Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
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Mirror Learning's first contribution!
It's even more effective than Lance imagined.
However, the duration is a bit short, only a brief 10 seconds, followed by a cooldown period that seems to last at least 45 minutes.
In actual play, it can be used at most 1-2 times per match.
The rest of the time, he still has to rely on the Perfect Ball Control brought by his passive ability to try and create opportunities.
Regardless, having an extra skill to use at critical moments can be decisive!
...
The Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford.
The creator of the Manchester United dynasty, Sir Alex Ferguson, was fuming.
He suddenly recalled the 2009-2010 Champions League quarter-final, Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich.
They had a dream start, leading 3-0 in the first half, but Ivica Olić pulled one back for Bayern Munich.
Manchester United could have still eliminated Bayern Munich 4-3 and advanced to the semi-finals.
However, Arjen Robben's volley from outside the box with his left foot ended Manchester United's hopes.
This was truly a painful memory, one Ferguson had almost forgotten.
He never expected Lance to recreate the scene in almost the same spot, in a similar fashion.
A left-footed volley, a 'Heavenly Flying Immortal' that pierced Manchester United's goal!
"He's truly excellent, this kid."
Beside Ferguson was Manchester United legend, the nearly 80-year-old Sir Bobby Charlton.
He had been expressionless throughout the match.
Only at the moment Lance scored, did Sir Bobby Charlton speak up.
"Yes, he is quite good."
"If only you had retired a few years later, you might have been able to lead this kid to another championship."
"The Champions League title?"
Ferguson's expression was surprised; Bobby Charlton had such a high opinion of this kid?
"Yes, he has a unique potential, even surpassing your beloved Ronaldo."
Potentially stronger than Cristiano Ronaldo?
It seems so...
If Ferguson hadn't retired, he would have done everything in his power to sign Lance.
It's just a pity that the current coach is David Moyes.
He couldn't complain about the successor he personally chose, could he?
...
David Moyes' face was pale; already a Caucasian, he was now utterly bloodless.
Fortunately, the midfield and defense were focused, and Manchester United, wary of Lance's attacking prowess, retreated fully, temporarily maintaining the 1-1 score until halftime.
Back in the locker room, looking at the dejected Manchester United players.
Moyes was about to scold them, but he wasn't Ferguson; he lacked sufficient authority in the Manchester United locker room and couldn't bring himself to do it.
"You played well, lads, actually, you performed well for most of the time, it's just some small details that need to be addressed…"
After outlining the offensive details for the second half, Moyes looked at his trusted player, Marouane Fellaini.
"Marouane…"
"Coach?"
"Never mind, just try to mark him closely. If you need to foul, be decisive."
"Okay, I understand."
Marouane Fellaini was drenched in sweat.
On this goal conceded, center-back Jonny Evans had done his best.
The actual mistake started with Marouane Fellaini himself; he was easily bypassed by Lance, leading to a series of defensive tensions afterward.
Fellaini had previously held back, out of consideration for the opponent being a 16-year-old kid and a future national teammate.
Now, Fellaini couldn't care less!
Let them criticize him for bullying a younger player, as long as they could win!
...
In the second half, Manchester United, with their deep-rooted club heritage, regrouped and continued to besiege Bayer Leverkusen.
They weren't in a hurry; Michael Carrick played the role of a tempo-setter in midfield, orchestrating passes and distribution from the center.
Wayne Rooney, who had transitioned to an attacking midfielder, constantly sought opportunities to link up in the final third, looking for a killer blow.
Lance's goal made them quite wary, fearing a turnover leading to a counter-attack.
Therefore, Manchester United minimized risky passes in the second half, patiently circulating the ball from side to side.
What was originally an attacking exchange had slowed down considerably.
Both sides were locked in a strange stalemate, seemingly dull, but with dangerous undercurrents!
"We see that Manchester United's possession rate remains above 75%, constantly compressing Bayer Leverkusen's defensive space."
"That's right, they adopted some high-pressing tactics in the second half, which prevented Bayer Leverkusen from launching counter-attacks and restricted their build-up play from the back."
Zhang Zhidao analyzed and interpreted the situation on the field.
