After the intense match against Norwich, the entire South London continued to buzz with excitement!
The yellow-skinned figure, rarely seen in English football in recent years, made his debut and immediately reached the peak, saving his team from crisis. This was the most anticipated news in British media!
However, Crystal Palace's problems didn't end there.
After narrowly defeating Norwich, their upcoming schedule would pit them against many top Championship teams!
Leeds United, Burnley, Swansea, and the league leaders Queens Park Rangers!
In South London, Croydon District,
Horowitz stood at the edge of the training ground, observing his players' training.
The joy from the dramatic comeback against Norwich had gradually faded over the past few days.
As the team's manager, Holloway quickly snapped back to reality.
The match against Norwich a few days ago was just an ordinary Championship game, not a do-or-die cup final!
Crystal Palace still had a long way to go this season.
Like the Premier League, the Championship doesn't have a winter break, and the packed schedule is a test for every member of the team.
Holloway stood on the sideline,
watching the 16-year-old Kai train, nodding in approval. He was growing more fond of the young talent.
But at the same time, a sense of crisis overwhelmed Holloway!
Milan, standing nearby, noticed Holloway concerns: "Kai is still too young. He's only 16, and just starting in English football. His body needs to adjust to the physical demands here. If he gets injured or needs a break due to fatigue…"
Milan trailed off.
Holloway's face darkened.
Milan's words hit the mark!
"Before Kai joined, we lost too many matches early in the season. Our margin for error in the second half of the season is too small… If we lose a few more games, the consequences would be unthinkable."
"I can't imagine what would happen if Kai couldn't play!"
Holloway couldn't afford to get complacent after a single big win.
He knew that without Kai, Crystal Palace would have been crushed at home by Norwich!
"The club has no extra budget. I'll have to pay out of my own pocket to hire the best nutritionists from all over London!"
"Kai has a perfect height, but he's too light. That's not good for his physicality."
"As the season progresses, the risk of injury increases."
"We need to help him gain weight and get stronger!"
Holloway and Milan made their plans,
treating Kai as the team's treasure!
One game was enough to make the coaching staff realize who the true pillar of the team was.
Time flew by quickly.
Two days later,
the 12th round of the Championship!
Crystal Palace faced Leeds United away!
Before the match, Leeds United manager Bielsa faced the media with sharp words.
"English football has always produced talent, but how many truly make it?"
"James Vaughan, is he a talent? You'll say yes, because he's the youngest scorer in Premier League history. But look at his goal tally this season, it's pitiful. Fleeting talent is too common."
"So now you're telling me that this 16-year-old kid is also a 'genius'? When did talent become so cheap?"
Bielsa's words completely ignited the pre-match atmosphere of this Championship game!
London's media hurriedly gathered from all directions, heading to the stadium once again.
"Bielsa is called the 'madman,' and he lives up to the name. He's a true madman."
"He advocates high-pressure tactics. Simeone and Guardiola are almost his 'students.'"
On the bus to Leeds United's home ground,
Holloway reassured Kai.
Vaughan sat next to him, looking downcast.
It was clear that Bielsa's pre-match psychological tactics had affected him, making him a bit depressed.
"Cheer up! You'll score again in this match!"
Kai patted Vaughan's head.
Vaughan looked complicated: "Bielsa is a famous coach. I know he's just talking trash before the match, but he's not wrong. I'm no longer the so-called genius…"
Kai shook his head and put his arm around Vaughan's shoulder: "To hell with so-called famous coaches! Don't worry about what they say. The ball is at our feet. If you want them to shut up, just be confident! With me in midfield, I'll help you reclaim that 'genius' title!"
Vaughan looked at Kai in surprise!
In an instant, the bus was filled with an intense atmosphere!
"Right! To hell with the famous coach! What about Bielsa? We're going to crush Leeds United's amateurs!"
"He dares to say Kai and Vaughan are not geniuses? Is he Bielsa some sort of genius? I'm going to break that old man's teeth!"
"Crush Leeds United!"
The Crystal Palace bus erupted with excitement!
