Chapter 16
Champions League Winner!
The "match" continues.
In fact, this match not only simulated the players on the field in the Champions League at that time, but also the overall atmosphere.
The roar of over 50,000 spectators at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria, is enough to make someone who has never actually played a professional match tremble.
This is actually a form of training!
Some young players perform well in training, but underperform in real matches because they cannot handle the pressure.
Wu Bin adapted quite well in this respect.
After all, although he's physically young, his mentality is rather old-fashioned...
Moreover, he could constantly receive direct feedback and guidance from Rijkaard during the match, which made him feel very at ease.
If the midfield maestro says it, just follow his advice!
In subsequent matches, he began to broaden his focus to the entire stadium.
They not only paid attention to the position of the ball, but also to the movement of every AC Milan player, anticipating their runs and adjusting their own positions in advance to cover multiple defensive areas.
Gradually, he stopped neglecting one aspect for another. Whether it was intercepting in the middle, covering on the flanks, or defending against players making runs forward, he did everything in an orderly manner.
He was like a mobile defensive wall, making Ajax's midfield defense impenetrable!
The first half ended with the score still 0-0.
Back on the virtual bench, Wu Bin was panting heavily, covered in sweat, and his legs ached terribly, but his eyes were full of determination and joy.
Although he made many mistakes in the first half, he gradually found his rhythm under Rijkaard's patient guidance.
He gradually mastered the essence of coverage and positioning, and truly understood the responsibilities and duties of a top defensive midfielder.
"You did well in the first half, you've improved a lot." Rijkaard handed him a bottle of water, his tone approving.
"You've gradually broken free from the mindset of playing within a fixed area, and have learned to anticipate and run efficiently. However, you still need improvement in observing the overall situation. Keep up the good work in the second half!"
"Remember, you are not only a defender, but also an initiator of the offense. After a successful interception, you must launch a counterattack in time to connect the team's offense and defense."
"Of course, your attacking skills are still lacking. Don't even think about going straight for the enemy's core like Maradona did."
"You just need to pass the ball to your teammate."
Wu Bin nodded, took the water, and drank it all in one gulp.
All my fatigue vanished instantly!
At the same time, he kept replaying the mistakes of the first half and Rijkaard's guidance in his mind, silently adjusting his state and preparing for the second half of the game.
Since neither side's "players" needed a rest, the second half of the game started quickly.
Wu Bin maintained a calm mindset, his defense became increasingly mature, and his predictions became increasingly accurate.
He began to move freely in midfield, covering the entire field, intercepting AC Milan's passes time and time again, and thwarting the opponent's attacks time and time again.
At the same time, after a successful interception, he will promptly pass the ball to Seedorf or Davis next to him to connect Ajax's offensive and defensive transitions.
In the 65th minute, Wu Bin intercepted Albertini's pass and made a cross to Overmars on the left wing!
Overmars made a quick breakthrough, shaking off Maldini's defense, and passed the ball across to Litmanen, who then shot, but AC Milan goalkeeper Rossi made a brilliant save, missing a chance to break the deadlock.
"Excellent, the offensive and defensive coordination was excellent!" Rijkaard's voice was full of encouragement. "Keep it up, there will be more opportunities."
The game progressed slowly, with both sides exchanging attacks and defenses, and the score remained deadlocked at 0:0.
AC Milan's players gradually became impatient and their attacks became increasingly aggressive, while Ajax's players, led by Wu Bin, became more solid in defense and sharp in counter-attacks, gradually taking control of the game.
Van Gaal also began making substitutions to strengthen the attack.
Kanu replaced Seedorf, while Kluivert replaced Litmanen.
In the 85th minute, the decisive moment arrived.
Wu Bin intercepted Boban's pass in midfield, but instead of rushing to launch a long pass, he calmly observed the situation on the field.
After Wu Bin saw that substitute Kluivert had shaken off two AC Milan defenders near the penalty spot, an opening appeared in his view!
He immediately made a short pass to Kluivert, the movement fluid and the timing perfect – just like the fatal assist Rijkaard provided to Kluivert in this final back then.
After receiving the ball, Kluivert calmly turned around and unleashed a powerful shot through Rossi's legs, the ball accurately finding the back of the net!
1-0! Ajax breaks the deadlock!
In the stands, the cheers of Ajax fans were deafening, and teammates rushed to Kluivert to embrace and celebrate.
Wu Bin also rushed up, just like a real Ajax player, celebrating with everyone.
"Perfect!" Rijkaard's voice was filled with undisguised joy.
"This is the value of a top-class defensive midfielder. Not only can they hold the line, but they can also create scoring opportunities for their teammates. Your anticipation, positioning, and passing are all top-notch!"
"There are still five minutes left in the game. You need to lead your teammates to organize the defense better to prevent the opponent's counterattack!"
Sure enough, AC Milan launched a furious counterattack in the remainder of the match.
Panucci, Maldini, and even center-backs Costacurta and Baresi all pushed forward in an attempt to equalize the score.
But Wu Bin maintained his steady defensive rhythm.
He led his teammates to begin tightening their defensive line.
With Davies protecting him, Blind leading the defense, and Kluivert drawing the opponent's attention in the attacking third, Ajax's defense was like an impenetrable wall, and no matter how fiercely AC Milan attacked, they could not break through.
Wu Bin himself, with his accurate positioning and efficient running, covered the entire midfield, acting as a stabilizing force, protecting the team's hopes of victory with his defense.
Five minutes passed quickly.
The whistle blows, and the game is over!
1-0! Ajax defeats AC Milan to win the 1995 European Cup!
The players embraced and celebrated, surrounding Wu Bin and cheering and shouting.
At this moment, he was no longer the novice who needed Rijkaard's repeated guidance, but a hero who helped the team win the Champions League title, a true midfield iron wall!
Rijkaard walked over to him, a pleased smile on his face, and patted him heavily on the shoulder: "You did it. You have truly mastered the essence of coverage and positioning. You have the potential to become a top defensive midfielder."
Wu Bin looked up, about to express his gratitude, but then noticed that Rijkaard and the players on the field were gradually disappearing.
The stadium was no longer noisy, and the faces of the fans became even more indistinct.
It seems this training session is truly over.
As the golden light gradually faded, Wu Bin returned to the real world.
He subconsciously looked at his hands, and the joy in his heart was truly indescribable.
This Champions League final provided him with valuable experience, allowing him to learn from his mistakes and improve through guidance. He not only mastered the covering and positioning techniques taught to him by Rijkaard, but also gained confidence and courage!
If his previous stamina, physical strength, and technical training gave him the most basic abilities to be a defensive midfielder;
This simulated real competition allowed him to take his reading and understanding of the entire competition to a whole new level!
Of course, Wu Bin was also aware that this exercise was just the beginning.
In the future, he will apply these skills to real matches.