Chapter 115: La Liga Debut! Did He Score?

Click!

Click-click!

Ten Hag walked into the press room at Wembley Stadium under the gaze of reporters.

The La Liga season hadn’t started yet, but Ten Hag had already led his team to two consecutive wins in the Premier League.

Besides the Premier League, a week earlier, Manchester United under Ten Hag defeated Leicester City 2-1 to win the Community Shield.

Here’s a spooky story: Ten Hag won his first trophy at Manchester United in just 27 days after joining!

“Yes, Manchester United is still in the rebuilding phase; both coach and players need to work very hard.”

“Rebuild?”

Ten Hag raised an eyebrow: “I don’t like the word ‘rebuild’—in my view, Manchester United has always been a powerhouse in its prime.”

Click-click!

“Can we talk about Tom?”

Upon hearing “Tom,” Ten Hag instinctively turned his head and realized there was a Spanish media outlet present at the press conference.

“Eric, you’ve hit the nail on the head—Tom hasn’t kept up with Villarreal’s rhythm; he didn’t even get a chance to play in the first leg of the Champions League playoff.”

After the reporter posed the question, Ten Hag’s expression showed a hint of sadness.

“Well…”

“Tang is an outstanding player—you must acknowledge that. Although I anticipated he’d struggle to establish himself in La Liga, failing to adapt doesn’t mean he’s an ordinary player.”

Ten Hag spoke slowly, again emphasizing the accuracy of his prediction.

“In a year, he’ll return to Utrecht, back to the Eredivisie—then he’ll still be Utrecht’s top assist provider.”

Ten Hag is a head coach who deeply values the bond between master and disciple, which moved the reporters in the audience.

In truth, everyone still hoped Tang Ye and Ten Hag would reunite—but unfortunately, Tang Ye’s current abilities aren’t sufficient to support him in the high-intensity matches of the Premier League or La Liga.

…

Back at Villarreal, the players recovered from their defeat to Monaco and resumed training.

Losing is painful, but players must pick themselves up.

Because the new La Liga season is about to begin!

Slap! Slap-slap-slap!

On the training ground, the sound of balls being struck echoed occasionally; Escrivà and Ma Di stood at the sideline watching players practicing passes.

What surprised Escrivà was that despite having no playing time, Tang Ye’s mood seemed unaffected—a rarity among young players, even top stars.

“I’m here, I’m here!”

Tang Ye stopped the ball passed by Bakambu, used a feint to create space, then delivered a direct pass along the baseline.

The movement wasn’t fast, but Tang Ye executed it with clear rhythm.

Pato sent a direct cross without controlling the ball; Alejandra struck it firmly into the net.

“TOM!”

Escrivà shouted toward the field.

Tang Ye pointed at his own nose: “Me?”

“Who else is TOM?”

“Seems not?”

“Then get over here!”

Escrivà called Tang Ye to the sideline; Ma Di continued leading the team’s training.

“The league is about to start.”

Escrivà had his hands in his pockets as he walked around the training ground with Tang Ye.

Suddenly turning, Escrivà stared directly at Tang Ye: “Do you remember what I told you on the phone during your transfer?”

“I remember.”

Tang Ye held up his right hand, counting on his fingers: “Training is tough, I can’t slack off, and then… uh, that’s it.”

“That’s not what I meant. That’s not the point.”

“Then what is?”

Escrivà let out a long breath.

He’d almost forgotten that Tang Ye’s thinking doesn’t follow normal logic.

“I told you you’d at least be a rotation player, likely a starter—I promised you that. Do you remember?”

“...”

Tang Ye frowned, looking thoughtful.

“There was something like that?”

“Not ‘like that’—I clearly said it!”

Escrivà’s tone was firm: “I’m telling you now—I’m sorry, but I can’t give you a rotation spot at the start of the season.”

“But don’t worry!”

Worried Tang Ye might panic, Escrivà quickly added—but Tang Ye showed no visible reaction so far.

“I will give you the position I promised, but circumstances have changed. I need to wait until your passing skills improve enough before I include you in the starting lineup.”

“...”

Tang Ye bit his lip, saying nothing.

Mr. Ferran’s meaning was clear: before Tang Ye developed sufficient passing ability, he couldn’t be placed in the lineup.

The reason? Tang Ye’s presence would directly disrupt Villarreal’s possession-based system!

