If You Don't Play Dirty, Are You Even a Defensive Midfielder?

"Absorb Soto's match experience, earn Soto's recognition, and upon completing the mission, you will receive rewards including the player-level skill 'Weighted Spin Pass', the star-level skill 'Iron Wall', and the superstar-level skill 'Perpetual Motion Machine'!"

Lu Yang looked at the notebook in his hands, feeling himself tremble.

A superstar-level skill!

Is it really that intimidating?

Soto is awesome!

Opening the notebook, he found it filled with many of Soto's match insights.

Regarding how to stir up chaos in the midfield, Soto had studied it extensively; he was an absolute expert.

Whether it was the chaotic brawls like those of the four butchers of Milan, or the golden partnership of a brain paired with a butcher in the Italian national team, Soto handled them with ease and finesse.

All of this stemmed from the constant reflection he practiced.

A player with such a habit might not necessarily be a superstar, but a superstar must certainly possess such reflection.

Otherwise, no matter how incredible your physical talent is, you'll at best end up as the next Balotelli.

There is no need to elaborate on "Perpetual Motion Machine"; it is a stamina-enhancing skill that would grant Lu Yang the ability to run on the pitch indefinitely.

Lu Yang must have this skill.

He is only sixteen years old, and his body does not actually support him playing a full match.

Fortunately, he is currently playing in the Serie D, where the physical confrontation and pressure are much lower.

If he were playing in Serie B or Serie C, he might not even have the capacity to finish a full game.

For Lu Yang, this is unacceptable.

The first fundamental quality of any superstar is the ability to play the full ninety minutes; otherwise, at best, you are just a substitute assassin like Solskjaer.

Furthermore, according to data, the probability of scoring in the final ten minutes of a football match is extremely high, sometimes even rivaling the total number of goals scored in all other periods combined.

This clearly shows that only by running until the final moment can you create miracles.

This is the basic threshold.

As for "Iron Wall," the name alone suggests it is a powerful defensive skill. Lu Yang is currently playing defense, so he must excel at his primary job.

With the team having a chance to promote to Serie C, Lu Yang must be far-sighted.

If his current stats were taken to Serie C, he could play, but he wouldn't be outstanding enough.

And if you cannot shine in Serie C, how can you expect to become a star among stars in Serie B or even Serie A?

The top five leagues?

That is a place Lu Yang will definitely go, but he absolutely refuses to just be a bystander there.

He wants to tell the folks in this football world how football should really be played.

He still wants to carry forward the football of Messi-Ronaldo, Neymar, Lewandowski, Zlatan, and others.

As for "Weighted Spin Pass," it can at least activate Lu Yang's long-passing ability, right?

The starting lineup for San Remo's thirtieth round match was announced early, and it was quite surprising.

According to the order of the list, Lu Yang was not appearing in the center-back position, but rather in... the midfield!

"What is going on? Did Soto list the wrong names?"

"Or is it that after Rondo returned from injury, Soto is planning to play with five defenders?"

"Even if it's five defenders, it wouldn't be arranged like this."

"I just received news that during the previous San Remo training session, Lu Yang was indeed playing as a defensive midfielder."

"What? He's really going to play in the midfield? This..."

"Although it sounds absurd, I don't know why I feel like it might actually work?"

"Is the 'dribbling defender' about to become a thing of the past?"

"Actually, I think Lu Yang's style of play might have more room to flourish in the midfield."

"Yeah, at least the team doesn't have to worry about his dribbling issues anymore."

"But positions on a football pitch aren't meant to be changed so casually. Many players thrive in one position only to find they can't play at all when moved to another; that happens all the time."

"I guess San Remo is seeking change. They want to increase their attacking power, and with Lu Yang's defensive and offensive capabilities, it might indeed achieve that effect, but... what about the backline?"

"I have a premonition that this adjustment is crucial. Looking back at the end of the season, this might be tied to the success or failure of San Remo's entire campaign."

"Either they take off, or they plummet!"

"Well, everything depends on the match."

Netizens had many opinions on San Remo's adjustment.

San Remo has become an internet-famous team in Italian football today.

Although the number of fans attending their matches is "only" one or two thousand—which is already a ceiling-level attendance in Serie D—they actually have even more followers online.

All of this stemmed from Lu Yang's flamboyant skills; his Lumberjack Shot and thirty-three-meter bicycle kick had captivated countless fans. The seven goals and three assists he tallied over the following nine matches only served to sustain that fervor.

The following afternoon, the match began.

Lu Yang took to the pitch as a starting defensive midfielder.

"Ding! First appearance as a defensive midfielder. Random reward obtained: Player-level skill, Rabona Kick!"

"Rabona Kick: A flashy technique that increases the unpredictability of your ball distribution, allowing for unexpected passes or shots."

Lu Yang's lips curled upward; this system was truly a troublemaker.

