Chapter 232: The Remarkable Effect of Chicken Breast, Physical Contact Reaches 75

"Okay, okay, I'm ready."

Tang Ye walked out carrying the barbell, and the two spotters on either side slowly released their hands.

"No rush, take it slow, remember to keep your core tight."

Kyle stood right in front of Tang Ye, offering guidance step by step.

"Hiss..."

Gritting his teeth, Tang Ye pushed his upper body upward.

"Three more reps, keep going, keep going."

Slowly squat down, then push up again!

After repeating this four times, Tang Ye completed his set.

【Physical Contact: 74→75】

【Speed: 71→72】

Placing the barbell back on the rack, Tang Ye received good news from the system.

With arduous training supplemented by enhanced chicken breast, Tang Ye's Physical Contact attribute had officially broken through the 75 threshold!

Not only that, but thanks to the increased strength in his thighs, Tang Ye's speed had also improved!

Better check the status panel first!

Tang Ye (39 years old)

【Ball Control: 82; Passing: 88】

【Shooting: 77; Heading: 49; Set Pieces: 74】

【Speed: 72; Stamina: 72; Physical Contact: 75】

【Defense: 70; Vision: 95】

Overall Rating: 81

A very nice improvement; Tang Ye could already imagine himself holding his ground against La Liga defensive midfielders!

"You seem quite excited."

Marty had somehow sat down in front of Tang Ye; the assistant coach handed Tang Ye a bottle of sports drink: "I know you want to drink cola, but... well, now isn't the time for cola."

"Thanks, Marty."

Tang Ye patted Marty's hand, then sat on the bench press bench and gulped down the drink.

Marty flipped through Tang Ye's training data: "Tom, your physical attributes are improving very quickly; you must be the player on our entire team whose physique is improving the fastest."

At Tang Ye's age, this was naturally a time for physical growth, but even compared to other 18-year-old players, Tang Ye's rate of improvement was considered quite fast.

"Hmm... except for speed,"

Marty added.

"Don't worry,"

Tang Ye spread his hands: "Speed will increase too, believe me, Marty."

Due to the limitations of his talent, Tang Ye's speed increase was indeed a bit lackluster.

Many U17 players on the adjacent training field already had speed ratings higher than 72!

But that didn't matter; Tang Ye's speed was just growing slowly, not that there was absolutely no room for improvement.

"I've been constantly improving myself," Tang Ye said, placing the drink bottle under the bench.

Marty laughed heartily, though it was unclear whether he believed Tang Ye's words.

"However, you probably won't be able to improve this month."

"Why?"

"We still have eight matches to play this month: six league games and two Europa League matches. Rest well and maintain your condition; that is the most important thing right now."

Hearing Tang Ye's words, Tang Ye picked up his phone sitting nearby.

He checked the time.

It was already April 3rd.

Time really flies; he felt as though he had only known Bruno and the others for a few days.

Is it time to leave already?

Tang Ye suddenly felt a sense of loss, so he quickly shook his head, forcing himself out of that mood.

There were still two months left.

He still had to lift the championship trophy together with Bruno and the others!

Winning the Copa del Rey championship was impressive.

But it wasn't enough!

Just as Tang Ye was fantasizing about the scene of winning a new championship trophy alongside his friends, his system made a move.

【After returning to the club following the national team matches, your team will face an incredibly grueling schedule in April, which is unacceptable for a 39-year-old player.】

【Balance Mechanism Triggered】

Oh!

It's here!

Tang Ye's eyes lit up.

The familiar Balance Mechanism!

Every time this thing appeared, Tang Ye managed to obtain something very good.

Let's see what it is this time!

【Mission Objective: Achieve a hat-trick or an assist hat-trick in April (La Liga, Europa League Knockout Stage)】

【Mission Completion: 0/1】

【Mission Reward: Random La Liga Legend Chest】

A hat-trick or an assist hat-trick.

Considering Villarreal's April schedule, this is indeed not an easy task to complete.

But Tang Ye must find a way to finish it.

A Random La Liga Legend Chest!

This thing has a chance to drop Messi or Ronaldo!

……

AFC Official: tangy. (CHN) rated Best Player of March for the Asian Qualifiers; the Chinese Team rated Best Team of March for the Asian Qualifiers. "Although Japan's performance in Group B was equally outstanding, the Chinese Team defeated the Group A runner-up and the Group A leader consecutively in March."

