I AM the Football Star

Chapter 250 - 87: A Top Defender Can Steal From Opponents—and Teammates

In short, on the field, Becher’s never made mistakes; it was always everyone else’s fault.

How could his teammates possibly be happy with that?

Sogel helped him on the wing twice, only to hear, "Why aren’t you in the penalty area for the chance? I just had a great chance to through pass into the box!"

Sogel shrugged, okay, let’s see if I’ll ever help you on the wing again.

Bai Zhami made a routine run, cutting inside without the ball, only to hear, "Stay on the wing, will you? You’ve dragged all the defenders over to me. Do I have to take on three by myself?"

Bai Zhami was full of questions, such a great opportunity with an open shot and you don’t take it? This is what Lu is best at, are you capable or not?

Versachi moved up to assist, but Becher’s pass was a chance, yet he complained that Versachi’s run blocked his breakthrough direction.

Versachi had a look of disgust.

My off-the-ball run isn’t faster than your dribbling circles against the opponents?

I’ve already run two meters ahead of you, and you’re blaming me for blocking your run?

Did you have to apply for air routes with the civil aviation administration while playing soccer?

So no one can appear in front of you?

Even the super worker Latu Yidi, almost never moving forward while anchoring the defense, was criticized by Becher’s, "Why didn’t you move up just now to support, you’re a midfielder, you can’t be invisible!"

Latu Yidi was too angry to speak, is my title as Serie A’s Best Midfielder, Best Defensive Player, and Tackle King so meaningless?

This season, Latu Yidi is currently the tackle king in the Italian Third Division, even better than Lu’s flying tackles, enough to prove his importance, and you call him invisible?

I’m a defensive midfielder, my speed is naturally slow, my duty is only defense, understand? If I move up, the opponent can reach the edge of the penalty area in minutes, so losing the ball has nothing to do with you, right?

Playing for half a game, Becher’s caused widespread resentment.

During halftime, Becher’s even sought out Sotu, claiming the current team system needed significant changes and he needed full tactical support.

Sotu agreed with him and emphasized some things Becher’s needed during the tactical arrangements.

"Matias, you can move forward at the right moment," Sotu said.

"Huh? What about the gap left behind when I move up?" Matias looked troubled.

"Lu will fill in," Sotu said, "Versachi, mind your movement position, move more towards the right wing, and leave the central area for Becher’s to cut in; he likes operating in this area."

Versachi nodded helplessly, thinking damn, now you want me to move to the wing or even go for the bottom cross, why not let me play right winger?

"Latu Yidi, when possible, swap positions with Lu more and try participating in the attack," Sotu continued, "Bai Zhami, open up space more, today’s main task is the bottom cross."

"Sogel, stay in the penalty area and pressure their center-backs, don’t let them focus on Becher’s side."

Everyone was dumbfounded after these arrangements.

This tactic sounds quite familiar.

Upon careful inspection, it’s just to let Becher’s hold the ball in the half-space, isn’t it?

Isn’t this exactly Lu’s most adept playing style?

However, although both involve holding the ball in the half-space, Becher’s and Lu’s needs are fundamentally different.

Lu needs teammates to come near him, run cross slots with him, and shield him.

While Becher’s needs more space.

There are two main reasons for these different needs.

The first is that Becher’s personal ability is stronger, so he doesn’t want his teammates to "block" him.

The second is that Lu’s vision is too strong, able to spot any route to deliver a deadly pass or take a threatening shot in a complicated environment.

Becher’s advantage is Lu’s disadvantage.

Lu’s advantage is equally Becher’s disadvantage.

This is why the same position demands two different playing styles.

With the team serving them both, how much threat they can create in the half-space will be the sole criterion for judging who is more suitable for that position.

Indeed, letting Becher’s operate here with Lu dropping to midfield isn’t a problem.

But... if Becher’s isn’t efficient enough, why should Lu sacrifice his versatility to accommodate Becher’s?

He doesn’t want to be a player harmed by his own versatility!

Pogba playing defensive midfield, Griezmann playing defensive forward, Kimmich and Cuadrado playing right back, Douglas Costa constantly switching flanks, these are all out of helplessness, not their most adept or desired positions.

...

Soon, the second half kicked off.

Everyone noticed San Remo’s formation had changed.

From 4213 to 433.

Lu retreated to the midfield.

And his attacking midfielder position was mostly occupied by Becher’s cutting in from the right winger position.

Versachi moved up to fill Becher’s right winger spot.

In playing style, Becher’s swayed more between the right wing and attacking midfielder positions.

The threat he posed indeed increased significantly.

He earned two set pieces in the half-space for the team.

But the positions were quite far from the goal, unable to generate very direct threats.

In the 81st minute of the second half.

Becher’s called Matias to move up and overlap with him.

After a wall pass, he decisively cut inside.

Matias continued to move forward.