I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 254: Chapter 7: Prodigy! Bumper Harvest!

”What’s happening over there?”

”It seems to be because of Chen.”

”What’s up with Chen? Is it about that free kick thing again? He can’t learn it.”

On the training ground, people came over to watch the commotion. Over the past two weeks, Chen Zhong’s practice of free kicks had become quite the spectacle. At first, people admired him, saying, ”Ah, with such dedication, no wonder he could succeed!”

But now...

ε=(´ο｀*))) Aw, such a silly guy, can he really become the future star of Real Madrid?

”Chen!”

”You need to focus your energy in the right direction.”

”You shouldn’t waste time in areas you’re not good at. Fine, I agreed to let you practice free kicks. Didn’t you say once? Why did you take two balls?”

Ancelotti stood by, painstakingly advising. Initially, he thought, if Chen Zhong wanted to practice free kicks, let him practice! Anyway, the team’s midfield is currently overcrowded, and he probably won’t get any playing time in the short term. Having something to divert his attention isn’t a bad thing.

But who would have thought it would end up like this!

Chen Zhong was becoming obsessed with practicing free kicks.

As Chen Zhong fetched the ball, staff and players gradually gathered around. Pirlo, Inzaghi, and Kaka clustered together. Inzaghi, looking at Chen Zhong’s stubborn stance, said with some admiration, ”This guy is really headstrong. Andrea, why don’t you guide him a bit?”

”Why don’t you go?” Andrea Pirlo squinted at Inzaghi and said, ”He can’t learn from me, his technique is too poor, he can’t produce the arc. If he learns from you or Kaka, maybe there’s a chance.”

Inzaghi and Kaka exchanged glances, somewhat agreeing with Pirlo’s statement.

Inzaghi is pretty ”average” in all aspects, but his most outstanding feature is his sense in front of the goal, movement without the ball, and excellent anticipation. Chen Zhong, while playing for Real Madrid, somewhat exhibited Inzaghi’s traits; whether attacking or defending, he always chose the right position, commonly known as ”high football IQ.”

Although Kaka is a Brazilian player, he received European football education from a young age and possesses characteristics of European football—simple and practical ball handling. Kaka’s most impressive skill is his ability to integrate ball handling with his pace; when he strides across the field with the ball, his unique dribbling rhythm and footwork are a pleasure to watch and fast, complemented by his long legs, make him exceptional.

Compared to having Chen Zhong learn Beckham’s ”Crescent Blade” or Pirlo’s ”Surgical Knife-like pass,” maybe learning from Inzaghi and Kaka might bring him better success.

”It’s starting.”

Kaka turned his head to his teammates, and everyone else directed their gazes at the training pitch. They weren’t expecting Chen Zhong to perform marvelously, but wanted to see if this stubborn kid could face reality this time.

Ancelotti remained silent, thinking it was just about one or two free kicks—it would only last about ten minutes. He hoped Chen Zhong could realize the truth within these ten minutes.

Everyone thought Beckham just had that one excellent free kick, but now they know, only Beckham can hit it like that.

Chen Zhong blocked out the surrounding noise, and once more Beckham’s image appeared before his eyes. Chen Zhong could clearly recall every step and detail of Beckham’s movement even with his eyes closed.

After all, in these 15 days, Chen Zhong had watched Beckham’s movements over 1000 times!

He deepened the impression with each attempt, improved his movement with every correction, and reinforced muscle memory time and again.

Jogging, initiating his step.

”Bang!”

The ball barely formed an arc in the air, making some spectators on the sideline laugh out loud.

”What’s the point of practicing like this?”

”He’ll never have the chance to take a free kick.”

”The movement and posture have a bit of Beckham’s style, but...”

”Let’s hope this kid can face reality! 15 days has been long enough.”

”Honestly, I was a bit hopeful at first, but now seeing this, he’ll need another half-month of practice, maybe even half a year won’t do!”

People on the sidelines muttered quietly, as in their eyes, Chen Zhong wasn’t truly one of them.

Loan him for half a season?

Who are they looking down on with this! We’re ready to renew any time with Beckham and even Shevchenko. But for Chen Zhong...

The chaotic voices on the sidelines were completely inaudible to Chen Zhong, because he was immersed in the joy of finally completing his task.

”Special Task (1): Initially grasp the arc.” (Completed)

”Task Objective: Complete 1000 free kick practices.”

”Task Reward: Completion grants an arc (Bronze) badge, and unlocks Special Task (2)”

The bronze arc badge flashed before his eyes, followed immediately by the contents of ”Special Task (2).”

”Special Task (2): Familiarize with the arc”

”Task Objective: Consciously use the arc 10,000 times in official matches.”

”Task Reward: Completion grants an arc (Silver) badge, and unlocks Special Task (3)”

Chen Zhong initially wanted to fill up the arc in one go, since having a goal brings motivation, but now it seems not as easy. In a game, midfielders might have the most passes, but averaging 95-100 passes per game is already a lot.