Italian Journalist Romano: I can almost confirm that Bayern has made an offer to Utrecht for Tom, with the transfer fee fluctuating between 80 million and 85 million euros. But I am not optimistic about this deal, because in the winter window, Barcelona made a similar offer which Utrecht did not accept.

Spanish La Sexta: According to inside sources, Barcelona's focus in the summer window will be on Dembélé or Tom; Barcelona's top management is confident of securing one of them.

April is the most congested period of the La Liga schedule this season; the 20 La Liga teams will have completed their 35th round of league matches by the end of April.

This also means the European league competitions for this season are about to end.

Fans are now not only following their own team's results but also paying attention to transfer window matters.

Currently, Bayern, Dortmund, Real Madrid, and Barcelona have all indicated their desire for Tang Ye, but the offers from these four teams are similar.

From 75 million euros to 90 million euros.

This price is already very high, but thinking carefully reveals that due to competitive relations, offers around 80 million euros basically cannot succeed (Barcelona has already been rejected once).

So recently, the Betway website opened a market regarding Tang Ye's next club.

1. Barcelona, 1 to 7.2.

2. Dortmund, 1 to 15.5.

3. Bayern, 1 to 17.1.

4. Villarreal, 1 to 26.5.

5. Real Madrid, 1 to 28.4.

……

8. Stay (Utrecht), 1 to 77.

Besides the club markets, Betway also has a market for Tang Ye's transfer fee.

21% of fans believe Tang Ye will leave Utrecht in the summer window with a transfer fee exceeding 100 million euros; 67% of fans believe Tang Ye's transfer fee will be between 80 million and 100 million euros.

The remaining 12% of fans believe Tang Ye's transfer fee will be less than 80 million euros.

According to experts' speculation, the odds for this transfer fee should not change significantly before the summer window opens.

Until a news item appeared.

The Sun's front-page headline — Tom's agent Paul appeared at an Italian restaurant in Manchester; he was photographed talking with Manchester United staff.

Just six hours after The Sun's news broke, the transfer fee market experienced violent fluctuations.

Now at least 40% of fans believe Tang Ye's transfer fee will break the 100 million mark!

Why?

Because Manchester United is making a move!

……

"Look at me, look at me!"

Tang Ye reached out to Bakambu for the ball.

After cutting inside, he curled it into the far corner!

Goal!

In the 72nd minute of the match, Tang Ye's curler ended his goal drought.

Villarreal leads Real Betis by one goal!

"Vamos!"

Escrivá shouted it out directly.

Damn, I thought we wouldn't get three points in this match again.

Now it seems I was overthinking it!

When the team is in crisis, someone always stands up.

That person is Tom!

【You obtained Counterattack Points * 15】

Tang Ye and Ale ran together toward the stands.

"Vamos!!!"

【Goals: 1/3】

【Assists: 0/3】

It is still very difficult!

Villarreal's opponents in the league and the Europa League in April are not too weak.

Scoring three goals in a single match or making three assists in a single match is not an easy thing.

At least Tang Ye cannot complete this goal today.

Take it slow!

Check Dongqiu Di Match Report: Villarreal defeated Real Betis 1-0 away to secure their first win of April; Tang Ye cut inside and powerfully curled the ball into the net.

Although it is only a 1-0 lead, Villarreal is still the winner.

With this victory, Villarreal sent a message to the other teams in the league.

Tom is back...

A fully-fit Villarreal has returned!

Click-clack!

Click-clack-click-clack-click!

Facing doubts from the reporters below, Escrivá replied with firm resolve.

"This is just the beginning; yes, I guarantee, this is just the beginning."

Escrivá was now extremely confident.

He was certain that as long as they won matches whenever possible, the doubts from reporters and fans would gradually fade away.

By then, he could re-download Twitter onto his phone.

"What about Tom's transfer?"

Escrivá suddenly deflated.

"Regarding Tom's transfer, do you have anything to say? Will Villarreal try to keep him?"

The schedule was incredibly dense; just three days later, Villarreal faced their 31st-round La Liga match of the season.

Check Dongqiu Di pinned post: Villarreal releases home squad list against Athletic Club, led by Tang Ye and Aleix.

【Still a full starting lineup, so they're really not resting, huh?】

【Familiar feeling; Tang Ye was just like this back at Utrecht.】

【Escrivá: I have two squads, but I don't use the second one.】

【Charge, charge, charge!】

【Take down Athletic Club, and the gap to Barcelona narrows again!】

"China Media Group! This is the live broadcast bringing you..."

