Manchester United's heir apparent, but can't play football.

Chapter 116 Benitez's Rhythm?
The game restarted in the middle circle.

The home stands regained their former grandeur.

The football was being passed around quickly.

Hamsik's passing and running abilities quickly turned the game into a positional battle.

Hamsik has a very unique playing style.

His technique is superb, but he doesn't hold onto the ball for long. Sometimes, while he's playing, it's easy to misunderstand: Is the ball so hot on his feet? Is he in such a hurry to deliver a threatening pass? Why doesn't he dribble it himself?
The iconic mohawk hairstyle.

To date, he has played for Napoli for 8 years and has survived two armed robberies and one home burglary.

What's even more frustrating is that last year a photo of him with a mafia boss was discovered, and fans tried to defend him: if he really has such a powerful background, how could local thieves and thugs dare to mess with Hamsik?

Roma's vice-captain, De Rossi, was even more frustrated: his ex-wife was a member of the Mafia and was arrested a few months ago.

Napoli completely opened up their 4-1-4-1 formation, with full-backs Ghoulam and Maggio pushing forward to the front line throughout the game. Inler no longer held his defensive midfield position but instead moved forward with Hamsik. Higuain, Mertens, Callejon, and Insigne formed a "blue and white quartet" in the front, effectively turning it into an aggressive 2-2-6 formation.

"My God! Has Benitez gone mad? Is he completely disregarding Wolfsburg's potential counterattack?"

"Napoli fans all stood up. This style of play is so captivating. It's either win or lose; they never back down."

"Benitez is taking a gamble. He knows that if he gives up possession for too long, he will only be slowly worn down by Wolfsburg's two key players. He might as well try to get more attacking opportunities and take a chance!"

Wolfsburg immediately tightened their formation, switching to a 5-4-1, hoping to capitalize on the gaps created by Napoli's pressing forward to launch counter-attacks. Hecking knew very well that Benitez's attacking style looked fierce, but the defensive line also had large gaps. If they could seize just one opportunity, they could extend their lead.

Wolfsburg didn't get a chance to counterattack.

On the contrary, the entire defensive line was stretched to its limits by Napoli's attacking force.

From God's perspective.

Li Luo realized something was wrong.

He ran tirelessly, providing support and covering for his teammates.

The more you run.

The more they wished they could teleport, the more they wished they could.

Somewhat dangerous.

Benitez specifically targeted the black gold bus!

It's not about simply suppressing it harshly.

Instead, suppress it for a moment, then pull it out, and then suppress it again forcefully.

An Italian girl who invites you to a movie, a candlelight dinner, a walk along the river, a chat about life and dreams, and then awkwardly says she's tired and needs to get a hotel room to rest, finally tells you, "Li, I'm on my period." Then she adds, "Just kidding," and finally, "Actually, I'm a man."

No.

There's no way to rehearse the space again; my mental energy is no longer sufficient!

Make good use of your intelligence!

The problems Wolfsburg faced during its offensive phase have been solved.

Next.

We need to find a way to solve the problems during the positional defense phase.

"Off-the-ball movement"

"Higuain is in!"

"Out!"

"In again!"

"oops!"

Black Gold looked completely bewildered.

During the defensive phase, his plan was to use the central defensive pairing of Naldo and Knoch, both over 190cm tall, to effectively shut down Higuain's chances of scoring in the penalty area.

As a result, Higuain would occasionally drop back into the vacuum between the midfield and the flanks, completely disrupting Wolfsburg's defensive positioning.

This put Knoch in a dilemma: following suit was problematic, as was not following suit.

More than that.

Insigne, who is 163cm tall, actually rotated to the center forward position when Higuain dropped back.
That's completely against common sense.

The Wolfsburg coaching staff were somewhat taken aback.

De Bruyne was deeply involved in the defense.

The mind is thinking rapidly.

'Let me see Li's gesture first!'

'Is even Li going to start doing homework now?'

