldinho? If you're Ronaldinho, then I'm Cristiano!"

The locker room erupted in laughter instantly.

Seeing that no one believed him, Jiang Ming had no choice but to shrug and offer no further explanation.

Moutinho was the first to walk over and pat him on the shoulder: "Good job, kid. Since you're starting, play well and don't embarrass us."

Fabinho then shouted, "Then I'll run a few more steps for you, you just need to focus on passing!"

Carrillo scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "Remember to pass me a few more goals, I haven't scored in five games..."

Jiang Ming smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll pass you a one-on-one opportunity later, just don't miss it!"

After a while of this commotion, the atmosphere in the Monaco locker room finally calmed down, and everyone finished their training for the day.