Ngolo Kanté.
If he hadn't appeared, he would likely have become Vardy's teammate at Leicester City a few years later, and then, as an absolute key player and guarantee for Leicester City, he and Vardy would have helped Leicester City lift the Premier League title in the 2015-2016 season, completing the "Leicester City Miracle" that shocked the world of football that year.
The thing that Li Shiguang remembers most vividly about Kanté.
It's his omnipresent presence, from the forward line to the defense line.
After Kanté arrived at Leicester City and helped them win the Premier League title, he became known to football fans all over the world. At the time, there was a saying in the football world: "70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, and the remaining 30% is covered by Kanté."
Although this statement is somewhat exaggerated.
But this is absolutely the most vivid and graphic illustration of the extent of Kanté's running coverage on the field.
Kante is almost omnipresent on the football field. Whether in the attacking third, midfield, or backfield, whether in his own penalty area or the opponent's penalty area, he can be seen at any time. Sometimes, one second he is helping the defense in his own half, and the next second he has already rushed into the opponent's penalty area to assist in the attack.
In Li Shiguang's view, Kante's super strong attributes have even surpassed those of Makelele at his peak!
Besides being diligent on the field, he also possesses the courage to hold off ten thousand men.
Outside the stadium.
Kante's character is absolutely impeccable.
Low-key, kind, and courteous.
Whether in competitions or in life, I will not have any conflicts with anyone.
This type of player.
No head coach dislikes it.
Li Shiguang was no exception.
That's why Li Shiguang was so excited when he recalled Kant.
But Alan and Simone didn't know that.
The two of them were completely baffled by Li Shiguang.
Why would he suddenly go to Paris? Isn't Benzema in Lyon?
"Uh... Boss, what are we going to Paris for? If we need to make a quote to Lyon, I can just send an email." Allen asked, gripping the steering wheel and voicing his doubts.
“I’m not going to make an offer to Lyon,” Li Shiguang explained. “I’m going to find a club called Surena, uh… I think it’s an amateur football club.”
Now it was Simone's turn to be puzzled.
Simone turned to look at Li Shiguang: "An amateur club? Boss, why are we looking for an amateur club?"
“Of course there’s a treasure!” Li Shiguang began to describe Ngoro Kant to the two of them based on his memories of him. “Allen, after you go there, find a young man named Ngoro Kant. He should be under 20 years old now, probably around 19. Um... he’s a black man.”
"As for his appearance, he should be bald, rather thin, and not very tall, probably less than 1.7 meters."
"By the way, I don't know if amateur clubs pay their players. Logically, they shouldn't, so he probably hasn't signed a contract. When you go, ask Raiola if he's free. If he is, invite him along. Also, tell that fat guy that he's an honest fellow. If he agrees to let Raiola be his agent, tell that fat guy to stop trying to pull any tricks and be honest..."
Li Shiguang spoke at length.
Although I have no idea who this Ngolo Kant is.
But from Li Shiguang's tone and word choice, Simone and Allen could tell that Li Shiguang really liked him.
Allen never said much about Li Shiguang's arrangements; he just did what the boss said.
However, from a coach's perspective, Simeone had some doubts about the Kanté described by Li Shiguang.
"No... Boss, from what you're saying, you want to buy this Kante, but he's so skinny... he's not even 1.7 meters tall, and he's already 19 and still playing for an amateur club. What position does he play? Are you sure he can establish himself here?"
"Huh?" Li Shiguang chuckled. "Diego, he plays midfield, just like you, or more precisely, defensive midfield."
I heard Kante kick the defensive midfielder.
Simeone was really worried now, shaking his head vigorously: "Boss, this doesn't make sense. He's almost 20 years old. Even if he'll still grow, I bet he'll only grow to 1.7 meters tall at most! With that kind of physique, he's only good for amateur games. Playing professionally, especially here, is impossible!"
"You don't know anything! Aren't you only 1.8 meters tall? Why can't someone who's 1.7 meters tall play defensive midfielder?!" Li Shiguang laughed and cursed. "Diego, don't bet anymore. Trust me, once Allen brings this kid back, you'll know how terrifying he is."
“Terrifying?” Simone thought Li Shiguang’s choice of words was a bit exaggerated.
"Yes...terrifying, you know Makelele, right? Let me tell you, this kid is practically a Makelele Plus+ version, you'll see when the time comes!"
····
The next afternoon, in Paris.
Raiola, who had arrived in Paris that morning, picked up Allen.
After the two met up, they drove to a small town about nine kilometers away from the center of Paris. The training ground of the Surrey Club, which Li Shiguang had mentioned, was located there.
Raiola, who was driving, was chatting with Allen, who was sitting in the passenger seat.
Raiola gripped the steering wheel, his expression a strange mix of anticipation and worry.
Italian agents haven't found any good talent in Leeds United's youth academy for a while.
He was already in bed last night, ready to sleep with his wife in his arms.
Then I received a call from Allen.
Allen made it very clear on the phone that Li Shiguang wanted him to go to Paris to sign a player.
But Allen's description of the player left Raiola completely bewildered.
An amateur player, 19 years old, less than 1.7 meters tall, plays as a defensive midfielder.
Such players are common in Europe, but can a player with this kind of resume and qualifications stand out at Leeds United, who have already reached the Champions League semi-finals?
However, Allen made it very clear.
This kid wasn't reported by a scout; he was a player that Li Shiguang was personally following.
In this respect, Li Shiguang has never made a mistake!
Every player he discovered was ridiculously strong!
“Allen…After receiving your call last night, I mobilized all my connections in my social circle, but I couldn’t find any information about this N’Golo Kanté that Mr. Li mentioned…To be honest, I really don’t know how Mr. Li knew about this player who plays for an amateur club.” Raiola finally couldn’t help but ask.
"Huh?" Allen chuckled, his tone incredibly confident. "Mino, why are you so concerned? I already told you yesterday that this wasn't found on the list Ron submitted, but rather it was an order from the boss himself, that I must bring this child back to Leeds."
"Think about it, when has the boss ever made a wrong decision?!"
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