Chapter 536: Platinum Generation (Daily Transition)

KrasnoDar, Anapa Beach.

The assistant lay on the chair, basking in the sun, enjoying the sea breeze.

"Sorry, Li has no intention of transferring; he won't leave Chelsea."

"The future? Let's talk about it later!"

Hung up the phone.

He took a sip of juice.

Although he understood the conflict between England and Abu, Abu's offer was simply too generous—beyond the Premier League's top salary and various huge bonuses, there was also the astronomical endorsement fee for being the Russia World Cup ambassador, and he even liked to send cars and watches, showing concern and care.

Where can you find a second club owner like this nowadays?

The career planning of countless stars proves: the best planning is no planning.

Things a few years from now—let's talk about them a few years from now.

After glancing at the various endorsement contracts sent by the agency headquarters to his email, the assistant put down his phone; he really enjoyed his current work, and whenever there was an international tournament, since the training base was only accessible on open days, he felt like he was on vacation.

His way of entertaining himself was also very healthy.

It wasn't because of self-discipline, but because he believed excessive indulgence would affect his fortune.

Spanish base.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the redwood table.

Bosque held several pages of the "manual" faxed over by Simeone, his expression solemn.

Since 2014, the two renowned coaches have communicated especially frequently.

"The drawbacks of the false nine are too many."

"But our team has already exposed problems that highly overlap with these drawbacks."

Minayano promptly added: "Two negatives make a positive."

Bosque thought for a moment, seemingly unable to refute.

Tactical battles at the national team level are far less intense than at the club level.

Turning the focus back to the top five leagues, only Atlético Madrid and Juventus have systems capable of supporting the survival soil of the false nine.

Shortly after.

Minayano arrived at the training ground and began conducting tactical drills.

Li Kang was assigned to Team A.

Team A's formation was 4-3-1-2.

The three midfielders behind Li Kang were: Thiago, Koke, and Saul.

The two strikers behind Li Kang were: Aspas and Vázquez.

The intention behind this initial formation was very clear: false nine formation drill.

Beep!

Minayano blew the whistle.

The scrimmage officially began.

Aspas kicked off and passed back to Thiago.

Team A's attack revolved around Li Kang, steadily advancing.

All teammates gave Li Kang space in the central channel.

Leading by example.

Supporting the entire team's attacking framework.

It was like turning the power of the whole machine up to maximum.

B Team's De Gea, Piqué, Busquets, Ramos, and others felt immense pressure, fundamentally unable to predict Team A's attacking direction.

They had faced various kinds of "false nines" in their youth.

But Li Kang's individual attributes and real-time adaptability were too monstrous.

Ball retention stability.

Historically exceptional passing ability.

Extremely strong defensive line reading ability.

Even when his movement was restricted, he could still use his body to forcefully break through.

Even more terrifying: he could even rotate with the two strikers, making it impossible to tell who was shielding whom?

Independent attack.

Top-tier pre-assist wall-play.

Top-tier shooting threat.

Comprehensive!

Too comprehensive!

A historically exceptional strategic weapon!

Sideline.

Bosque and the coaching staff members seeing this scene couldn't help but breathe rapidly, their cheeks flushing red.

This isn't a traditional false nine, but a terrifying monster behind the front line!

Thirty minutes later.

The scrimmage ended.

Team A lost 2-3 to Team B.

Bosque and the coaching staff members looked utterly bewildered.

"Why is that?"

"After losing possession, the way we switch to attack in defense, we don't have Atletico Madrid's overall diamond cut, nor do we have Juventus' level of defensive depth, so it's hard to support the survival environment of the number nine and a half."

"Well, during the opponent's offensive phase, other players need to run more to make up for the midfield defensive area lacking in the number nine and a half."

"If we still have to let Li constantly run all over the field and participate in deep defense, then it's hard for him to fully unleash the power of the number nine and a half in both transition attack and autonomous attack phases."

"Let's study more!"

Minianuo specially sent a message to the Chelsea coaching staff.

Wanting to discuss with the 'Champions League champion head coach'.

But got Tuchel's angry reply: 'What nonsense? What era is this, still making Li work himself to death playing number nine and a half?'

At two o'clock in the afternoon, training ended.

Li Kang and his teammates came to the game room inside the base.

Not playing FIFA games, but instead went together to the screening room to watch a documentary, which is part of the content of Spain's 'will training'.

The documentary roughly covers the championship journeys of the 08, 10, and 12 editions of the major tournaments.

Everyone has watched it dozens of times over the years, so they started chatting casually.

Iniesta and Busquets wanted to speak but hesitated; after learning from Morata about Chelsea's various 'special' treatments, they no longer had the face to discuss with Li Kang things like bonds, villages, and companions.

