Right next to the Real Madrid training base, there's a professional golf course.
Suker doesn't play golf, nor does he have much interest in it.
However, Ancelotti had promised Bale, and Bale seemed extremely excited.
The moment the game ended, Bale led Suker, Benzema, and others to buy equipment.
A bad student has many stationery items!
Bale believed that once the equipment was complete, his teammates would also be able to appreciate the charm of golf.
It would be much more fun than playing by himself.
Bale even paid for all the equipment, going all out to get his teammates hooked.
From clothes to clubs, it was almost a one-stop service.
And so, Suker and the others, fully equipped, followed Bale onto the course.
The golf course was vast, with short, neat lawns and uneven terrain.
There were various areas like lakes, sand traps, and woods.
There was also a small path in the middle for carts.
Bale drove the cart, while Suker and Benzema sat in the back, bored.
"I'm already starting to regret this!"
Suker leaned on the cart frame with both hands, saying boredly.
The weather in Madrid was terribly hot, under a scorching sun, and he had to accompany Bale to play golf.
It was Ancelotti's promise, so why did they have to pay for it!
But seeing Bale's enthusiastic look, Suker shut his mouth.
"I feel good!"
Benzema touched his brand new club.
This guy probably had some basic skills.
Bale was considered an amateur ceiling, playing very well with good accuracy.
Benzema could hit the ball.
As for Suker, he was just digging holes!
"You need to find that feeling, legs driving the waist, waist driving the arms, when the club and ball perfectly connect, the moment of impact…."
Bale couldn't help but shiver, excitedly saying, "You'll fall in love with golf!"
Suker turned his head to look at a patch of ground he had just dug up nearby, and couldn't help but curl his lips: "Perhaps!"
The three arrived in front of a lake.
Bale kindly advised Suker on what angle to hit and how to swing.
But after a lot of talk, the moment Suker hit the ball, with a "thud," dust flew everywhere.
The ball softly floated into the lake. Suker looked down at the large pit he had just dug and fell into thought.
"Hahahahahahaha~~~"
Benzema burst into laughter beside him, tears almost coming out.
Who would have thought that Suker, who was omnipotent on the green field, would turn into a noob on the golf course, digging a pit with every swing.
"Don't laugh!"
Bale was also trying to hold back his laughter, but fearing to dampen Suker's enthusiasm, he quickly comforted him: "It's already very good, you're a beginner, just a few more tries and you'll get it, look! You've already hit the ball."
Thud~~~~~
Benzema directly lay on the ground and started laughing.
Suker shook his head, resting the club on his shoulder and said, "I guess I don't have much talent."
"No, no, no!" Bale shook his head, "You have talent, what you need is perseverance. When I first started, I was even worse than you."
Suker looked at Bale and couldn't help but grin.
This guy was really trying hard to make him a golf buddy.
"You go!"
Suker kicked Benzema, telling him to go hit the ball.
Benzema got up from the ground, walked to the golf ball with his club, and with a graceful swing, 'ping,' the golf ball flew high into the air.
"Awesome!" Benzema clenched his fist in celebration.
Bale, beside him, also quickly offered praise.
As for Suker, he felt even worse.
For the entire afternoon, Bale and Benzema played golf, while Suker dug holes.
He even felt that the course owner would put him on a blacklist; the course was full of pits he had dug, one on the east, one on the west.
When Bale had played to his heart's content, Suker finally felt relieved.
On the way back, Bale was so happy he couldn't help but hum a tune.
Suker turned his head and glanced at Bale.
In the original timeline, Bale was a maverick; he found it difficult to integrate into Real Madrid.
Not in terms of playing, but in terms of interpersonal relationships.
This was mainly due to his unwillingness to learn Spanish, leading to communication problems.
However, now, Bale had already mastered Spanish early on. Although he still had an accent and sometimes needed to use hand gestures, he could at least communicate normally.
And in daily interactions, Bale also followed Suker, and his relationship with the Spanish local players was also very good.
These factors meant that Bale would not experience internal conflicts like in the original timeline, which ultimately led to him being isolated at Real Madrid.
As for golf!
Just play it!
Who doesn't have some hobbies?
As long as it doesn't affect normal matches and he distinguishes between hobbies and work, that's fine.
In the evening, the three gathered again at Benzema's villa.
As the attacking trio, their communication helped them become more cohesive, and their relationship was also quite good.
"My biggest dream now is to play in the World Cup!"
Bale looked at Suker and Benzema, with a hint of envy in his eyes.
One belonged to Croatia, the other to France.
Both National Teams were strong contenders in Europe and even the world.
Especially Croatia, they were certainly a favorite to win the 2014 World Cup.
Bale didn't aspire to target the World Cup trophy like Croatia, but at least participating in a World Cup was possible, right?
Wales' last World Cup appearance dated back to 1958!
