Roma Youth Team's head coach, Vincenzo Montella, was very satisfied with Ye Cheng's physical condition.
He had already received Ye Chen's physical test data.
Before this.
He had also seen the unedited video that Esposito filmed, showing Ye Chen scoring three consecutive headers over the Lazio Youth Team players.
The first time he saw Ye Cheng.
He immediately took a liking to this Da Xia center forward.
With a height of 1.89 meters, according to Ye Cheng's growth curve, he should be able to exceed 1.9 meters in the future.
A weight of eighty-five kilograms.
Although among the adult players in the first team.
It is common for players around 1.9 meters tall to have such a weight.
But in the youth team.
Such a weight seemed a bit "overweight".
However, after seeing Ye Cheng's well-proportioned, even somewhat slender physique.
Montella, who was once a top striker himself, knew.
This kid looks thin.
But he's all muscle.
"You should try to gain a few more kilograms."
Montella said.
"I'm trying, sir."
Ye Cheng smiled.
Serie A is definitely not unfamiliar to Da Xia fans.
Because it was the first major European League introduced by the Da Xia National Television Sports Channel.
Many Da Xia fans' initial exposure to football was influenced by Serie A.
In its heyday, Serie A was indeed the world's number one League.
Known as the 'Little World Cup'.
However.
With the overall economic decline of Italy, Serie A has become relatively stagnant compared to the Premier League and La Liga.
But no matter what.
Serie A is still one of the four major European Leagues.
Alongside the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga.
Among them, the northern 'Big Three' like AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus, have many supporters all over the world.
As well as second-tier powerhouses like Roma, Naples, and Lazio.
Also have a considerable number of fans abroad.
Ye Cheng had watched Montella play on television.
He naturally knew that this was a truly powerful player.
A forward who could score double-digit goals for nine consecutive seasons in a defensively tight League like Serie A.
He certainly had some tricks up his sleeve.
"Although I'm very satisfied with your physical data. But young man, this is football, not a track and field or wrestling arena. I know your heading is excellent, so... next, in the game, conquer me with your headers!"
Montella pointed to his head and smiled.
"Just you wait and see!"
Ye Cheng was full of confidence.
At this moment.
A coach with a whistle around his neck walked up to Ye Cheng: "Are you ready, young man?"
Ye Cheng nodded.
"The match will be sixty minutes, with two thirty-minute halves and a ten-minute break in between."
This was a formal eleven-a-side match.
This was a necessary step for the tryout.
Actually.
For most players who attend tryouts.
The tryout process usually lasts one to two weeks.
Physical and technical tests are just a stepping stone.
A regular team usually doesn't finalize a player's signing in a very short time.
They will give the player one or two weeks to train with the team and participate in practice matches.
During this process, they observe the player's abili ties.
Ye Cheng put on the yellow bib.
【Ding! Activated side quest: Pass the Roma tryout!】
A smile appeared on Ye Cheng's face.
Pass the tryout?
He had never been so confident as he was now.
....
"This guy is too specialized..."
"If I hadn't seen his goals against the Lazio Youth Team, honestly, I wouldn't have believed he could play professional football..."
"Look at this technique... Sigh, forget it, don't expect him to do anything else, why not just play long balls?"
"That's all we can do now."
The Roma Youth Team coaches shook their heads.
If Ye Cheng's heading was ignored.
Then this player was simply useless.
His technique was too rough.
With just a little pressing.
He'd miscontrol the ball by three meters, and his first touch was like a hot potato.
Compared to the other players in the Roma Youth Team.
The gap was obvious.
Montella smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, we all know why we're giving him a tryout."
Of course, it was because of his heading ability.
Modern football demands more and more from strikers.
More versatile center forwards are what many teams pursue.
However, in Montella's era.
There were still quite a few one-trick pony forwards...
The most typical example was his national team teammate, Inzaghi.
This guy was known as the man who lived on the offside line.