“Don’t stress—I guarantee you’re an extremely talented player, but you need 2-3 months of refinement!”

2-3 months of refinement...

At these words, Tang Ye’s expression finally changed.

Only after 2-3 months of refinement would he get a chance to play.

Hss—

It felt like being back at Utrecht’s reserve team?

Back in the dormitory that night, Tang Ye followed his habit and played a few games, then scrolled through news on Twitter.

【Ferran shouldn’t have brought Tom in—thankfully it’s just a loan, or Villarreal would’ve suffered a huge loss】

【Tom had 36 assists in one Eredivisie season—why can’t he do it at Villarreal?】

【Can’t adapt—he shouldn’t have come to La Liga; the Portuguese or Dutch leagues suit him better】

【Waste of space!】

【I watched Tom’s games at Utrecht—he passed beautifully, but only that one pass!】

Damn it!

His worst fear had come true: his success at Utrecht had unconsciously raised fans’ expectations.

Now, with no playing time at his new club, he was being condemned by the new team’s fans.

“Huh...”

Tang Ye sighed deeply—he really wanted to prove himself. He’d trained hard these past few days, but Mr. Ferran had already said he wouldn’t get playing time for now!

Tang Ye gripped his pillow tightly, suddenly feeling an unprecedented sense of discomfort.

August 20th arrived—the first round of La Liga: Granada vs. Villarreal kicked off.

Tang Ye was still on the squad list, but remained on the bench.

The match unfolded as a typical La Liga possession battle—both sides played with good rhythm, but neither scored in the first half.

In the second half, an unexpected incident occurred.

“Hey! Kunka stepped directly on Trigueros’s ankle!”

“Looks like he twisted it?”

“Villarreal’s medical staff is on the field—let’s check Trigueros’s condition!”

Damn!

Escrivà let out an angry roar.

It was clear Trigueros couldn’t continue—someone had to be subbed in from the bench.

Poor Villarreal’s bench had only two midfielders: Tang Ye and Rodri.

Escrivà had to choose between Tang Ye and Rodri.

His choice was...

“TOM, get changed!”

Huh?

Tang Ye pointed at his own nose, about to confirm with the coach, when Rodri shoved him up.

“Coming, coming right away!”

Tang Ye stepped onto the chair, tied his laces in two quick motions, then ripped off his jersey.

“Huh, huh, huh...”

Standing at the sideline, Tang Ye felt his breathing grow increasingly rapid.

He had never been this nervous before!

Kneeling to adjust his socks, Escrivá crouched beside Tang Ye: “Go on!”

↓14Trigueros

↑99TangY.

Dongqiu Di live report: A stroke of luck? In the 65th minute, Villarreal’s midfielder Trigueros is injured—Tang Ye comes on as a substitute!

Dongqiu Di pinned: Hurry up and watch—Chinese player returns to La Liga!

【Here we go, boys—La Liga match!】

【Good, good—Escrivá still gave Tang the King a chance!】

【Awesome, I think whether Monto can start from now on depends on this game.】

【Escrivá? Saint Escrivá!】

Slap! Slap!

High-fiving Trigueros, Tang Ye sprinted onto the pitch.

Thump! Thump!

The home fans’ chant from the stands was loud, but Tang Ye’s heartbeat was just as loud.

After being mocked on Twitter for days, this was Tang Ye’s best chance!

Bought Red Bull—after entering the field, Tang Ye immediately began scanning left and right.

This match was extremely important—he had to give it everything!

“We can see that Villarreal’s No. 99, the young player from our country, Tang Ye, joined Villarreal in July this year on a three-million-euro loan from Utrecht.”

In the broadcast booth, He Wei was now somewhat excited.

Chinese player—La Liga match!

No matter how Tang Ye performs today, he’s bound to be worshipped by domestic fans!

In the 68th minute, captain Bruno made a tackle to steal the ball from Kunca.

Tang Ye saw the opportunity and sprinted toward Bruno.

“Give it to me!”

Thump!

Bruno delivered a low pass, precisely finding Tang Ye running to receive it.

Control and turn!

“Go!”

Granada’s players were fast—they charged straight at Tang Ye the moment he got the ball.

This was a key difference between La Liga and the Eredivisie: La Liga’s pace was generally faster; players had to pass quickly after receiving the ball.