For a full 55 years, this 'Red Dragon Legion' of Wales had disappeared from the World Cup stage.
"Keep it up!"
Suker said simply.
He understood Bale's helplessness; even if he was strong alone, he couldn't carry the whole team.
Football is not a one-person sport!
If Suker was placed in a team that wasn't strong enough, he wouldn't be able to carry the whole team either. While the star effect could increase combat power, it also made them easily targeted.
Football is played with a complete tactical system!
In an era where systematic combat is increasingly important, it's impossible to rely on one star to stage comebacks in every match, like in the 20th century.
More often, the opponent uses appropriate tactics to blockade the strong points and slowly wear down their opponent.
In the original timeline, Wales didn't reappear on the World Cup stage until 2022.
However, at this time, Bale was no longer at his peak and couldn't provide much help to the team.
"Our current situation isn't very good either." Benzema sighed, "The overall cohesion isn't enough, and key positions lack some important qualities!"
The current France had not yet evolved into that French sword.
Mbappe had not yet burst onto the scene!
Griezmann was still languishing as a mid-table player in La Liga!
Pogba was still serving as Pirlo's apprentice!
Kante, who couldn't be passed, was struggling in lower Leagues!
These key factors for France's victory had not yet been assembled. Benzema certainly wanted to give it his all, but he was willing in spirit but weak in flesh.
"Sometimes, looking at you guys, I'm really envious!" Benzema looked at Suker and said, "Your National Team is like an iron barrel, almost all players from the same club, with great chemistry and a very harmonious relationship!"
"You in the attack, Modrić in the midfield, Srna in the defense."
As he spoke, Benzema couldn't help but grin.
This Croatia team was somewhat terrifying to imagine.
The 2010 World Cup was, after all, these guys' first World Cup.
They lacked experience, suffered from acclimatization, and didn't control the pace of the game particularly well.
Most importantly… almost everyone had not reached their peak.
But now?
Croatia was almost the strongest contender in multiple positions.
Especially in the left winger and right back positions.
Suker and Srna were now undoubtedly the world's best.
With this lineup, they even had hope of fighting Spain from four years ago.
Moreover, four years ago, Spain and Croatia had a major battle in the World Cup semifinals, and these guys almost ended the Matador's dynasty.
Four years had passed, and a more mature Croatia was before them.
This Checkered Legion was absolutely the best in their history, and even looking at the whole world, they could be ranked among historical-level teams.
"Don't flatter us." Suker waved his hand, "Let's talk next year!"
He wasn't being humble; it was just that such things shouldn't be spoken of too much, or they might lose their effectiveness.
Every player in Croatia was almost holding back a surge of energy right now.
Although there was still a year to go, they were all preparing diligently.
They believed that in the 2014 World Cup, they would definitely achieve a satisfactory result!
After they had eaten and drunk enough, Suker and Bale also got up, preparing to leave.
Although Benzema said he could go for another round, perhaps find a bar to drink, Suker immediately restrained him.
The League had already started, and the Champions League would soon follow, so they couldn't be careless at this time.
Suker was highly unlikely to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo, with three championships and two Golden Boots, was also being heavily promoted by Bayern Munich.
It was highly unlikely that a situation like Franck Ribéry's would occur.
However, Suker was not anxious; his mindset had become much more stable.
Before, he fought for every inch; now, he preferred a steady, long-term approach.
At this stage, Suker had already shown one-sided dominance in terms of honors.
Suker, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi, the three of them were competing for endurance.
To see whose peak period lasted longer!
Suker was aware of these two's ability to maintain their peak, so he also took some measures to extend his own peak period.
The rise phase was over!
Now, it was a war of attrition!
To see whose battle lines were drawn longer, and who could endure more.
Just as Suker had said before, he no longer needed to prove himself with goals.
His influence had already surpassed all active players, and he had even entered the historical level early on.
Now, for Suker, he needed to continue his and the team's form while minimizing consumption.
This was the most crucial thing.
On August 25th, La Liga ushered in the second round of the League.
Real Madrid challenged Granada away.
In the previous match, Granada had defeated Osasuna away, securing a winning start, and their morale was quite high.
However, they were facing Real Madrid!
The starting lineups for both sides were as follows:
Granada (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Roberto.
Defenders: Nyom, Diakhaté, Mainz, Angulo.
Midfielders: Brahimi, Yebda, Piti, Iturra, Benitez.
Forward: El-Arabi.
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Casillas.
Defenders: Srna, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo.
Midfielders: Kroos, Casemiro, Kaka.
Forwards: Bale, Benzema, Suker.
After the match began, Real Madrid used continuous ball movement to pull Granada's attention.
And when the ball came to the flank, the center also began to penetrate forward.
Suker's positioning was still elusive.
Compared to his previous powerful breakthroughs, his style had become more elegant.
He touched and went, his dribbling was extremely appropriate, giving people a leisurely feeling, yet the opponent couldn't steal the ball.
At the same time, Suker's passing methods had also become more aesthetically pleasing.
Toe-poke passes!
Backheel passes!
There were even unconventional shoulder passes.
Bang!
Under the clearance of a Granada defender, the ball flew high into the air.
Everyone's gaze followed the ball, and Suker also looked up, being the first to arrive at the landing spot.
The moment the ball landed, Suker slightly hooked his toe, and the ball seemed to land on cotton, with hardly any bounce, being effortlessly brought down by Suker.
It wasn't just a simple trap; while trapping the ball, Suker also adjusted his body direction.
The moment he stopped the ball, he immediately escaped the opponent's defense.
"A world-class first touch!"
González couldn't help but exclaim.
After stopping the ball, Suker immediately passed it out, and instead of running to the wing, he stayed in the center, constantly turning his head to observe.
When he saw Marcelo's forward run, drawing away the opposing full-back, and the gap between the center-backs widening, Suker immediately reached out for the ball.
Srna directly threaded the ball forward.
Suker was standing sideways, opening his body, so he easily completed the turn.
But he didn't sprint forward; instead, he lightly curled the ball with the outside of his foot.
Suker curled a curved pass, going through the middle of the two center-backs, and into the open space on the right.
And there, Bale accelerated to follow up, faking a shot and making a true pass, sweeping it across to Benzema.
Benzema barely needed to exert any effort, easily slotting the ball into the net.
"Goal!! Goal!! Goal!!"
"Bale assists Benzema! Another organized attack from the frontline!"
"Suker's pass was excellent; a small arc perfectly bypassed the defense, accurately finding Bale, and Bale attracted attention, passing the ball to the better-positioned Benzema."
"This season, Real Madrid's frontline has given us many wonderful performances."
"Suker no longer serves as a winger attacker but has become an all-around player, combining breakthroughs, shots, attacking initiation, and even the final pass."
"Once too much attention is placed on Suker, Benzema and Bale will be awakened."
"But if Suker is ignored for this, Suker will show you what it means to be Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer!"
"Alright, we have to admit, Real Madrid's firepower has become even more ferocious!"
The camera remained focused on Suker, Benzema, and Bale.
The firepower coverage of these three was too strong.
But what was even more frustrating was the unpredictable attacking system: who initiated it? And who finished it?
Bale was an attacking player!
His task was vertical thrusts, breakthroughs, and even finishing.
But Suker and Benzema, their roles could be interchanged.
They could both create plays, pass, and assist!
If they marked Suker, they couldn't mark Benzema.
If they marked Benzema, Suker would become their nightmare.
And once Real Madrid's frontline drew too much attention, Real Madrid's midfield and two full-backs would immediately surge forward.
Barcelona Head Coach Vilanova watched the match on TV, his brows tightly furrowed.
He knew Real Madrid's tactics, but there was nothing he could do.
Moreover, he felt that the current tactics had not been fully deciphered; Ancelotti and Real Madrid seemed to have held something back.
As for what was hidden, he didn't know.
But precisely because of this, he felt a headache.
After Guardiola left, he took over Barcelona, but there was no improvement.
Guardiola himself failed to lead the team against Real Madrid.
It was even more impossible for him!
It wasn't that he underestimated himself, but he knew what a tactical genius Guardiola was.
Last season was their most hopeful year, but they couldn't withstand the pressure, and after Messi's injury at the end of the season, it almost collapsed.
And this season, Real Madrid had Ancelotti in charge.
The tactical system was stable, and all aspects were bursting with vitality, which made his job even harder.
Of course, it wasn't just that.
Vilanova looked up at the time, he couldn't help but sigh, picked up a document nearby, and got up to head to the meeting room.
In the concluded second round of the League, they lost 1-2 at home to Atletico Madrid, losing the match.
The loss in this match was taken extremely seriously by the management, requiring Vilanova to provide a work report on it.
Vilanova was also suffering from a terrible headache.
This Atletico Madrid team was entirely a pack of jackals and hungry tigers.
He didn't know what kind of magic Simeone, this Argentinian, had cast on this Atletico Madrid team to mold them into this state.
Atletico Madrid's playing style was an anomaly in Spain!
In La Liga, which advocated short, quick, and technical play, a group of fierce butchers suddenly stormed in.
In the last match, they almost robbed them of their temper.
Even Barcelona couldn't withstand the pressing pressure of Atletico Madrid at that level.
Last season's Atletico Madrid was already very strong, but this season seemed to have undergone a qualitative change; the overall strength improvement was not insignificant.
Besides Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid would also become another major threat on Barcelona's path to the championship.
Beep!
The whistle blew.
Vilanova had just reached the door and couldn't help but turn his head to look at the TV.
He found that Real Madrid players were celebrating again!
"It's only been three minutes! They scored again?"
Vilanova shook his head.
No matter what, this season would become extremely difficult again.