'Napoli's positional attack was indeed very effective.'

God's perspective.

Li Luo has obtained all the information.

Benitez's key to breaking the Black Gold Bus lies in his precise control of the "overall suppression rhythm".

They launched a fierce attack at the beginning.

Then gradually slow down the pace, shifting to short passing and ball movement. Higuain and Mertens don't make much running. The key is to get Wolfsburg players used to low-intensity defense.

Followed by.

Benitez's tactical resources will be tilted towards Callejon's side, while the whole team will speed up the passing. Higuain will drop deeper, Mertens will cut inside more frequently, and Hamsik will make more decisive runs into the box. Every attack will be a fierce charge into one of Wolfsburg's flanks.

The rhythm of 'relaxing first, then tightening, then relaxing again, and then tightening again'.

but.

The ultimate goal was to prevent Wolfsburg's low defensive line from keeping up with the pace of their positional attacks: the full-backs, who were originally able to quickly cover, began to fall behind Mertens' cut inside; the center-backs, who were originally able to hold off Higuain, began to be unable to stop his turns; and the defensive midfielders, who were originally able to cover the entire field, began to miss Hamsik's runs from deep.

Start doing your homework!

Studio.

Fans couldn't help but worry as they watched the crumbling defense.
-
[Napoli's attacking players have incredibly high combat ratings, even higher than Wolfsburg's defensive ratings.]
-
What's going on? Logically speaking, isn't running a dilapidated bus a global problem?
-
[Benitez's targeted tactics are key to Napoli's fifth-best attacking force in Europe; they've built that by outmaneuvering weaker Serie A teams.]
-
[I think it's Napoli's attacking group that's too short! Their ground-based penetration is amazing; a bunch of agile little guys with superb footwork, weaving in and out of Wolfsburg's tall defense and making them look like fools.]

The 24th minute of the game.

Napoli has picked up the pace!

Higuain brought Knoch out.

Instead of bringing him out all at once, he ran out and then stood still, pretending to catch the ball, to lure Knoch out.

at the same time.

Wolfsburg's five-man defense is no longer compact.

"Hamsik, through ball!"

"Mertens, so agile, he's crawling through holes!"

"Half-single-handed sword?"

The football, exuding a chilling aura, traced a sharp trajectory and sliced ​​through the Wolfsburg bus.

Bah!
Mertens, the "Little Cannon," unleashes a powerful shot!
Wolfsburg captain Benaglio reacted quickly, but his white gloves didn't touch anything.

The net behind him was violently lifted up.

1:1! ! !

Mertens didn't celebrate; he rushed into the net, picked up the ball, and ran back.

The attitude is clear: no celebrations after a tie! We're at home, we have to win!
In an instant, the São Paulo stadium erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Some fans think it's better not to celebrate at all: others at most celebrate in their neighborhood, but Mertens goes to the corner flag and imitates a dog urinating; when his teammate's wife is pregnant, he stuffs the football into his own belly; he pinches his opponent's nose, and other strange ways of celebrating.

"Pretty!"

"Napoli, they've equalized!"

"An opportunity found amidst the chaos!"

"Mertens seized the fleeting opportunity."

"Could Knoch not come out with Higuain?"

"Hehehe, no way. If Wolfsburg's two center-backs choose to hold their ground in the penalty area and refuse to drop back with Higuain, they might seem to maintain a tight defense inside the box, but they'll actually fall into the trap that Benitez has already set up."

"In a sense, it's not entirely about tactical dominance, but rather that Napoli's attacking players are better than Wolfsburg's defenders."

"Higuain, with four little cannons."

"Fortunately, the four small steel cannons are very short, so the high-altitude ball is not much of a threat."

