"I'm starting! I'm starting!!"
"Why are you so excited? It's not your first start."
"It's still worth celebrating!"
Before Borussia Dortmund's away match against Wolfsburg, Nuri Şahin was ecstatic, like Fan Jin passing the imperial examination, upon seeing the starting lineup announcement.
In fact, he had already started seven matches this season.
At the beginning of the season, the coach had trusted Nuri Şahin.
However, his performance was inconsistent, and the team's results fluctuated, so Thomas Doll trusted the midfield combination of veterans Tinga and Kehl more.
The 33-year-old Brazilian, holder of the number 7 jersey, an experienced right winger, was placed in the central midfield position by the coach.
What was valued was his abundant stamina and midfield coverage.
A recent three-match unbeaten run in the League finally made Thomas Doll realize the importance of midfield organization.
Nuri Şahin might lack defensive solidity in midfield, but he was perhaps the only organizer in the current first team.
As for Chen Tao, his 15-year-old age was still a constraint.
These were the exact words of Head Coach Thomas Doll:
"You ask why I don't let you start… I have to admit, your dribbling and breakthroughs are indeed very sharp."
"But, Chen. Starting requires more abundant stamina and more extensive experience."
"Breaking through doesn't guarantee winning the game."
Chen Tao was confused.
"Just tell me if we won the last few games when I came on as a substitute."
"This… you can't put it that way."
Thomas Doll was speechless for a moment.
Indeed, every time they were in a disadvantageous position, it was Chen Tao who stepped up.
The three victories were inseparable from his threat on the wing.
"For the team to achieve results, it must be more stable."
Chen Tao understood.
The Head Coach was conservative, needing to balance the locker room, and not daring to make bold and radical attempts.
Chen Tao originally wanted to have a good discussion with Thomas Doll,
but he held back.
No matter how unconvinced a player might be, no matter how incompetent a Head Coach might be, he still held absolute control over deploying his troops.
His own role was that of a surprise weapon, so he would train hard, seize every opportunity, and bide his time.
Furthermore,
Chen Tao had a strange premonition.
No matter how good the results were this season, Thomas Doll was not far from being dismissed.
There was no need to clash with someone who was about to be fired.
…
"We've all been watching your games recently. Your dad watches in front of the TV every Saturday night."
In the evening, Chen Tao had just finished his extra training.
Every day after training, he and Nuri Şahin would stay behind to practice passing for an hour.
Chen Tao was in the changing room, taking off his clothes and getting ready to shower,
when he received an international call from home.
"It must be midnight there, right? You haven't slept yet?"
"We just finished watching 'Football World'. You were on TV again. You've been on TV a lot these past few episodes. Your dad keeps showing off in his office."
"Play well. Is the coach good to you? Do you need to give him a gift or something?"
"Oh, come on! That's not how things work here."
Chen Tao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Why did the older generation always like to do these things?
Even if Thomas Doll was willing to accept it,
Chen Tao wouldn't bother to give it to him.
"Are you still used to the food there? Do you have enough money? I'll send you some more."
"It's enough. I earn a lot now. Did you receive the things I bought for you last time?"
"Yes, we received them. These skincare products and health supplements are all available domestically. And buying such expensive fish oil and sending it back is too wasteful."
"It doesn't cost much. Just use them as much as you like. I'll buy more when you run out."
Chen Tao was still on an apprentice contract, earning £100 a week.
But Borussia Dortmund paid him appearance fees, goal/assist bonuses, and win bonuses, not a penny less.
Chen Tao had assists for several consecutive rounds.
With a £1300 appearance fee, plus bonuses, he had already earned several thousand Euros in half a month.
His rent and food expenses at Hans's house were negligible,
and walking 5 minutes to the training base every day meant no commuting costs.
Chen Tao could certainly spend money to buy things for his family.
When he turned 16 next June, reaching the age for a professional player, he would earn much more than this, so there was no need to save.
"So, are you coming back for Chinese New Year?"
"No, I won't. The club has training. I can only return after the season ends next year."
It was only then that Chen Tao realized he was just a child far from home.
This was also his first time being unable to reunite with his family.
To pursue his football dream, these were all necessary sacrifices.
"Later, when I become a big star, I'll buy a big villa here and bring you all over."
"This child, alright, alright, we'll wait for your big villa."
His mother, Ding Ru, just thought her son was joking.
Recently, she had read many media reports and football expert analyses.
Columns like "Sports Weekly" were all discussing this rising star,
the only overseas player after "King Dong."
Mainstream opinions were severely polarized.
Some people wildly hyped Chen Tao as the future savior of the National Football Team, a once-in-a-century genius who would be the most accomplished Chinese person in football.
The other view was completely opposite; with many past precedents, most people were pessimistic.
How many players had been given high hopes only to leave Europe in disappointment?
Chen Tao was only 15 years old now, and his future was truly uncertain.
Chen Jianping and Ding Ru were influenced by public opinion and were a little worried about Chen Tao's mindset.
Hearing his continued confidence on the phone, Ding Ru felt much relieved.
"No matter what, go for it with confidence. Your mom and dad will always support you."
…
In the 15th round of the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund challenged Wolfsburg away.
Nuri Şahin's start brought positive changes to the team.
His involvement in organizing attacks indeed helped his teammates,
and in the first half, he indirectly provided an assist, helping striker Klimowicz score with a header, giving the away team an early goal!
However, Nuri Şahin's start led to a certain decline in the midfield's interception ability.
