The ball was being passed back and forth around the outskirts of Manchester United's thirty-meter area.
Toni Kroos received the ball and looked ahead, trying to pass forward. But all he could see were Manchester United players in red shirts. Only in the distance could he vaguely make out a tall, burly figure in a sky-blue shirt and white shorts.
That was Su Dong!
Man City's beacon!
A huge number of calculations flashed through Toni Kroos's mind in an instant. He felt that if he passed the ball over, at least two or three Manchester United defenders could get a foot in to intercept it. There was a considerable chance the ball would never reach Su Dong.
So after feinting, the German midfielder pulled the ball back and carried it two steps sideways to the left.
David Silva was very familiar with Toni Kroos. They had known each other since Su Dong was playing for Bayern.
After coming to Man City, the two became midfield partners. They got along quite well, and their understanding developed quickly.
When Toni Kroos carried the ball sideways, David Silva knew that it was the German midfielder encouraging him.
Toni Kroos was not particularly good at dribbling. By deliberately moving toward the middle, he was effectively telling David Silva: Go forward boldly. I've got your back!
David Silva did not hesitate either. He quickly ran toward the open space ahead.
Sure enough, Toni Kroos's pass arrived in front of David Silva.
As he controlled the ball, the Spanish midfielder angled toward the area just outside the top of the penalty arc and surged forward, trying to break directly behind Carrick. Yet his eyes remained fixed on Su Dong ahead.
After several attempts to attack the left side of the penalty area were thwarted, Su Dong