Kai stood in the middle of the bus, raising his arms, leading the team in singing the Crystal Palace anthem!
Horowitz, at the front of the bus, was both surprised and pleased!
He was happy to see his players so fired up.
Milan sighed softly beside him: "Honestly, I can't believe Kai is only 16… His leadership qualities are like those of a seasoned veteran! Compared to him, I feel like a rookie!"
Holloway pondered: "McCarthy is getting old and has been considering retirement for a while. In the winter transfer window, we might consider appointing a new captain…"
…
One hour later!
London's major media outlets surrounded Elland Road!
Leeds United's home ground, with a capacity of 40,000, was packed!
Tickets sold out in an instant!
Many away fans traveled from London,
waving Crystal Palace flags, squeezing into the stadium.
The away stand was loud and crowded!
But Leeds United's home fans didn't back down.
A fierce shouting match quickly broke out in the stands!
"Tackle that 16-year-old brat!"
"Stinky shit from London, beating Norwich and thinking you're a big deal?"
"If Kai was at Leeds, he wouldn't even make the bench!"
Crystal Palace fans quickly retorted!
"Fuck you! The scum from Leeds United, wait to die!"
"Our 16-year-old genius will lead us to victory!"
"Bielsa, that bald bastard, spitting garbage, daring to provoke Kai and Vaughan before the match. Don't let me see him on the field!"
"Wait and see, Leeds United's stupid pigs!"
"Northern Expedition! The Northern Expedition begins!"
The roar of the crowd surged!
Media gathered at various parts of the stadium, continuously snapping photos.
China's broadcasting team also arrived at the stadium.
Ma Fanshu, just starting college, as the chief signed female commentator for "World Football,"
arrived at Elland Road.
"You're telling me that the Chinese talent who's been making waves in the Championship is only 16? A year younger than me?"
Ma Fanshu was stunned, "Then I must watch this match carefully! If I have the chance, I'll try to interview him after the game!"
An Asian figure in English football was truly a rare sight!
Once this news reached back home, wouldn't it…
Her assistant sighed beside her: "He's already famous back home. Half a month ago, he beat up the head coach of the national youth team and was banned by the national team… But later investigations showed that the youth team head coach had some shady dealings, but once the news came out, the football association suppressed it."
"Now, the hottest post on the 'Dongqiu Di' app is about him."
Upon hearing this,
Ma Fanshu's jaw dropped in shock!
"Just how many geniuses does the national football team have to bury?"
Ma Fanshu stood angrily by the stands,
her eyes locked on the players' tunnel.
Meanwhile,
British media didn't care about such things.
They only wanted traffic, they wanted topics.
All the media were curious, even a little "expectant," about whether Kai would perform poorly in today's match.
They didn't expect the birth of a genius, they only wanted the story to have twists and turns.
British media had witnessed too many cases of "high expectations leading to a fall."
Including Crystal Palace's current star forward, James Vaughan.
Vaughan was once undeniably England's football prodigy!
Before 17, he scored his first Premier League goal, a record he still holds.
But now, Vaughan, even though he hadn't exactly faded into obscurity,
was a far cry from the "genius" label he once had.
People love to build up so-called "geniuses," only to watch them fall!
This was the scenario that most people enjoyed.
Tonight, the media spotlight once again focused on Kai!
This 16-year-old,
England's newest football "genius"!
His every move was closely followed by the public's watchful eyes!
Elland Road!
On the sideline, Bielsa stood with his hands in his pockets, his gaze sharp.
Holloway, on the other side, seemed calm but his heart raced.
Amid the deafening cheers of 40,000 fans,
Kai walked out with his teammates from the player's tunnel.
The 12th round of the Championship!
Crystal Palace faced Leeds United away!
[Ding! Side Quest Activated: What is Genius?]
[Quest Objective: The word "genius" is always accompanied by harsh criticism and debate. People have mixed opinions. But you, my friend, what is genius? Perhaps this match will give everyone an answer! In a 40,000-seat stadium, defeat the 'madman coach' and his team!]
[Quest Reward: 5 Custom Attribute Points! Leeds United Star Box*1!]