Before the end of the first half, Wolfsburg equalized.
"Edin Dzeko!!!"
"Wolfsburg's new signing is on fire! He's scored 5 goals in his last 6 games! Incredible efficiency!"
"This time it was Dzeko's individual ability again, overpowering the defender in the box with a header to equalize!"
The tall center-forward who transferred from Zenit to Wolfsburg in the summer, after a few months of silence, gradually unleashed powerful force.
Due to concerns about Dzeko's performance, Thomas Doll continued to adopt conservative tactics.
In the second half, they played a low block, hoping to hold onto a 1-1 draw.
Nuri Şahin played very frustrated. He clearly saw many opportunities, but with no support up front, he couldn't find a target for his passes.
"If that guy were here, it would be great."
Finally, at the 88th minute, Borussia Dortmund had one substitution left.
The Head Coach finally noticed Chen Tao.
"Chen, get ready to come on. Try to get the ball in the front third and waste time."
Both strikers had been substituted off.
Thomas Doll simply put Chen Tao in the striker position, hoping to use his ability to hold the ball up front to run down the clock.
"What about attacking?"
"The primary task is to secure a draw. Try not to be impulsive."
Thomas Doll chickened out again.
One point away from home was a gain for him.
But Chen Tao didn't think so!
"I understand."
Including injury time, there were still 5 minutes, which should be enough!
The Head Coach wanted him to waste time,
but Chen Tao wouldn't be content with that!
He wasn't coming on for a draw; his only goal was to win!
This substitution,
Sauer, the commentator for German TV channel ZDF, was stunned.
"Thomas Doll wants to strengthen the attack, that's fine, but can he play as a striker?"
The guest commentator, German legend and 1980 European Cup winning goalkeeper Toni Schumacher, saw through the intention,
"Borussia Dortmund's coach probably hopes to use his technique to hold the ball in the front third and waste time."
This was common in games.
A striker dawdling in the opponent's corner flag area could usually waste a lot of time.
"Are they satisfied with just a draw?"
Commentator Sauer complained helplessly.
Just as Toni Schumacher expected,
for the remainder of the time, whenever Borussia Dortmund gained possession, they would hoof the ball long to Chen Tao.
Wolfsburg's defense was also well aware of their opponent's intention to defend the draw,
and simply didn't give Chen Tao a chance to receive the ball.
As long as this Asian wasn't on the ball, he was no threat at all!
As minutes ticked by, Wolfsburg was running out of time.
Dzeko was still trying to find a scoring opportunity.
A powerful header was caught by the goalkeeper.
"Here! Here!!"
Nuri Şahin raised his hand outside the box, asking for the ball.
Goalkeeper Weidenfeller quickly threw the ball to him.
At the same time, Chen Tao, seeing the situation, also began to sprint towards the front third.
This was an excellent counter-attacking opportunity!
"Nuri, do you understand my intention?"
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than Nuri Şahin, instead of clearing the ball long, delivered a very bold through ball down the middle!
"That's it!"
Chen Tao's heart filled with joy, and he sharply diagonally ran, heading straight for the center!
"No way!"
Wolfsburg's midfielder Dejagah was focused, and immediately made a sliding tackle to block Chen Tao's path.
But the moment Chen Tao received the ball, he strangely hooked it back with his left foot,
suddenly stopping short to bypass Dejagah, and accelerating to his right to break through!
"F**k!!"
Defensive midfielder Santana, seeing the danger,
teamed up with midfield partner Josué to close in and intercept Chen Tao.
"This play is over."
In Toni Schumacher's eyes, Borussia Dortmund's central counter-attack was too reckless, too aggressive.
It would have been better to pass to the wing to waste time.
It could easily be intercepted by Wolfsburg, leading to a second counter-attack in the front third.
Thomas Doll almost swore out loud:
"What the hell! Chen, this son of a… genius!!!"
Mid-curse,
Thomas Doll quickly changed his words, slapping his hand on the table in admiration!
Before the two closed in, Chen Tao touched the ball with his instep, nutmegging Santana,
and in an extremely tight space, executed a perfect 'roulette', beating Josué again!
He glided like on water, carving a bloody path out of the double-team!
"Holy Shit!!!"
Commentator Sauer even cursed.
"He's through! Chen, dribbling past midfield, he's unstoppable!"
"Schäfer's sliding tackle to disrupt, but he's beaten again!!"
"Naldo and Barzagli both coming forward to stop him…"
"Chen——"
"He pulled the ball away from Barzagli, a magnificent Marseille turn! Breaking past two center-backs again!!"
"Borussia Dortmund's magician, performing a magnificent dance at the Volkswagen Arena!"
"He's beaten 6 men and is now face-to-face with the goalkeeper!!!"
When Chen Tao went on a solo run, dribbling past 6 players and entering the box.
Tens of thousands of fans in the stands of Wolfsburg's Volkswagen Arena collectively felt their hearts stop!
The only savior left was goalkeeper Diego Benaglio!
"Benaglio, abandoning his goal and coming out to the edge of the box, can he do it?"
Everyone's hearts were pounding nervously, holding their breath!
The time on the big screen had reached 92:46,
this might be the last attacking opportunity of the entire match!
The 15-year-old Chinese youngster Chen Tao was about to deliver the final judgment to Wolfsburg!
In front of tens of thousands of people in the stadium, and tens of millions of fans in front of their televisions.
At this moment, Chen Tao, a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, showed no fear whatsoever!
He had only one thought in his mind!
Beat him!