"Both teams' players are ready!"

"The referee is checking his watch!"

"Match started! Now, let me introduce the starting lineups for both sides!"

"..."

Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper Kepa

Defenders: Balenziaga, Laporte, Álvarez, De Marcos; Midfielders: Beñat, Raúl García, San José

Forwards: Lekue, Aduriz, Iñaki Williams

Head Coach: Valverde

The away team's formation was the same as Villarreal's.

However, it wasn't entirely identical; Athletic Club's attacking midfielder did not position himself as far forward as Tang Ye.

Simply put, compared to Villarreal's aggressive style of play, Athletic Club was indeed more conservative.

"Villarreal!"

"Villarreal!"

The home fans sang their team anthem.

After defeating Real Betis, Villarreal had narrowed the gap with Barcelona.

If they could win today's match, Villarreal would have the chance to close the distance with the top two even further.

Slap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

!

Proficiency: 55/1200

"Tang Ye lofts a through ball from the backfield!"

"It's for Sansone!"

"Sansone makes a run forward!"

"Very fast!"

The opposition's recovery speed was still quite high; just as Sansone prepared to receive the ball, De Marcos rushed over to mark him tightly.

Bang!

The two collided, but ultimately Sansone successfully secured the position to receive the pass.

Control the ball!

Shield with his body!

Then run toward the byline!

"Hurry, hurry!"

"Up front!"

Escrivá shouted urgently; as Sansone dribbled toward the byline, Aleix and Bakambu were also making rapid forward runs.

Tang Ye was running too, but his starting position was further back; it would take some time for him to arrive in position.

Facing De Marcos's tight marking, Sansone feinted left with his foot and stopped abruptly, causing the pursuing De Marcos to overshoot.

Cut inside toward the penalty area!

Aleix was already raising his hand!

Boom!

Sansone played a low through-ball straight to the penalty spot.

Aleix rushed up from behind!

He shot directly!

Goal!

"Haha!"

Tang Ye, who had been fully focused on pressing forward, immediately slowed his pace upon seeing Aleix score and jogged slowly toward Aleix's position.

"Villarreal takes the lead!"

The match continues!

It's the 32nd minute!

"Look at me, look at me!"

Tang Ye shouted as he ran forward.

Glancing back, he saw Garcia tightening his mark right behind him.

Slap!

A through-ball from the full-back Gaspar!

The ball bounced once off Tang Ye's right side, then rebounded directly in front of him.

Perfect!

Gaspar's long pass was incredibly steady!

Tang Ye kicked the ball forward.

Okay, the ball wouldn't bounce off the grass anymore; Tang Ye could now pass directly forward.

However, Garcia gave Tang Ye no such chance.

Before Tang Ye could touch the ball a second time, Garcia tugged at him from behind.

Damn!

Tang Ye stumbled, nearly kicking the ball straight to the Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder in front of him.

With a defender interfering from behind, a direct pass would surely miss its mark; Tang Ye had no choice but to trap the ball and stop.

Garcia still wanted to body-check him, so Tang Ye quickly turned to shield the ball.

The Anthony Turn template proved its worth at this moment; Tang Ye shielded the ball with remarkable speed.

Garcia failed to succeed!

"Here, here!"

A teammate came to support; Tang Ye passed back to Rodri, then immediately turned and sprinted forward.

Rodri knew Tang Ye inside out.

Without needing any gesture from Tang Ye, Rodri played a direct through-ball straight forward!

Delivered precisely right in front of Tang Ye!

Beautiful, Rodri!

If he weren't in such a hurry to receive the ball forward, Tang Ye would definitely have taken the time to praise Rodri thoroughly!

Now that the ball was right in front of Tang Ye, the Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder, realizing the danger, hurriedly retreated into the penalty area.

"Watch the striker, watch the striker!"

Goalkeeper Goalkeeper Kepa warned the defenders inside the box.

【De Bruyne Curved Through-Ball Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 331/1000

Tang Ye's through-ball!

Delivered straight to Bakambu's feet just outside the penalty area!

The pass from Tang Ye carried spin; Bakambu simply extended his foot forward to control it.

Run forward!

Bakambu was fast; within two or three strides, he reached the vicinity of the right post.

Laporte tried to block Bakambu's position, but Bakambu held his ground under pressure and fired the ball into the net.