Once having seen the vast sea, no other water seems worthy.

Except for Mount Wu, it is not just clouds.

The establishment of Barcelona's four dynasties dream is becoming increasingly elusive.

Even if they win this World Cup, they dare not do something like 'putting on Barcelona jerseys'.

Other club players' thoughts are similar; nowadays the Spanish national team is no longer Barcelona's faction, Real Madrid's faction, or the Bat faction.

No one anymore hints at attracting Li Kang to join their own club.

Morata patted Isco's shoulder and said: "Are you interested in transferring to Chelsea?"

Adidas Marketing Department Director-Weixler, leading the film crew and a group of staff, arrived at the Krasnodar base.

Weixler felt bitter inside.

Back during the European Cup, he blamed himself for having too short-sighted vision, being reluctant to invest, which led to Li Kang and Puma signing a contract.

Now Adidas comes to shoot the national team jersey advertisement, but can't get Li Kang on camera.

In this World Cup, the teams sponsored by Adidas remaining are only: Spain and Belgium.

Coincidentally, these two teams are about to meet in the quarter-finals.

Weixler stomped his feet in anger: 'Damn it, it looks like this year's champion is Nike-sponsored France.'

He originally had high hopes for Germany and Argentina, but they were both eliminated.

The staff members looked at each other, recalling Weixler's past 'predictions'; this year's World Cup champion definitely won't be France.

That night.

Adidas' jersey advertisement update.

Belgium VS Spain.

The video content is very creative:

Accompanied by passionate BG.

Several key players from both sides bare their upper bodies, revealing perfect muscle lines.

Tear!

Suddenly.

They reached out and tore open their own skin, revealing the Adidas jerseys inside!

'Become one'.

Comment section.

【This ad is a bit perverted, how did it pass review?】

【The meaning of the ad content is: wearing Adidas clothes is like wearing nothing?】

【Why aren't Li Kang, Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Hazard in it?】

【Because they didn't sign with Adidas.】

【Come on, Spain VS Belgium, 7!】

July 7th.

Tourists from all over the world gathered in Samara.

This city was once called: Kuybyshev.

During the 1941-1945 Soviet-German war, Samara became the Soviet Union's 'second capital' and 'rear base'.

Now, the most famous attraction here is: Stalin's bunker.

During World War II, after Moscow was occupied by German forces, the Soviet Union established a defensive structure of the Supreme Military Command in Samara.

"ESPN! ESPN! Good evening, viewers."

"Now broadcasting live to you is the 2018 Russia World Cup final."

"Spain versus Belgium!"

"Tonight we have arrived at the Samara Arena!"

"This stadium is located on an island, its appearance like a spaceship, extremely magnificent and spectacular."

"It is about to witness a moneybags showdown!"

"The combined transfer fees of the players from both sides could build several Samara Arenas!"

"Even the lineups of powerhouse giants that they greatly envy actually appear in the national team!"

Pre-match press conference.

Bosque and the Belgium head coach, Martinez, embraced warmly.

The other side is also Spanish, and even Catalan, coincidentally: they also like to play tiki-taka.

Of course, he and Guardiola only share one thing in common: both are bald.

After the two head coaches exchanged a few pleasantries, they each took their seats.

The reporters began to ask questions enthusiastically.

Bosque listened attentively and answered patiently.

"Belgium might be the strongest opponent we have encountered in this World Cup."

"Their squad's market value is close to 800 million euros."

"Even top-tier Champions League giants would struggle to assemble such a perfect lineup."

"Well, they are a fierce tiger, but when they met Japan, they merely took a nap."

"Spain will stand firm in defense, seeking opportunities for counterattack!"

On the other side.

Martinez looked relaxed.

"I am proud to be able to lead Belgium this far."

"Belgium has a population of only 11 million, yet it has produced countless stars shining across Europe."

"We have learned the lesson from Japan's performance, and we will face Spain in our best condition!"

Player tunnel.

Players from both sides greeted each other warmly.

Li Kang glanced at Belgium's lineup, all "familiar faces": Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne, Carrasco, the midfield-back combination from Tottenham and Manchester City.

If we extend the timeline further and compare, both lineups are luxurious, with the biggest difference being average age.

De Bruyne smiled at Li Kang.

Lukaku stared straight ahead, firmly gazing at the tunnel exit.

Hazard and his club teammates chatted and laughed.

Courtois wore a look of arrogance.

Moments later.

The referee team led both teams' players out of the tunnel.

The Samara Arena instantly erupted with a roar like mountains collapsing and seas surging.

"Now let us introduce the starting lineups for both sides."

"Spain's formation is 4-4-2!"