"Robin van Persie and Rooney, they've been pressing much more actively… Oh, look at this ball, Emir Spahić has no choice but to clear it with a long kick."
"With Marouane Fellaini as a high target in midfield, possession still belongs to Manchester United."
According to the current situation, Manchester United still has many opportunities; Rooney, Robin van Persie, Antonio Valencia, and Shinji Kagawa all have the ability to threaten the goal.
Bayer Leverkusen's situation is still not looking good.
"Damn it!"
As the number 10, Lance inevitably had to face Marouane Fellaini in the attacking third, contending with him for headers.
But Marouane Fellaini was a 194cm tall iron tower; Lance couldn't budge him at all.
Just now, Marouane Fellaini had even secretly elbowed him, making his chest ache.
"Man!?"
"Sorry, it wasn't intentional."
Marouane Fellaini explained with a smirk.
This guy plays so dirty!
As a future Shandong Luneng legend, Lance would be crazy to believe him!
But this guy mostly used hidden fouls, and complaining to the referee was useless.
He had to find a way to deal with him!
However, before Bayer Leverkusen could get an opportunity, Manchester United made a substitution in the 60th minute!
The out-of-form Shinji Kagawa was replaced.
By the 18-year-old Belgian prodigy, Adnan Januzaj!
"Oh, wow! Manchester United wants to pick up the pace. Adnan Januzaj scored two goals as a substitute in his Premier League debut a week ago, helping Manchester United come from behind to beat Sunderland AFC!"
"This left-footed player has very refined close control, a bit like an 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, and is also hailed as the next Cristiano Ronaldo successor!
"His introduction might bring some changes to Manchester United's attack."
Adnan Januzaj jogged quickly onto the field, passing by Lance.
Like Lance, he was a beneficiary of Belgium's immigration laws and its "football revival plan." His entire family moved from the Balkan Peninsula to Belgium, and he was immersed in a strong football atmosphere from a young age.
He gradually emerged in the RSC Anderlecht youth academy and was spotted by a Manchester United scout at 16, who brought him to Old Trafford.
Recently, his agent had been working on his joining Belgium, but he heard that a 16-year-old teenager had joined Belgium U21 before him, and might even join the national team in the World Cup qualifiers!
At the time, Adnan Januzaj was very curious about him, and he never expected to meet him on the field so soon.
For some reason, Adnan Januzaj suddenly felt a strong desire to win!
From the moment he first touched the ball after coming on, Adnan Januzaj was extremely excited!
"To the left wing, good ball!! Adnan Januzaj… Oh! Beautiful!! Step-over and change of direction to break through, he's in! Left-footed cross!"
"Robin van Persie's header! Couldn't get it in!"
"...Again to the left wing, Adnan Januzaj, pull back and turn! He's beaten him again!"
"This time he's going for a shot himself!! Oh, it's saved by the goalkeeper for a corner, Manchester United's 12th corner of the match!"
"Adnan Januzaj has been very active since coming on, Bayer Leverkusen's defensive pressure is immense!"
Adnan Januzaj, peaking from the start, was full of confidence, even giving Lance a cocky smile as he passed by.
Which left Lance bewildered.
Who are you, buddy?
Are we close?
However, this skinny fellow did have something special, completely tearing up the left wing.
Lance decided to look for a counter-attacking opportunity from this corner kick.
However, this match was proving to be even tougher than he imagined.
"Rooney takes the corner himself… The corner is out, what a curve!!"
He Wei gasped instantly.
Inside the box, the 194cm Marouane Fellaini rose high, like a mountain pressing down, and headed it firmly!
"Marouane Fellaini!!! Oh wow!! That's a goal!! In the 67th minute of the second half, Manchester United takes the lead again!"
"2 to 1!"
Damn!
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno angrily kicked the ball to midfield.
Bayer Leverkusen's morale was inevitably hit.
Lance could see that his teammates' eyes had become somewhat lost; they didn't know how to break Manchester United's suppression.
Someone had to step up!
Lance glanced at his rage value; the continuous small fouls from Marouane Fellaini had caused his rage to skyrocket.
[Rage Value: 97%]