The moment he moved to the midfield, it gave him a flashy move to show off.

Was it hoping he would go further and further down the path of showboating?

Correspondingly, Lu Yang's dribbling ability increased from 50 to 55.

Beep!

The whistle blew, and San Remo kicked off.

Lu Yang and Moric, confident in their superior skills, immediately began playing a game of ping-pong wall passes, dribbling past several opponents and carrying the ball into the opposition's half.

This was known as a "Kick-off Kill"!

It involved launching a lightning-fast attack while the opponent was still finding their footing and had yet to enter the rhythm of the game.

It was a tactic favored by underdog teams, as it relied on a bit of luck.

However, it was also a preferred attacking style for players who enjoyed fast-paced transitions, as their reactions were sharp enough to thrive in the ensuing chaos.

True powerhouses, on the other hand, usually relied on opportunities meticulously crafted through structured play.

As for Lu Yang and Moric, the latter possessed the demeanor of a midfield maestro, capable of finding gaps to distribute the ball even when swarmed by multiple defenders.

The former went without saying; his 99 vision allowed him to perceive everything on the pitch.

Moric played a through ball that pierced the opposition's defensive line.

Lu Yang surged forward to collect the ball and unleashed a Dipping Shot, scoring with a thunderous strike!

The score was one-nil!

And only thirty-six seconds had elapsed.

A lightning goal!

Another lightning goal!

San Remo had scored several lightning goals in the second half of the season, either through the ping-pong wall passes between Lu Yang and Moric, or through the Golden Axis connection of Moric, Lu Yang, and Vedian.

They appeared incredibly bold in their attacking play.

"Oh, an incredible lightning goal. We can see that Lu Yang has shown no signs of discomfort after moving from his center-back position. On the contrary, freed from the constraints of his position, his range of movement has expanded significantly, liberating his attacking prowess!"

"His chemistry with Moric remains as strong as ever. Let us look forward to the performance of these Midfield Twins!"

Today, San Remo's opponent was Foggia, tenth in the league. Considering the schedule, they still had a chance to push for the promotion playoff zone.

But that required winning against today's opponent, San Remo.

And now, they were trailing.

Soon, the match restarted.

Foggia launched a highly threatening attack.

San Remo's right center-back made a mistake while stepping up to challenge, allowing the opponent to dribble past him with ease.

The defensive stalwart Rondo made a split-second decision. Just as the opponent thought he would retreat, Rondo seized the moment the attacker pushed the ball too far and decisively stepped in to challenge.

Both players' shins collided with the ball simultaneously, followed by a heavy impact between them.

It was a tackle that made the San Remo fans' hearts skip a beat, as they feared their captain, Rondo, might be forced off the pitch with another injury.

Fortunately, Rondo stood back up.

However, the downside was that the opposing center-forward had risen faster than Rondo and was sprinting toward the high-flying ball.

At the same time, Foggia's other striker followed suit.

The goalkeeper stood his ground on the goal line; if Foggia's forward gained possession, he would face a severe test.

Just then!

A figure charged toward the Foggia center-forward, engaging him in a physical battle inside the penalty area and gaining the upper hand.

This player, who was not a center-back but performed better than one, was none other than San Remo's left defensive midfielder, Lu Yang!

Judging the landing spot of a high ball was extremely difficult.

Once Lu Yang secured the positional advantage in the physical duel, the opposing center-forward didn't rush, simply maintaining pressure on him.

This was because Lu Yang was facing Foggia's other striker.

If Lu Yang made a mistake in his control, Foggia's other forward would be happy to accept Lu Yang's "pass."

Such scenes were not uncommon on the football pitch.

Examples of national football players trapping the ball directly to the opposition are too numerous to count.

Even players in top-tier leagues struggle to trap the ball cleanly in such a high-intensity, physical environment.

That is why most players often choose to clear the ball with a long kick.

But Lu Yang... made a completely different choice.

He extended his foot, attempting to trap the ball.

The commentator could not understand Lu Yang's choice: "Oh! We can see that Lu Yang has made the motion to trap the ball; this is so irrational!"

"Yes, we all know that Lu Yang's ball control is quite good for a defender, but trapping in this kind of contested situation is extremely difficult. Even Moric couldn't trap this high ball, and Lu Yang, he..."

"If he makes a mistake, this is practically gifting the opposition a goal!"

"It seems that Soto letting Lu Yang play as a defensive midfielder has liberated Lu Yang's attacking desires, but it has also opened a Pandora's box. Lu Yang's style of play is becoming increasingly dangerous!"

Before the words had even faded.

The ball descended.

And then...

It didn't bounce at all.

Instead, it was as if there was glue on Lu Yang's instep, firmly adhering the ball to his foot.

This was a perfect, world-class trap!

Marcelo's Instep Trap!

Afterward, Lu Yang lightly flicked the ball to Rondo, who had dropped back to the defensive line. Without clearing it, he had completed a brilliant defensive clearance in front of the goal.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Thunderous applause erupted from the stands.