Studio.
-
The tactical game between Black Gold and Benitez is quite complex to explain.
-
[If Li Luo returns to Manchester United next season and faces even tougher opponents, won't the tactical battles become even more complex?]
-
Not necessarily. Manchester United has returned to basics; their wide-ranging tactics simplify things for both themselves and their opponents.
-
[Los Angeles still needs to hone his tactical skills on a macro level. It's not that I'm wary of opponents, but I'm worried he'll be completely outmaneuvered by Van Gaal when he returns to Manchester United.]
-
No, after a season of adjustment, Van Gaal's tactical system has become relatively stable, with changes only in minor details. As long as the coach isn't changed and there's no complete overhaul, Manchester United has a chance.
-
With Li Luo, the Big Circle Tactics will enter a super-powerful form.

Courtside.

Benitez clapped calmly.

He decided to celebrate wildly only after taking the lead.

The other side.

Black Gold and the teaching assistants all maintained a calm expression.

There was no panic.

"Incorrect judgment".

"Damn, Higuain played so selflessly tonight, he didn't hold onto the ball at all."

"Why does it seem like the Argentine players who lost the 2014 World Cup final have all become even better?"

"Quickly, come up with a plan! Don't make Li so tired!"

Take advantage of this respite.

Li Luo quickly relayed what he had seen to his Wolfsburg teammates.

Faced with such an opponent and such a high-level attacking force, he realized that his defensive ability still needed to be improved. Helping and covering for the defense was only a temporary solution and could not save the crumbling defense.

"Sacrifice width on the flanks to increase density in midfield! Pass the ball to me!"

Hear this.

The Wolfsburg teammates immediately understood.

They practice together every day, and they can understand each other with just a sentence. For example, if you have a super nice classmate in your dorm who packs your food for you every day, after a semester, you can just say the name of a dish and he will know whether you want it spicy, whether you want an egg, whether you want thin or thick rice noodles, what dietary restrictions you have, whether you have your period, and what you can't eat when you have your period.

"Li, isn't this a bit risky?"

"Idiot, listen to Li!"

Time passed by minute by minute.

The cheers at the São Paulo stadium are growing louder.

"here we go again!"

"Position changes hands, Napoli's attack is on again!"

Li Luo, however, remained unusually calm on the field.

From God's perspective.

Napoli's attacking routes are as clear as a dynamic geometric diagram. Although Benitez's tactics are effective against Dietmar, they have a fatal flaw: the full-backs push too far forward, leaving open spaces on the flanks for Napoli to run through once the ball is lost.

He wasn't unwilling to break the deadlock; he was waiting for Napoli's "attacking momentum." Once they got used to controlling the pace of the attack, Wolfsburg's counter-attacking opportunities would naturally arise.

Find an opportunity to leverage the greatest advantage of having a God's-eye view.

"They're here! This time it's Insigne!"

The commentator's shouts were hoarse and strained.

This time.

Higuain retreated again.

Insigne, now in his shadow striker form, received a pass from Hamsik.

It’s different in the past.

Wolfsburg has a very dense midfield!

Insigne was confident: That's it? You've tightened up the middle so much? Didn't you leave a lot of space open on the flanks?
Snapped!
Pass the ball.

The football rolled towards the wing.

"Calejon!"

"Wow!"

Li Luo pushed his spatial perception to its limit and rushed out ahead of schedule.

He started from a position very close to Callejon's side.

He exerted all his strength, stomping hard on the grass and stepping out with his right foot.

Snapped!
They cut off Naples' border-central communication!

The cheers in São Paulo came to an abrupt halt.

De Bruyne instantly understood: 'Li's adjustment. Sacrificing width on the flanks for increased midfield density! That's the key? Waiting for the opponent to attack down the flanks? That doesn't seem right either; how does Li know he can precisely cut them off?'

The Napoli players were completely bewildered.

what?
Li's individual defense was so poor, yet he was so lucky to cut off our connection between the flank and the center?

There was no one-on-one hand-to-hand combat.

There was no support defense from one side.

Instead, they cut off our passing connections by anticipating the direction of our attack.
In a trance.