Not fast, and not top-tier in terms of technique.
But he became a top striker simply by relying on his monstrous off-the-ball movement and calm finishing ability in front of goal.
In Montella's view.
It didn't matter if Ye Chen's other techniques were rough.
As a forward.
The most important thing is to put the ball into the opponent's goal.
As for what method you use?
Montella didn't care about that.
Scoring with a header is a goal, and dribbling past several players, then rounding the goalkeeper to put the ball into the net, is also a goal.
There's no such thing as one goal being more noble than another...
Montella was a pure forward.
He only cared whether Ye Cheng could complete the tactical task.
Thinking of this.
He directly said, "No need to pass the ball around in midfield. Go tell the players to play high balls, whether it's a cross from the wing or a long pass from the back, find Ye's head. Tell him... if there's a chance, head it directly at goal himself, if there's no chance, use his heading to help teammates score!"
"Understood!"
The assistant coach, who was acting as the referee, blew the whistle to stop the game.
Then he called everyone aside and explained the new instructions.
The Roma Youth Team players all looked at Ye Cheng.
They had originally thought that this tryout was another waste of time, and Ye Cheng would at most stay at the Roma Youth Academy for two days before leaving.
But now it seemed...
The head coach still valued Ye Cheng quite a bit.
Such a setup.
Was treating Ye Cheng as a core player in the attacking third.
Matteo Politano, considered the most promising talent in the Roma U19 Youth Team, looked at Ye Cheng seriously for the first time.
He was only 16 years old this year, but he had skipped a level to play in U19 matches.
Starting this year, Montella had been cultivating him as the core of the U19 team.
And now, because of a tryout player, his core position had to be temporarily given up.
"I want to see... what abili ties you really have."
Politano felt a bit unconvinced in his heart.
.....
The Roma Youth Team's tactics didn't involve much aerial play.
After all, they were a Serie A team, not Premier League.
So Ye Cheng was quite awkward at first.
But with the tactical adjustment.
He quickly found his rhythm.
When the ball came from the backfield.
Ye Cheng stared at the incoming ball in the air.
In his mind.
He clearly outlined the ball's flight path, its landing spot, and even... the best timing to contest the ball!
Although before this.
He had been a high center forward when he was in Da Xia.
He was no stranger to heading for the ball.
But....
Before this.
His understanding of heading was just a very vague concept, relying on instinct to win headers.
A one-off deal.
If he headed it, he headed it.
If he didn't, he didn't.
As for why he could head it, or why he couldn't...
Who would think about that question?
But now it was different.
He knew very clearly.
Where he should be, when, and how to head the ball.
Even.
He still had time to observe his teammates' runs.
This ball was passed from the backfield.
Therefore.
A direct header at goal was unlikely.
He could only look for his teammates.
He saw Politano's position.
Then at that moment.
A clear attacking plan appeared in his mind.
When the ball came down.
Ye Cheng suddenly jumped in place.
Leaping high from a standstill!
"Oh...."
The coaches watching gasped in surprise.
Montella, who was observing, also showed a surprised expression.
"What incredible jumping ability!"
The defending defender also jumped vigorously, but it was clear.
Although both sides were similar in height, Ye Cheng was a full head taller than his opponent after jumping!
In the air, Ye Cheng headed the descending ball with a gentle flick.
....
Politano was a winger.
He was originally standing on the wing.
But upon seeing the ball fly towards the penalty area.
He realized that if Ye Cheng could see him, they might be able to combine.
Politano cut in along the edge of the penalty area.
Just in time to see Ye Cheng leap high into the air.
"So high!"
Politano was startled.
Just then.
He saw the ball flying towards him.
Almost instinctively, he controlled the ball with his left foot and shot with his right.
The ball flew into the goal.
"Great goal!"
Ye Cheng landed from the air, patting Politano's shoulder and shouting loudly in English.
A smile appeared on Politano's face.