"Goalkeeper: De Gea."

"Defenders: Carvajal, Piqué, Ramos, Azpilicueta!"

"Midfielders: Saul, Koke, Li Kang, Thiago."

"Forwards: Diego Costa, Morata."

Live broadcast room.

【The 'aged' midfield quintet sits on the bench; Bosque wants to use this group of players to play counterattack?】

【Small ball secured.】

【I don't understand why Spain would field two strikers; before, they preferred to play without a striker rather than use one.】

【I suspect Spain's actual formation is 4-3-1-2! Li Kang is that '1'.】

"Belgium's formation is 4-2-3-1!"

"Goalkeeper: Courtois."

"Defenders: Vertonghen, Kompany, Toby, Alderweireld."

"Double pivot: Dembélé, Witsel."

"Attacking midfielders: Hazard, Fellaini, De Bruyne."

"Forward: Lukaku."

Live broadcast room.

【With this golden lineup, won't they blow Spain away?】

【World-class defense, plus a tough and flashy double pivot, three-dimensional attacking midfield, and the black-faced killing god—Lukaku!】

【This is the first time I've seen Vertonghen play as a left-back.】

【He is 1.9 meters tall, also very fast, with strong attacking attributes.】

The guessing segment ends.

Li Kang noticed that the Belgian fans present were not many.

The system notification sound softly rang.

【Ding, mission triggered: Platinum Generation!】

【Mission briefing: Samara sings of the victory in the Patriotic War. Well, this match will be very tough, you are facing one of the top-tier lineups on this planet, regrets are inevitable in life, and your attitude toward regrets determines your height—learn to embrace failure, embrace regrets.】

【Mission reward: Platinum Treasure Chest.】

Li Kang:.

Platinum Generation? Is the reward only a Platinum Treasure Chest?

Accompanied by the main referee's whistle.

The match officially began.

Belgian ball possession.

The football moved quickly on the grass, and the stands on all sides erupted in waves of cheers.

"Coaches from Spain tend to favor possession-based play."

"Not the same."

"Martinez's deployment in this match is more streamlined in terms of progression."

"The battle has reached the Spanish half."

"Begin man-to-man combat!"

Diego Costa and Morata defended aggressively.

Li Kang was instead "yielded" to the front of the formation.

After De Bruyne received the ball in the right half, he quickly moved inward, and Koke immediately stepped up.

No slowing down the pace through entanglement.

The Manchester City midfielder's feet seemed to cast magic, the football drawing a rainbow on the grass, finding Shaqiri making a run down the flank.

Strictly speaking, this Belgian midfield and backline has deeper Dutch heritage.

Shaqiri, like his teammates, rose to fame in the Eredivisie; as a youth, he played as a winger and attacking midfielder, with comprehensive offensive ability.

"Very fast speed!"

"Second acceleration!"

"Belgium has widened their attacking width."

"Lukaku goes wide, Fellaini becomes a striker!"

"Can Shaqiri find a suitable crossing position?"

Shaqiri surged down the right flank.

He soon encountered the double-team interception of Thiago and Azpilicueta.

Bayern's midfield sealed the inside, Chelsea's full-back sealed the outside.

Top-tier interception.

Shaqiri hesitated, in a national team full of stars, he dared not casually lose possession.

Bang!

With his heel, he knocked the ball backward.

The advancing Witsel met the ball and struck it.

"A super foreign aid from a Chinese Super League powerhouse."

"His ability is absolutely enough to establish himself in a top-five league powerhouse!"

"This pass was excellent!"

Belgium's high defensive line pressed forward.

Tottenham's Dembélé dropped back.

This gave Witsel ample space to distribute.

Even playing in the Chinese Super League, this explosive-haired midfielder possesses top-tier vision, awareness, and footwork.

The football spun in mid-air, falling toward the left flank.

Hazard charged toward the landing point.

But he was blocked!

Nearby, Saul and Carvajal, in perfect sync, fully demonstrated the cooperative combat ability of Atlético and Real Madrid.

Three people jumped simultaneously, none of them headed the ball.

"Beautiful!"

"Lukaku controlled the ball! Bring it inside!"

"Pique, don't zone out!"

Sideline.

Minaño was nervously anxious.

Belgium's autonomous attack was highly threatening, opening multiple attacking points in Spain's dangerous zone.

Spain's 4-3-1-2 low defensive style fundamentally struggles to form a stranglehold during the opponent's progression.

After all

Accompanied by the sighs of the entire crowd.

After Lukaku shook off Pique, he fired a shot! The football flew toward the stands.

There are still four thousand words; let me finish revising, I'll post it at midnight, everyone go to sleep early.

(End of chapter)