Chapter 899: The No. 1 Central Defender in History
Su Dong had never played as a central defender, but he had competed with central defenders many times, so he had some experience in how a central defender should play.
Especially the cooperation with Vidic.
The Serbian center back told Su Dong that he could just go for the ball and he would stay behind to take charge.
This undoubtedly unlocked the shackles on Su Dong.
As it was a friendly match, both sides played very openly. Ajax also adhered to its traditional tactics and launched a fierce attack decisively at the beginning of the game, especially the Icelandic center forward Kolbern Sigurdsson who just joined from Alkmaar this summer.
During a forward run, Su Dong decisively rushed forward and directly blocked Sigurdsson with his body. Relying on his height and long legs, he took the lead to kick the ball behind him. He leaned his back and immediately pressed down Sigurdsson and passed the ball back.
This clean defense won Su Dong warm applause.
Vidic also laughed and gave Su Dong a thumbs up, as if to say, you really have the talent to play as a central defender.
After tasting the sweetness, Su Dong followed suit. Whenever Ajax attacked, he would immediately rush forward and entangle Sigurdsson with his body, always making the Icelandic center return empty-handed.
Ajax also quickly adjusted its tactics, letting left winger Dirk Boricht cut inside actively and try to attack from behind Su Dong.
Unexpectedly, when Borricht was about to break into the penalty area with the ball in big strides, Su Dong caught up from behind, and his speed was even faster than his. He surpassed him in an instant, cut in between Borricht and the ball, stopped the ball under his feet, and dribbled the ball to the right side of the penalty area, cleared the ball with a big kick, and kicked the ball forward.
"Wow, I didn't expect that when playing as a central defender, Su Dong's speed is still so fast and his explosive power is still so outstanding."
All the fans at the scene clapped their hands vigorously.
If nothing else, it’s worth it just to be able to watch Su Dong play as a central defender live!
This is definitely the biggest central defender in football history.
Ferguson on the sidelines was also grinning from ear to ear and clapping and cheering continuously.
Even Vidic couldn't help but admire him: "If you don't play as a center forward, but as a center back, you will definitely be a world-class center back."
Su Dong gave him a look that told him to get lost and walked back speechlessly.
Especially seeing the smug expression on the bad old man Ferguson's face, Su Dong really wanted to ask him, are you sure that putting me in the center back position will make you happier? ...
The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.
It was the first time for all the players to cooperate with each other, and the game was very open. No one took it seriously, and it was more like an exhibition match.
Ronnie played very recklessly, dribbling past opponents with ease. There was even one time when he was tackled by Vertonghen and was knocked to the ground. Even the players of the World Stars Team couldn't help but cheer.
This central defender of Ajax is really good.
It is not difficult to see from this point that Belgian football has indeed produced many talents in recent years.
After the change of sides in the second half, Su Dong gradually adapted to the central defender's style of play, especially dealing with Sigthorsson with more ease. So he seized an opportunity, suddenly rushed forward, and directly used his body to push Rodney Sneijder away. After grabbing the ball, he rushed forward quickly with the ball.
He rushed directly across the center line from outside the penalty area, and the entire Amsterdam Arena cheered.
In their impression, this is how a Dutch central defender should play in all-out attack and defense.
But which central defender has the speed and explosiveness of Su Dong, and the ability to dribble like him?
Just after crossing the center line, Su Dong suddenly sent a long pass.
Ronnie understood what he meant and ran behind the defense at the fastest speed, piercing through Ajax's defense like a bolt of lightning. After receiving the pass from Su Dong at the front of the penalty area, he calmly scored a goal, making it one to zero!
The whole stadium was boiling.
Su Dong ran over immediately, hugged Ronnie and celebrated the goal.
Since leaving Sporting Lisbon, the two have never cooperated in front of so many people. This is the first time.
…
After Ronaldo scored the goal, Ajax's attack was completely ignited.
The home team launched a frantic counterattack. The coordination of the world star team was too unfamiliar, and most of the players were old players. This made them passive on the field, and the players were more focused on playing. They were unable to withstand the impact of the young players from Ajax.
Rodney Sneijder made a long shot, which caused Van der Sar to lose the ball. Deco Borricht then went straight into the penalty area to make a follow-up shot. At the critical moment, Su Dong blocked the ball, which hit him hard and bounced out of the baseline.
The subsequent corner kick was taken into the World Stars team's penalty area, and Vidic headed the ball away, but it went out of the penalty area.
As soon as Carrick stopped the ball, he saw a figure rushing out quickly beside him.
The Manchester United midfielder understood what he meant and quickly passed the ball to Su Dong.