Who cared about being the core or not?
Who wouldn't want to be teammates with a strong player?
The two high-fived, hugged, and celebrated the goal together.
The defending players looked at each other.
They hadn't thought much of this guy who couldn't even control the ball properly.
But the result was....
Ye Cheng's jumping ability and precise header assist surprised them greatly.
If this headed assist was just an appetizer.
Then, Ye Cheng's aerial dominance that followed made all the players and coaches present feel a little numb.
Two minutes later.
Politano returned the favor.
He broke through on the wing, went to the byline, and crossed.
Inside the penalty area.
Ye Cheng leaped high.
Overpowering two defenders, he headed the ball into the net.
Just three minutes later.
Ye Cheng had another header at goal, hitting the crossbar and going out for a goal kick.
In just ten minutes of the practice match.
Ye Cheng had one assist and one goal.
And one shot that hit the crossbar.
Such a performance made all the Roma Youth Team coaches very excited.
"This heading ability... is too outstanding!"
"Although this kid isn't good at anything else, this heading ability alone is enough to earn him a spot."
"The youth team players can't stop him, only the first team defenders can."
Hearing his assistants' discussions.
A smile appeared on Montella's face.
He was very satisfied with Ye Cheng's performance.
It seemed the video Esposito had sent him earlier wasn't fake.
This kid was indeed a high center forward with a severe specialization.
The current defensive intensity isn't enough to push him to his limit.
“Whistle, time out!” Montella said.
In an internal training match, the result wasn't important; what mattered was what the head coach could glean from the game.
So, calling a timeout at any time wasn't strange.
The players weren't surprised either.
Montella called everyone over.
Several defenders hung their heads in front of Montella.
Montella, on the other hand, criticized their performance without reservation: “Your performance just now was truly terrible!”
“Don't lower your heads! Lift your heads up!!”
“You were just dominated by one person above your heads!”
“He was kicked out by Lazio, and now he can lord it over you! Are you worse than Lazio?”
In Roma.
Roma and Lazio.
They are absolute arch-rivals.
The Rome Derby is the most intense derby on the Serie A stage.
For a long time,
the two teams have been hostile to each other.
The Roma Youth Team players naturally knew that their enemy was Lazio!
Montella belittled them to be even worse than Lazio.
This deeply stimulated the Roma Youth Team players.
They all lifted their heads, clenched their fists, and gritted their teeth.
“Very good…” Montella saw the fighting spirit of his players, “You must stop him at all costs, fight him to the death in the air!”
Montella, like an orator, stirred up the fighting spirit of the players.
These young men were so encouraged by him that they roared, eager to get on the field immediately and press Ye Cheng down in the air.
“Pull him, hit him, foul him if necessary, but stop him! As long as you can defeat him, I allow you to use any method!” Montella shouted loudly.
“Roar!” The Roma Youth Team players roared in unison.
Then, one by one, they returned to the field with fierce momentum.
Politan, who witnessed this scene, couldn't help but pat Ye Cheng's shoulder sympathetically.
Ye Cheng didn't speak Italian.
So he had no idea what Montella said.
But from everyone's reaction, it was clear that the defensive pressure he was about to face would be completely different from before.
....
“Wouldn't this… be too much?” an assistant coach asked hesitantly.
Montella smiled slightly.
“If he can't even handle this level of defense, then how can he play for the first team?”
Several coaches exchanged glances.
It turned out that in Montella's mind… Ye Cheng didn't belong to the youth team.
.....
Ye Cheng quickly realized what kind of defense he had to deal with.
When he tried to rush into the penalty area to get a header,
he was immediately hugged around the waist by a player, and the two tangled and fell to the ground.
He thought the referee would call a foul.
But...
He didn't hear a whistle at all.
When he encountered this situation several times,
he understood what the opponent was trying to do.
They wanted to use every method, including fouls, to stop him and prevent him from using his greatest ability—heading!