Lu Yang did not let everyone down; he was always capable of playing beautiful football.

"I feel like we have five defenders now!" Tom exclaimed.

Soto nodded and said, "In fact, Lu Yang in the defensive midfield position can indeed exert the same defensive influence as a center-back, so... we effectively have five defenders!"

Just as when Moric played as a lone defensive midfielder, he had to coordinate his defense with Lu Yang in addition to organizing the play.

Lu Yang, in the left defensive midfield position, would also shoulder the team's defensive tasks, but... it was no longer mandatory, which gave Lu Yang more room to operate.

This is the biggest difference between this position and a center-back.

A genius should not be restricted.

Top strikers nowadays have started running all over the pitch.

In the twenty-eighth minute of the first half, the effect of San Remo's formation change became evident.

Lu Yang successfully intercepted the ball in midfield and distributed it to Moric, who then passed it to the right midfielder.

The right midfielder passed it back to Moric, who by then had already surged forward to shake off his marker, and then passed the ball to the team's right forward, who had dropped back to the midfield to link up play.

After receiving the ball, the team's right forward passed it back to Moric and began his run forward.

San Remo's attack on the right flank opened up instantly.

Foggia's defenders had their attention entirely focused on the San Remo right forward and Moric.

However, Moric suddenly launched a long pass to the left.

Vedian was sprinting into that space.

Receiving the ball meant a one-on-one!

With a relaxed chip shot, Vedian scored.

San Remo led two to zero!

Compared to their previous defensive counter-attacks, San Remo's offense had finally entered a phase where it followed a clear pattern.

The feint on the right was definitely not just a feint; if Foggia failed to keep up, Moric's pass would have gone to the right forward, and whether that forward cut inside or crossed, it would have resulted in a threatening attack.

In the subsequent match, Foggia's players attempted to launch a counter-attack after the restart.

But trailing by two goals, they grew anxious and tried to pierce San Remo's defensive line with a single through ball before they were fully organized.

And this, under the defensive coordination of Lu Yang and Rondo in the middle and backfield, resulted in the ball being confiscated time and time again.

The first half was nearing its end.

San Remo's left flank stirred up trouble once more.

Moric delivered another precise pass to Vedian.

But this time, Foggia's right-back kept up with Vedian, so Vedian passed the ball back to the overlapping team left-back.

The opposing midfielder went to intercept.

However, Lu Yang had surged forward as well.

The San Remo left-back passed the ball back to Lu Yang.

In an instant, such a small area on Foggia's right flank was occupied by three San Remo players simultaneously.

The opposing midfielder lunged toward Lu Yang, while Foggia's center-back moved over to cover their left-back.

Foggia's defense was holding up well, leaving San Remo with no real opportunities.

According to conventional wisdom, Lu Yang should have passed the ball back to Moric in the defensive midfield position, allowing him to reorganize the attack.

After all, Moric was the only player on San Remo with the ability to orchestrate an offense.

However, Lu Yang tapped the ball slightly toward the front-left, feigning an attempt to drive toward the byline.

The opposing midfielder nearly laughed out loud.

That was far too fake!

Lu Yang's ball control was certainly decent, but to suggest he had the ability to beat a man was a stretch.

His raw speed was not particularly fast.

His breakthroughs usually relied on the V-Pull.

As long as the defender didn't commit to a tackle, it was impossible for Lu Yang to dribble past anyone.

Why else would Lu Yang and Moric's coordination consist solely of wall passes, rather than him attempting to dribble past opponents himself?

Because Moric had that ability, and Lu Yang did not.

Therefore, Lu Yang couldn't possibly drive to the byline for a cross; he couldn't get past the Foggia midfielder's defense.

To be precise, neither Vedian nor the team's left-back, who were currently near Lu Yang, possessed the ability to beat a man in a one-on-one situation.

Aside from his speed, Vedian's dribbling and ability to beat defenders were not strong.

Thus, the Foggia midfielder concluded that Lu Yang was feinting toward the left byline, intending to cut inside to the right to find a passing lane or a shooting opportunity.

After all, Lu Yang had a knack for shooting; if he successfully cut inside, a shot from the edge of the penalty area on the right would be quite threatening.

No one had forgotten that Dipping Shot from the opening minutes.

And indeed, Lu Yang's body began to lean toward the right.

It was a motion preparing to dribble toward the right.

A very clumsy dribbling motion, devoid of any technique.

The Foggia midfielder quickly moved to block the space on Lu Yang's right.

But at that exact moment, the ball flew up from his right—which was Lu Yang's left.

It traced an arc that wasn't particularly beautiful.

But it was enough.

The unmarked San Remo center-forward leaped high and hammered the ball into the back of the net with his head.

GOAL!

San Remo led by a landslide at halftime, three to zero!