I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 686: Chapter 1: 20, 23, 25

[Badge Introduction: Increase accuracy when using the outside foot.]

[Trait: Chen’s Arc LV1]

[Trait Introduction: After being influenced by masters like Guti, Beckham, and Pirlo, your skill in taking free kicks has greatly improved, and you’ve developed your own signature arc.]

[Badge: Suspension (Silver)]

[Badge Introduction: Enhance a player’s jumping and suspension abilities.]

[Trait: Air Time]

[Trait Introduction: Due to long-term training with the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, your air time ability has subtly improved.]

[Trait: Spring]

[Trait Introduction: Due to long-term training with the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, your jumping ability has subtly improved.]

[Badge: Sprinting (Silver)]

[Badge Introduction: Increase the player’s acceleration speed.]

[Trait: Kaka’s Rush]

[Trait Introduction: Your special experience in Milan has allowed you to grasp some of Kaka’s sprinting secrets, but due to physical factors, you can’t become another Kaka.]

Chen Zhong, while waiting for the players to line up, couldn’t help but review his physical badges.

Durability needs no explanation; Chen Zhong’s stamina data hasn’t increased much, given his physique of 190 cm and weight of 91 kg, a stamina level of 79 in midfield means he can last about 70 minutes.

Yet, because he possesses Durability, his stamina in midfield can be deemed adequate.

After all, reducing stamina consumption allows him to use his 79 stamina as if it were 81-82, and combined with enhanced midfield recovery, he can use his full-field stamina as if it were 84-85.

This is already considered a decent level.

Next is Suspension, this badge makes him more comfortable when handling high balls or volley balls, such as volley passes or volley shots.

It’s a badge that one could do without, but having it makes playing appear more talented or smoother, like a lubricant.

Then there’s the outside foot; Chen Zhong used it in some previous matches, a rather advanced football technique, but Chen Zhong doesn’t play on the wings. Otherwise, he could execute an outside foot pass from the wing, bypassing defenders with an unusual arc.

Like the Suspension badge, it’s one that might not be necessary but offers Chen Zhong an extra choice when handling the ball.

Yet Chen Zhong must consciously employ the outside foot, or else this badge would be practically wasted.

The most shocking for Chen Zhong are Suspension and Sprinting, with Suspension enhancing heading abilities such as aerial duels and scoring attempts, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s two traits. Combined with Chen Zhong’s physical attributes, it’s a powerful synergy.

Thinking of this, Chen Zhong couldn’t help but glance at Cristiano Ronaldo, who also returned a brilliant smile.

The two often train together at night. Initially, Chen Zhong was amazed by the Portuguese’s jumping ability and his air time duration.

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s height doesn’t offer much advantage at the center forward position, his jumping ability and air time allow him to be even more threatening in headers than a 190 cm center forward.

Exaggeratedly, it feels as if he is flying.

But now...

Chen Zhong also possesses this ability.

Then there’s Kaka.

Kaka’s Rush has directly given Chen Zhong two silver badges, one enhancing ball carrying speed, the other start-up speed, both features of Kaka’s style.

The ability to shake off defenders on the spot, the sudden burst of start-up speed can instantly create space between him and the defending player, and once space is gained, Kaka’s dribbling ability ensures the opponent can’t catch up...

Chen Zhong’s speed isn’t particularly fast, with an overall rating of 80, acceleration at 79, and speed at 81.

With these two silver badges, Chen Zhong’s composite speed feels as if it should be 82-83 or even 84.

This makes Chen Zhong in midfield, whether it’s forward runs or interceptions and pressing during defense, though not fast, not slow either.

Kaka noticed Chen Zhong’s gaze and returned a big smile to him, Chen Zhong nodded back with a gentle smile, his eyes on Kaka filled with warmth.

Aguero watched Chen Zhong interact with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka and frowned.

Initially, he didn’t want Chen Zhong to focus on him too much.

Having suffered greatly because of Chen Zhong before, but now with Chen Zhong completely ignoring him, treating him as invisible, Aguero felt somewhat displeased.

Once, Chen Zhong needed to look up to him.

After all, in Chen Zhong’s first season at Real Madrid, Aguero was endlessly radiant, even to some extent overshadowing Messi.

But now...

Though Aguero’s performances are still outstanding, and he could be considered ”top tier” in his position and type, compared to Chen Zhong, he’s quite lacking.

Even in his primary job of scoring, Aguero falls short of Chen Zhong.

But Aguero felt it was because of Atletico Madrid’s inconsistency.

”If I leave Atletico Madrid.”

”I will surely be more glorious than now!” Aguero’s eyes flashed with determination, though Atletico Madrid is currently warming up, but Diego Simeone and Aguero have already experienced a rift, as Diego Simeone’s tactics aren’t compatible with Aguero...

Diego Simeone seems to favor the departed Costa even considering activating a buy-back clause.

I am not inferior to him!

Aguero mentally recited. He approached Chen Zhong, chest out, wanting to issue a challenge declaration to Chen Zhong, but Chen Zhong’s mere ”dismissive” glance caused Aguero to turn back to his own lineup.

”Forget it!”

”I am a professional player.” Aguero comforted himself, also reasoning that defenders should overlook him rather than focusing on him, to strike decisively.

Chen Zhong raised his eyebrows, watching Aguero’s C-position movement, feeling slightly amused.

Alright!

You might be a genius.

But among those present, who isn’t a genius?

In these few seasons, you have likely improved greatly, if three or four years ago I faced you now, perhaps I’d have difficulty stopping you, giving you opportunities.

However...

Clearly, my progress over these three or four years far surpasses yours.

In this game, leader, core, tough guy, and Ballon d’Or aura are all fully unleashed.

Including 3 gold and 12 silver badges, plus significant data boosts, along with various traits...

What do you have to compete with me?

Little brother?

The players from both teams walked out from the tunnel, with Real Madrid’s players following their captain, brimming with confidence and fighting spirit, each thinking of one word ”fight!” and two words ”must win!”

While Atletico Madrid’s players, hearing the shouts outside, thinking of the winless curse at the Bernabeu, seeing the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner Chen Zhong and two veteran Ballon d’Or winners, then looking at their own ”mediocre” squad, could only say ”let’s go” and ”good luck.”

”CCTV, CCTV.”

”Now it’s January 14, 2011, Beijing time.”

”Broadcasting live is the 2010/11 Spanish King’s Cup Quarterfinals first leg match.”

”Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid.”

”For this match, Di Maria and Negredo are substitutes, Benzema starts, Atletico Madrid’s new signing, former Real Madrid player Juanfran will start.”

”Here are the starting lineups for both teams:”