This scene reminded Hamsik of several opponents: the Eastern European duo, Motta, and De Rossi from last season.
During this historical period, the defensive style of midfielders is shifting from relying solely on physical confrontation to a combination of anticipation and interception techniques. Of course, neither approach is inherently superior; it simply requires adapting to the ever-changing tactical landscape.

18-year-old Li? His playing style is keeping up with the times!

Little Hamsik.

How do we know that Li Luo has been using the latest version of the textbook this season?

São Paulo was enveloped in sighs of regret.

Benitez hurriedly stood up.

My brain is racing.

'trap.'

Sacrificing width on the flanks for increased midfield density is a trap!

'I set a trap for Black Gold, and Black Gold set a trap for me inside!'

My thoughts are in disarray.

On the green football field.

After Li Luo intercepted the ball.

The pass has been completed.

The Napoli players didn't have time to think too much; Benitez's instructions were already etched in their minds: press and swarm if they lose possession!

"Li Luo, pass the ball! To Maranda!"

"At this moment, the Chinese prodigy sounded the horn of counterattack, and the Wolfsburg players surged towards Napoli's half like a tidal wave!"

Maranda received the ball and, without hesitation, quickly passed it to Ricardo on the right wing, having memorized Li Luo's hand signals.

Little Black Egg isn't stupid; how could he pass the ball back at this moment?

In the away stands, the green-clad crowd accompanying the team on their long journey was jumping wildly!

Ricardo started to run around the field, and instead of going head-to-head with the recovering Maggio, he made a diagonal pass to De Bruyne in the middle.

The moment the Belgian received the ball, his large rear end forcefully pushed aside Inler's entanglement, and he advanced through the middle like a tank.

The boos from São Paulo erupted instantly.

Napoli fans were trying to disrupt Wolfsburg's counter-attacks in this way.

Benitez was disheveled, his eyes filled with vigilance.

"De Bruyne's advance! Unstoppable!"

He's going to announce it!

De Bruyne swung his leg slightly, and the ball didn't go through the middle, but instead drew a strange arc, bypassing Koulibaly who was coming to cover, and flew precisely towards the left flank, where Schürrle had already rushed over like an arrow!

"Pass the ball low to the ground! Turn the corner!"

"Schürrle wasn't offside! Andújar has come out!"

Bendtner initially thought De Bruyne would pass to him, but when he turned around, he found the ball had bypassed him. He instinctively blocked Britos, creating space for Schürrle to shoot.

The moment Schürrle touched the ball, Andújar lunged forward with outstretched arms, like a moving city wall.

There was still no space to shoot.

Decisions are made subconsciously.

stroll!
Pull the ball back and turn!

结果
More and more Napoli players are tracking back, and these little powerhouses are incredibly fast!

Fortunately, Schürrle has good footwork.

They were not easily dispossessed.

He instinctively dribbled the ball towards the wing!
"What is this for?"

"Schürrle, what are you doing? The Napoli goalkeeper has already retreated."

How many seconds did you waste?

"It delayed Wolfsburg's counter-attack rhythm."

"Wow, Schürrle, that was brilliant! A superb pass!"

Black Gold and the teaching assistants were on the verge of losing their blood pressure.

Fortunately.

There is another village in the dark.

Li Luo rushed up.

Schürrle passed it back.

At this moment, Napoli's defensive positioning has a lot of gaps!

Snapped!
Napoli's halfway line, 30 meters out, near the left flank. The Chinese prodigy controls the ball, swings his leg, and delivers a long pass like a cruise missile.

The football lifted off the ground.

It drew an arc in the air.

It flew straight down to the right side of Napoli's penalty area.

They ruthlessly and precisely struck the weakest point in the defense line!
"Ricardo!"

"Even Grandma could kick it in!"

"Unload the ball."

"Break the door!"

1:2!!!

São Paulo fell silent instantly, except for the cheers of Wolfsburg fans that erupted in one corner of the stands.