Ye Cheng knew.
This was Montella's test for him.
Before this,
he had already proven that, under normal circumstances, he had a great advantage over the Roma Youth Team players.
And now,
the opponent had changed their approach.
What was his purpose?
Ye Cheng didn't think Montella was intentionally trying to make things difficult for him.
Then…
there was only one answer.
That was, Montella wanted to see where his limit was.
For Ye Chen,
he also didn't want to waste too much time in the youth team.
He wanted to play in Serie A, go to the first team, sign a professional contract, and become a true professional player!
He watched the football fly in from the wing.
The trajectory of the ball's flight was once again clearly outlined in his mind.
But,
he was restricted at this moment.
Two defenders, one in front and one behind, sandwiched him in the middle.
Both of them reached out and grabbed his jersey.
He was like he was sealed.
Unable to move.
Ye Cheng gritted his teeth.
He was very clear about his situation.
He had no way out!
He had offended Li Tie and the Da Xia Football Association behind him.
He was now suspended from all levels of the national team.
And…
it was obvious.
In this situation,
no club in Da Xia Country would dare to sign him at the risk of offending the Football Association.
He had to go to Europe.
He had to make a name for himself in the European League!
He gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his neck.
The one pulling his jersey was Giovanni Baiz, Roma Youth Team's main center-back.
He was pulling Ye Cheng with one hand, but found… he couldn't hold him back.
So, he used both hands.
This time…
surely he could stop him, right?
But just then,
he heard a “rip” sound.
Giovanni looked down in horror at the jersey he was holding, which was gradually tearing apart…
Ye Cheng rushed forward desperately.
He was dragging two players behind him.
The resistance was immense.
But just at this moment…
he suddenly felt his body lighten.
His heart was overjoyed.
Ye Cheng's body instantly transformed, like a carp leaping over the dragon's gate, turning into a dragon.
Rip!
Ye Cheng's jersey was torn to shreds.
And he himself had already taken a step forward, then leaped high, flying through the air.
At the same time,
two other defenders also jumped up.
They stood in front of Ye Cheng.
From the side and behind, another defender jumped up, colliding with Ye Cheng's back.
Three-man pincer attack!
Montella stared intently at the field.
This was the scene he hoped to see!
Facing such a defense, if you can still break through…
then it proves that you already have the ability to play for Roma's first team!
Facing such a defense,
Ye Cheng's body collided with the two defenders rushing at him from the front.
His strength, rated as high as 93, gave him super strong confrontation ability.
The two defenders were pushed away by him.
At the same time,
his jersey was completely torn open,
revealing his muscular physique, like a swimming dragon.
His muscles were taut and bulging all over his body.
Powerful core strength drove his neck and head, like a giant dragon swinging in the air.
Bang!
He first headed the ball towards the goal.
Immediately after, he collided with the player who had rushed into him from behind.
Both of them lost their balance in the air.
But it didn't matter…
the ball had already flown towards the goal.
Ye Cheng, almost horizontal in the air, stared intently at the football flying towards the goal.
The moment the ball grazed the crossbar, entered the goal, and hit the net,
Ye Cheng landed on the ground.
He suddenly propped himself up with his hands, leaped up, and let out a long roar to the sky!
“Well done!!”
Politan rushed over excitedly and jumped onto Ye Cheng's back.
Ye Cheng's temporary teammates also cheered and rushed over.
At this moment,
Ye Cheng's performance had completely conquered them.
At Ye Cheng's feet,
the youth team defenders who desperately wanted to stop him.
Stared blankly at the big man clenching his fists, snarling, and roaring.
A hint of admiration couldn't help but appear on their faces.
At any time,
strength
is the basis for earning respect.
Montella smiled.
He turned to his assistants.
“Roma will have a top center-forward!” he said.
“If only his footwork were better…” an assistant coach couldn't help but sigh.
“Alright, don't be too greedy…” