Commentator Zhan Jun V:
"Lance's last-minute heroics can be called Bayer Leverkusen's "phenomenal script" for the new season. Facing VfL Wolfsburg's impenetrable midfield blockade, his one-against-three continuous chip-through-the-legs was nothing short of divine skill—it showcased his intelligent and refined ball control, and he was able to defy fate with a street-dance-style bicycle kick at the moment of losing his balance, demonstrating an exceptionally mature composure and creativity.
Coming on as a substitute in three consecutive matches and changing the game three times, this zero-cost signing is even more valuable than Son Heung-min, who was brought in for 10 million euros. From a DFB-Pokal dark horse to a Bundesliga key player, he has shattered the outside world's stereotypes of Asian players in the shortest amount of time.
If he continues to improve his physicality and tactical understanding, Lance has the potential to become a core piece of Bayer Leverkusen's new system. Bayer Leverkusen's best summer signing? The answer is already self-evident.
It's great to see a Chinese player shining on the Bundesliga field, and fans might want to pay more attention to Lance's future performances."
Lance was quite pleasantly surprised to see commentator Zhan Jun's Weibo post.
Because this was his father Lu Yongping's favorite football commentator.
Since he was old enough to understand, Lance often watched football with his father, whose favorite team was Arsenal, the most brilliant Premier League team from 2002-2004.
Therefore, Thierry Henry also became one of Lance's favorite players, and Lance was sad for a long time when Henry narrowly missed out on the Champions League title in the summer of 2006.
Of course, losing to Ronaldinho's peak Barcelona "Dream Team II" was understandable.
Lu Yongping's German level was average, and watching German commentary never felt right to him; he was more accustomed to watching ESPN Chinese channel commentary.
Lance, watching games with him, naturally knew ESPN commentator Zhan Jun very well.
His passionate commentary style and his intimate knowledge of information both on and off the field made him one of Lance's favorite Chinese commentators.
Being praised by Zhan Jun like this suddenly felt like interacting with a celebrity from afar.
"So, there are still people in China who have noticed me."
The Baidu Tieba "Lance Bar" was also set up by someone, though he didn't know who.
There weren't many posts inside, mostly about watching games.
Only a handful of fans came to discuss.
Lance simply registered a Baidu alt account and lurked, waiting for the day "Lance Bar" would grow and thrive.
The highlights of past matches had gradually faded with daily training.
Lance hasn't even made it into the starting lineup yet, so there's no reason to rest on his laurels.
Every day, he trains with the most serious attitude, striving to improve on the training ground.
It got to the point where head coach Sascha Lewandowski couldn't help but advise him:
"Lance, your body hasn't fully developed yet; there's no need to push yourself so hard."
"But coach, my strength is still a weakness, and I suffer a lot in duels in the box. And my passing and shooting skills are still quite ordinary."
Thinking about it carefully, Lance really had nothing to be proud of.
More often, he relied on the [Nagi Seishiro] template to cheat.
Cheating allowed his ball control to reach max level, but in all other aspects, he still had the strength of a youth academy player.
When given an opportunity in the box, 100-point ball control could shake off an opponent and create shooting space.
His shooting skill would be at most 70 points, and if he added some physical confrontation, his shooting level might drop to 60 points…
The shots he took could easily be saved by the goalkeeper.
His bicycle kick last time went in thanks to the [Rage Value] accumulated from previous confrontations.
Accumulating 100% allowed him to temporarily gain all the strength of [Nagi Seishiro - S-rank], which enabled him to make an unstoppable shot.
But opportunities on the real field change in an instant, what if his rage value isn't enough when he shoots?
He still has to rely on his real shooting level.
Before the next template is drawn, Lance must work hard to strengthen his own abilities.
He understands a truth very clearly:
He cannot treat the system as his savior; at most, the system is like training wheels on a bicycle.
Sooner or later, he will need to remove the training wheels and ride on his own.
Until then, he might just become the world's top absolute superstar! The only GOAT!
"You… well, it's good to have ambition. But you can't just overtrain on your own…"
"How about this, our coaching staff will create a progressive 'personalized' training plan for you,"
"It will take into account your current physical fitness, physical growth, abilities, and all other aspects."
"Then, follow the plan for extra training, and with your talent and effort, you will definitely quickly become one of the most brilliant players in the Bundesliga."
"Really? Thank you, Coach!"
Lance was indeed very surprised.
He had thought Sami Hyypiä was the head coach who liked him, and the stern Sascha Lewandowski didn't care for him.
He didn't expect him to be so attentive to him.
"Of course, you are my player, so I naturally have to treat you seriously."
"Even if one day you have other options and leave Bayer Leverkusen, I still hope your professional career will develop even better."
From Sascha Lewandowski's eyes, Lance could see sincerity.
It turned out that the usually fierce head coach also had such a gentle side.
"Cough, cough, cough… Alright, don't do any extra training today, go back and rest quickly."
"Okay, I'll leave after this set of shots."
"Mm."
Sascha Lewandowski indeed didn't care for Lance at first.
A thin 16-year-old Chinese player, wouldn't he be making a fuss in the first team?
It was Lance who proved his worth with his actions.
After the first round of the DFB-Pokal, Sascha Lewandowski had already admitted that he had misjudged him.
He hoped Lance could grow up quickly and become a sharp attacking spearhead for Bayer Leverkusen! A true ace!
However, he wasn't very good at heart-to-heart talks with players.
What is there for grown men to be sentimental about? Better to do something practical.
Rushing back to the office, head coach Sami Hyypiä was carrying his bag, ready to go home, when Sascha Lewandowski pulled him back.
"What's going on, overtime?"
"Yes, it's about Lance."
"What's wrong with Lance?"
"Look how anxious you are, your favorite disciple is fine. I want to discuss with you about customizing a training plan for him."
"You should have said so earlier, I've already prepared it."
"Hmm?"
Sami Hyypiä excitedly pulled out a stack of printed plans.
They contained detailed analyses of Lance and specialized training plans for each ability.
"So well prepared?"
"Of course, as you said, he is my favorite disciple."
After all, Sami Hyypiä had advocated for signing this young man exceptionally even before Lance signed.
His sixth sense definitely wouldn't be wrong!
"Alright, then you can tell him yourself tomorrow."
"Sascha."
"What?"
"Thank you."
"Oh, what are you all doing? I'm not some cold-hearted coach."
"You clearly are."
"Get lost."
Bayer Leverkusen's schedule continued.
September 21st, DFB-Pokal Round 2, away against RB Leipzig.
September 24th, Bundesliga Round 6, away against 1. FSV Mainz 05.
With two matches in a week, a rotated lineup was necessary.
Head coach Sascha Lewandowski was a bit troubled.
Especially about Lance!
"What do you say, is it better for him to be a substitute against 1. FSV Mainz 05, or start in the DFB-Pokal?"