I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 714: Chapter 14: Chen Unleashed

”Here we are at the Pizjuan Stadium.”

”Sevilla kicks off first.”

”We can feel the heated atmosphere on-site.”

The attendance for this match is astonishing. The passionate video shot by Sevilla’s head coach before the match had its effect. The home fans in the stands are waving flags, chanting slogans in unison, supporting their team. Although everyone thinks Sevilla has a slim chance of winning, they remain steadfast in their belief in their team.

Real Madrid fans are equally unwilling to be outdone. Unfortunately, being in an away game, they find it difficult to compete with the fervent home fans.

Before this away game against Sevilla, Real Madrid and Mourinho are under quite a bit of pressure.

To avoid having his conflict with Valdano elaborated by the media again, he even skipped the pre-match press conference.

Meanwhile, a few days earlier, Sevilla had announced an aggressive video, filled with taunts towards Real Madrid and Mourinho.

For this match, Real Madrid used a Christmas tree formation, surprising many.

Khedira, Alonso, and Granero, who has impressed with limited appearances, formed the three-man midfield.

Mourinho’s intention is clear: he hopes that under this tactic, the team can control the midfield and use the increased number of defensive players to compensate for the defensive pressure on the wings.

As everyone knows, Sevilla, with Navas and Perotti, is the team with the most distinctive wing attacks in La Liga. Meanwhile, the central forward pairing of Fabiano and Kanoute offers the best execution of the wing-central combined tactics.

However, in the face of Mourinho’s purposely arranged ”meat grinder” midfield, Sevilla finds it difficult to break through.

The match seems to have set its tone right from the start, with both teams having about equal possession rates.

Mourinho’s team and Mansano’s team both focus on ball possession, but Real Madrid’s ”meat grinder” capabilities in the midfield seem more outstanding.

In this match, Chen Zhong also returns to midfield, using his physical advantage to help the team bolster its defense.

On the sidelines, Mourinho, arms crossed, looks at Chen Zhong, believing that this choice is likely the foundation for ensuring Real Madrid wins the match.

On the other side, Mansano frowns as well. The three-midfielder tactic of Real Madrid means that their front line has a new combination mode.

Mansano quickly senses something is amiss.

It seems like Cristiano Ronaldo appears in the center forward position, but in reality, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Kaka is in the center forward position. It’s akin to Barcelona’s ”false 9” tactics.

However, the difference is that Real Madrid has the attacking midfielder Kaka and an all-powerful Chen Zhong.

Sevilla’s initial aggressive attack has already failed.

This is closely related to Chen Zhong.

Under Mourinho’s tactical arrangement, Chen Zhong seems omnipresent on the pitch. He appears in every possible receiving position on the offensive end and always manages to get the ball to Kaka or Cristiano Ronaldo’s feet.

”Do you trust him that much?” Mansano looks at Mourinho. In this tactical system, Chen Zhong has absolute freedom. He is not confined to a fixed tactical framework.

When attacking is needed, he attacks. When organizing is required, he organizes. When defense is necessary, he defends!

In this tactic, Chen Zhong can fully play to his abilities, whether it’s defense, organization, or attack.

”I hope they can make my birthday happy.” Mourinho stands on the sidelines. After this match, it will be his 48th birthday. He hopes to celebrate his birthday with a victory, announcing the start of his great blueprint.

”Real Madrid’s attack.”

”Chen Zhong is very active in this match.”

”His timely retreat has helped the team strengthen its defense.”

”Kanoute’s pass was intercepted by Chen Zhong.”

”The two of them can be considered old rivals.”

Kanoute grits his teeth, looking at Chen Zhong. Chen Zhong shouldn’t be in this position, he thinks, but there’s no time to delve into it. The pre-match arrangements seem all disrupted by the flexible Chen Zhong.

Having Chen Zhong in the defense increases the difficulty of breaching Real Madrid’s goal exponentially.

The most despairing thing for Sevilla’s players is that Chen Zhong can also contribute to the attack.

”The wing!” Mansano shouts from the sideline, clearly aware of the team’s predicament. He tries to get the team to seek opportunities from the wing, rather than getting stuck in a midfielder clash with Real Madrid.

Everyone knows that Real Madrid, with Chen Zhong, may not win in midfield clashes but will definitely not lose!

Chen Zhong alone can hold off one and a half to even two midfielders!

”Chen Zhong has the ball!”

”Using his less proficient left foot!”

”Completes a nutmeg!”

”Sevilla’s players clearly did not expect that!”

”They might be thinking, isn’t his left foot not his dominant foot?”

”How does it feel as smooth as his right foot!”

The key to defense is forcing the opponent to use the non-dominant foot, but Chen Zhong is a two-footed player now, with no difference between his left and right feet.