Tang Ye had almost no time to think!

“Here!”

Sorianos reached his position and called for the ball—Tang Ye passed it immediately, then began his own run.

De Bruyne Spatial Movement Lv6: Not Ashamed to Ask!

Though it was a glitch exploit, it was indeed a real ability Tang Ye possessed.

He slipped quietly between Kexin and Agbo.

Break in!

As Tang Ye completed his through run and prepared to call for the ball, Sorianos passed it to him the instant he arrived!

Damn, Villarreal’s players had far better timing than the teammates Tang Ye had in Utrecht.

Perfect—Tang Ye received the ball with perfect ease!

Kexin, tracking back, moved to tackle Tang Ye—Tang Ye pulled off a trick.

Suddenly stopped the ball and stood still!

?

Kexin froze!

Because of Tang Ye’s sudden stop, he ran past him!

Hah!

Spotting a good opening, Tang Ye smiled inwardly and played a through ball to Sorianos, who had surged up on his right.

Then he kept running toward the arc!

Though Tang Ye didn’t enjoy running around during possession play, he had to admit—Villarreal’s players had exceptional movement awareness.

Moving into the center, Sorianos passed to Bruno, who delivered a direct pass to Tang Ye’s feet.

Again, Tang Ye had the ball—on the surface, it looked ordinary, but Granada’s players soon realized something was off.

Tang Ye’s positioning was extremely advanced—he looked like a striker!

Dribbling toward the box from the arc, Tang Ye’s eagerness to prove his doubters wrong made him impatient.

Feels like a good chance…

Screw it!

Shoot!

The crowd fell silent—the goalkeeper Ochoa stood frozen.

He never expected Tang Ye to shoot himself!

Wasn’t he supposed to be a substitute? Why so bold?

“Goal!”

“Goal!”

“Tang Ye!”

“In the 71st minute, Villarreal takes the lead!”

“This is Villarreal’s first goal of the La Liga season—scored by Tang Ye!”

The two commentators at CCTV’s live broadcast could no longer contain their excitement.

Before the match, online critics had called Tang Ye a fraud.

Yet Villarreal’s first league goal of the season came from Tang Ye.

And the kicker—he’s still a midfielder!

“Hah!”

Tang Ye sprinted toward the corner flag.

Goal!

A goal in La Liga!

“VAMOS!”

Bruno and Ale rushed over and hugged Tang Ye tightly.

The Villarreal substitutes were cheering too—though Escrivá…

“Damn.”

Escrivá rubbed his head.

This attack was fairly smooth; the players’ coordination was decent.

But Escrivá still had one question unanswered.

How did Tang Ye score?

The stadium screen replayed the attack—when it reached the shot, the director zoomed in on Tang Ye in slow motion.

In the frame, Tang Ye looked toward Pato’s direction, his standing foot pointing toward the right sideline.

It looked like he was about to pass wide—but then his ankle twisted, and he suddenly shot.

Escrivá burst out laughing.

This kid isn’t just clever—he’s brilliant!

Walking slowly back to his position, Tang Ye heard the system’s voice in his mind.

【At 38, you scored in La Liga】

【You gained 15 Reverse Points】

【This is your first goal in La Liga—an extra reward of 15 Reverse Points】

!

Tang Ye remembered that in the Eredivisie, one goal gave him 10 Reverse Points?

Now one goal gives him 15!

Thinking it over, Tang Ye understood.

Just like with the Growth Template training and skill mastery—he gained mastery points for the 【De Bruyne Growth Template】 during training.

And during training at Villarreal, the mastery points he gained were more than double what he got at Utrecht.

That’s because Villarreal was a higher-tier club than Utrecht.

Similarly, La Liga was one level above the Eredivisie—so Tang Ye earned more rewards for goals in La Liga!

“Bleep!”

The referee blew the whistle—the second half’s second ball was kicked off by Granada’s striker.

Tang Ye ran again.

Scoring on his La Liga debut, Tang Ye has set a new record in Huang Qian’s club history.

Yet he was not satisfied.

He needed to perform well!

Tang Ye needed better performances to silence the Twitter trolls.

Of course, he also had to fight for a starting spot.

Mr. Feinan said Tang Ye should join the midfield rotation in two to three months, but Tang Ye couldn’t wait that long.

He couldn’t be criticized anymore!

……

(End of Chapter)