【You have obtained 10 Counterattack Points】

【Assists: 1/3】

There it is!

It's an assist!

Tang Ye stood still and raised both hands.

He had two tasks for today's match.

First, win the game and secure Villarreal's second victory in April.

Second, complete his own mission.

To get that damn La Liga Legend Chest!

"Tom, go for it!"

Hearing the home fans' chants, Tang Ye voluntarily walked over.

"Gum, gum!"

Patting his pocket, Tang Ye shook his head: "I only have one left, no extras."

"I want the one you've already chewed."

"..."

Tang Ye frowned in thought for a moment, then handed his last remaining unchewed piece of gum to a fan in the stands.

【It's 2:0, brothers. I feel like we might see a 3:0 or even a 4:0 today.】

【Athletic Bilbao should be pretty strong, right?】

【No matter how strong they are, they're not as strong as Yellow Submarine. My Tang Tang Qiuwang has already racked up two assists.】

【Hot knowledge: the first goal didn't count as an assist for Tang Ye.】

【Mengge's essence is just one-touch passing.】

【Goalkeeper Kepa is truly trash; it's like the opposition doesn't even have a goalkeeper.】

Time reached the 43rd minute of the first half, and Athletic Bilbao seized their opportunity.

"Laporte!"

"He strikes it directly!"

"A world-class strike from an Athletic Bilbao defender!"

Although they had few good chances throughout the first half, Athletic Bilbao's players turned a non-chance into a chance.

A super world-class strike from the center-back; Asenjo, whose vision was blocked, could do absolutely nothing.

2:1, the match enters halftime!

"It's fine, it's fine; their goal was just luck."

Escrivá shouted loudly in the locker room.

"We played very well in the first half; we held absolute dominance. The second half will be the same; we must maintain our advantage."

"Tempo, tempo is crucial; when attacking, remember to look in Tom's direction."

The moment he mentioned Tang Ye, sounds of "click," "click," "click" came from within the locker room.

?

Escrivá turned his head to look.

The Yellow Submarine's number 10 was hiding in a corner, clipping his fingernails.

"You... what are you doing?"

Escrivá walked over, and he and Tang Ye stared wide-eyed at each other.

"Mr. Ferran, I forgot to clip my nails last night; luckily, Rodri had nail clippers."

Tang Ye explained.

"..."

"Then hurry up."

Escrivá walked back to the center: "Remember what I just said; this is important. When you attack, you need to match Tom's rhythm. No, not clipping nails; I'm not talking about clipping nails, I mean that feeling during the attack."

Tang Ye carefully wiped the nail clippers with a tissue, then handed them back to Rodri: "Thanks, Rodri."

"No problem, no problem."

Rodri casually placed the nail clippers on the cabinet, then stood up alongside Tang Ye.

"Let's go, let's go!"

The second half began, and Athletic Bilbao, now trailing, quickly launched a counterattack against Yellow Submarine.

Aduriz sprints forward!

"Aduriz received a Player of the Month nomination this season; he was selected alongside Tang Ye and Messi, which fully demonstrates Aduriz's current excellent form."

The commentator had remained quite calm until Valencia delivered a long pass right in front of Aduriz.

"This is a one-on-one breakaway!"

Damn!

Asenjo judged quickly, rushing straight out from his goal line.

Ruiz retreats to defend!

Surging adrenaline propelled Ruiz to run faster than the striker Aduriz.

But Aduriz was about to enter the penalty area!

Ruiz was anxious, feeling that Aduriz could shoot at any moment.

He really couldn't wait any longer!

Ruiz stretched out his leg, but Aduriz stepped directly onto the right side of the ball.

!!!

Ruiz tripped Aduriz outside the penalty area!

"Jesus!"

Escrivá clasped both hands behind his head.

He could already imagine what was about to happen.

Ruiz quickly ran toward the referee: "Sir, sir, listen to me, listen to me!"

"Beep!"

After blowing the whistle, the referee pulled a red card from his chest pocket.

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: Athletic Bilbao's counterattack creates a one-on-one breakaway opportunity; Ruiz commits a foul to stop the breakaway and is sent off directly with a red card.

"Ugh!"

Covering his mouth with both hands, Ruiz found it somewhat impossible to accept what had just happened to him.

He had been sent straight off the field!

It was now the 59th minute of the second half!

That means for the next half hour, Huang Huang Qian will have to fight with one less person!

(End of this chapter)