I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 912: Chapter 16: Passing Through the Midfield

Metropolitan Stadium

Atletico Madrid fans in the stands were emotionally agitated. When they saw Real Madrid’s midfield gradually stabilizing and starting to counterattack, some fans couldn’t control themselves and started throwing objects onto the field.

This wasn’t the first time Atletico Madrid fans had done such things.

Last season, they even caused a match to pause due to emotional agitation, as they threw objects onto the pitch.

Atletico Madrid fans are a unique presence throughout La Liga.

Though Real Madrid’s midfield gradually took the initiative, facing Atletico Madrid’s stubborn defense, their offense had difficulty achieving good results.

For quite a long period, the two teams were evenly matched.

Chen Zhong and De Paul began dueling in the midfield.

Over here, De Paul knocked down a Real Madrid player, while on the other side, Chen Zhong made a clean but fiercely aggressive slide tackle to restore his teammate’s pride.

Those two were really up for a competition, but their teammates were left puzzled.

Why don’t you guys just get into the ring and have a fight!

Do you really have to inconvenience us innocent ones?

People were expecting goals, but by the time the whistle blew to end the first half, neither team had scored.

Though there were mutual attacks and defenses, neither could breach the other’s goal.

"The first half has ended."

"After 45 minutes of intense competition."

"The two teams are temporarily tied."

"Let’s see how the coaches adjust during halftime!"

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid players entered the locker room; Real Madrid’s emotions were quite stable. They hoped to win, but a draw was also acceptable, considering Real Madrid is competing in multiple events and isn’t playing at home, there’s no need to "burn out" everything.

If necessary, a draw would suffice.

But on Atletico Madrid’s side, Simeone couldn’t quite control himself.

He’s already past the shadow Cristiano Ronaldo cast on him; now, only Chen Zhong remains.

He desperately hopes to break his "non-winning" curse against Chen Zhong in this match, he thirsts for victory.

To put it bluntly, if they don’t win this match, who knows if they’ll have another chance in the future.

...

In the second half, the rhythm of the match remained tight, with Atletico Madrid’s players approaching Real Madrid’s midfield again and again, like they were facing an enemy responsible for a grudge.

However, Real Madrid maneuvered around Chen Zhong, countering Atletico Madrid’s pressing again and again.

Even the commentator couldn’t help but remark: "Though Chen Zhong is getting on in age."

"His ability to cleanly handle tough situations is still exceptional."

"Atletico Madrid finds it tough to snatch the ball from his feet!"

"It’s no wonder Guardiola always had Chen Zhong in his thoughts."

Guardiola hasn’t managed Barcelona for many years, yet his story remains deeply impactful.

Many fans, when discussing Barcelona, still speak of tactical possession.

When more talk about possession arises, people feel that after Xavi and Iniesta retired, pure possession ended, and current Barcelona’s approach is less authentic.

Some fans even think tactical possession is just about having technical midfielders clustered together, which is an incorrect mindset.

Barcelona once fell into a period of decline, and through the struggles Busquets faced in matches during that time, some issues became apparent.

Chen Zhong, in this match, also displayed... some qualities

such as the ability to perceive space.

This is one of the fundamentals of possession play and a very crucial base.

There are many differences between technical styles, just like Philippe Coutinho’s small-scale techniques are exceptional; as a Brazilian who started with indoor five-a-side football, Coutinho is renowned for maneuvering within tight spaces in modern football.

However, historically, Brazilian teams have rarely produced particularly adept overall football play because the football culture they embrace from a young age emphasizes individuality and flair.

This brings about differences with South American players who favor dribbling, advancing, and direct passes, often being relatively weaker in lateral space awareness and driving forward with wing teammates.

This was precisely the pinnacle of the Barcelona "Dream Team III" era. From a certain perspective, technical midfield suitable for possession play could probably only originate from Europe, or even the Iberian Peninsula.

Back then at the peak of Barcelona, it showed how Busquets organized comprehensive advances.

It’s actually evident from this match’s approach shown by Chen Zhong.

Why does Atletico Madrid find it hard to intercept the ball from Chen Zhong? Because he first scouts his teammates’ positions upon receiving the ball and then promptly passes it to open teammates.

Precise passing, outstanding ball protection, experience, and broad vision allow Chen Zhong to effortlessly control the midfield, even if teammates are hindered, Chen Zhong nearby can act as a relay, or even a safe spot.

Chen Zhong can take possession again, then distribute the ball further away.

This is particularly frustrating for Atletico Madrid.

They run hard but fail to seize the ball, wasting physical energy in vain.

If Chen Zhong receives the ball again timely, he can immediately make a direct pass to his teammate.

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