Su Dong did not slow down. After stopping the ball forward, he made a diagonal pass to Ronnie again.
The Portuguese winger moved forward at the fastest speed, received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, attracted the attention of the defensive players with the ball, and suddenly dribbled the ball back and passed it to the top of the penalty area.
Su Dong, who was chasing all the way, rushed to the top of the penalty area. Facing Alderweireld who was defending him, Su Dong stopped the ball to his left with his right foot. He also adjusted his direction, shook off the Belgian central defender, created a gap, and shot directly with his left foot.
The ball pierced through the Ajax goal like a cannonball, and goalkeeper Cillessen was powerless! 2-0! Instantly, the entire Amsterdam Arena burst into warm applause.
So exciting!
A central defender ran all the way across the stadium and finally scored a goal. Is there anything more shocking than this? Especially since this central defender has a famous name.
Sodong!
The whole stadium was chanting his name.
Although Su Dong has never played for Ajax, he is still loved by Ajax fans.
Ferguson on the sidelines shook his head in frustration, regretting that he had put him in the central defender position.
…
In the end, the World Stars team defeated Ajax 2-0.
In an interview with the media after the game, Ferguson smiled and said, "When I first met Su Dong, I felt that this 1.95 meter tall guy was really suitable to play as a central defender. As you can see, he has shown the level of a world-class central defender. I am very optimistic about his development in this position."
Van der Sar also said that when Su Dong stood in front of him, "He made me feel very reassured. He is an excellent central defender."
Vidic even went so far as to offend his teammates by saying, "Su Dong is the best central defender I have ever worked with."
Su Dong was nearby and almost cried when he heard it.
Everyone praised him for his good kicking, but the problem was, why wasn't he happy at all?
…
At the end of the farewell match, there was a special segment, which was Van der Sar’s farewell.
The Dutch goalkeeper, wearing an autumn shirt and holding a microphone, walked alone to the center circle of the stadium to accept the cheers of the fans.
He emotionally thanked all the fans at the scene and the friends who came specially for him.
"It was a great night and another chance for the fans to see some of the top players and the brightest stars we have at Ajax."
Van der Sar expressed his gratitude for everyone's support, highlighting Ajax and Manchester United.
Van der Sar has special feelings for the team that nurtured him. He said he would not let the fans wait too long because he had decided to return to Ajax and take up administrative work at the club.
But before that, he still needs to go for further studies.
Van der Sar also said that he had many good memories of Manchester United, thanking Ferguson, Meulensteen and all the players.
Finally, Van der Sar and his whole family thanked all the fans and everyone in the center circle.
The warmest and last round of applause in the audience was dedicated to Van der Sar, this great goalkeeper!
…………
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We go separately when we come, and go together when we go.
Sudon, Courtois, Ferguson and Manchester United players returned to Manchester on the same flight.
Ferguson was quite interested in Courtois. He noticed Su Dong's support for the young player and also saw Courtois's extraordinaryness, especially his height, which was really eye-catching.
The experienced Scottish coach guessed Su Dong's intention at once and felt quite jealous.
Manchester United is also worried about the goalkeeper issue. They introduced De Gea at a high price in order to fill the vacancy left by Van der Sar.
Su Dong didn't notice Ferguson's look. He was more concerned about what Courtois gained from this trip.
"I talked to Edwin for a long time, and also talked a lot with France. I gained a lot. Many things that were unclear or uncertain before are now clear to me. I also asked for their contact information, so I can contact them at any time in the future."
When Courtois said this, he looked at Su Dong with gratitude in his eyes.
He knew that all these were done by Su Dong helping him. Otherwise, with his current status, how would he have the chance to appear in such an occasion?
"Francis told me that Unsue is a very good goalkeeping coach and asked me to train with him." Courtois no longer seems to be hesitant, but has become determined.
Su Dong smiled and nodded.
In fact, he was not sure what Courtois could gain before. He just wanted to give it a try. It was also a way to help him fulfill his wish. After all, Courtois’ idol is Van der Sar.
As for now, Courtois said that he has gained a lot, and Su Dong is also not very sure.
Words are always unreliable. Whether you have gained anything and how much you can benefit from it still depends on subsequent training, how much your level can be improved, and how much you can perform in the competition.
If Courtois wants to challenge Joe Hart for the starting position, he needs to do more and perform better.
After all, he was not facing an ordinary goalkeeper, but the England goalkeeper! In the Premier League, it is not an easy task to challenge the England goalkeeper's main position.
Whether in the past or now, Su Dong is not sure whether Courtois can do it. The only thing he can do is to provide some help within his ability.
Manchester City needs a better goalkeeper who is more in line with the team's tactics!
(End of this chapter)
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