Li Luo clapped his hands.

Ricardo charged over like a madman, followed by his Wolfsburg teammates.

"Pretty!"

"The ball went in again!"

"Li Luo's brilliant assist, a long diagonal pass that cuts through the night sky!"

"Precise landing point."

"It was as if they had calculated Ricardo's speed to bring him to the finish!"

"Look back."

"This opportunity to counterattack was seized by Li Luo!"

"Schürrle's ball protection on the wing is crucial."

Studio.
-
[Ball blindness filter: Schürrle.]
-
Surrounded by multiple opponents, Schürrle remained calm and immediately moved to the wing to shield the ball, creating time for his teammates to create opportunities! He then passed the ball back to Li Luo! Excellent vision, awareness, and play! A truly advanced style of play!
-
[What?! If it were any other top attacker, they would have just chipped the ball over the goal; there would be no need for all this trouble!]
-
[Los Angeles is awesome! His passing was superb.]
-
[His defense was also very active. He intercepted the counter-attack opportunity; his movement speed was too fast, and after passing the ball, he immediately sprinted again.]
-
Actually, Li Luo defeated Benitez; after communicating with his Wolfsburg teammates, the defense clearly changed.

Courtside.

Black Gold and the teaching assistants looked shocked.

"Do not talk."

"Get to work!"

"Li's approach is correct; let's optimize it quickly!"

The other side.

Benitez scratched his head in bewilderment.

It's too messy.

A game within a game!

'Then we don't want any of these events!'

'Damn, how come such a tactical genius came from Manchester United's youth academy?'

Take advantage of the other party's celebration.

Old Bei quickly called several core disciples to his side and began to give them instructions!
The game resumes.

The scene is getting more and more intense!
"oops?"

"Why is it getting more and more chaotic?"

"Their gradual, progressive rhythm is gone. Napoli, attack like madmen!"

"Wolfsburg's solid defense!"

Li Luo played with ease.

With both issues resolved, the overall course of the match has been determined.
Next.
its not right.

Napoli's attacking line has relatively strong individual strength!
A striker of Higuain's caliber can, in a moment of brilliance, shatter Wolfsburg's defense!
finally.

Beep! Beep beep~
The referee blew the final whistle.

Napoli 3-5 Wolfsburg

Between the San Paolo stadium and the stands lies a wide running track, preventing the angry Napoli extremists from throwing too much stuff in.

The blue ship was blown up by a smoke grenade.

[Shock Points Gained: 154516!]

Serie A fans ate well, and they were amazed by their own tactical contributions tonight!

One match yielded 130,000 shock points.

Although it can't compare to Everton in its heyday, I'm still quite satisfied.

[Should I spend 100,000 Shock Points to redeem the Europa League All-Star Blind Box?]

[Currently being redeemed]

Rumble.

Rumble.

Accompanied by thunder.

A huge card stood tall in front of him.

Li Luo was in a calm mood, especially after watching the live broadcast of Manchester United's game a while ago: in fact, Manchester United's midfield strength is not bad, especially Mata and Carrick.

To what extent do I need to improve myself in order to achieve revival?

On the card, a solitary figure slowly emerges.

[Putting aside his mistakes in the national team final highlights, his shooting skills are not bad.]

Are you tired of scoring goals?

[Congratulations on obtaining the "Reduce Redundant Movements, Increase Shot Speed" module for Higuain!]

[Legendary Phantoms cannot be triggered without the Soul Forge module.]

[Additional Attribute Boost: Shooting +3!]

[Additional effect: Shooting speed with both feet is increased.]

Shots: 86!

Has the shooting speed also increased?

It means that it doesn't require much adjustment or preparation; this module is very useful.

Li Luo dislikes cartoons where characters have to spend ages adjusting, charging up, shouting out the move's name, and reminiscing about past events before actually kicking a heavy cannon.

(End of this chapter)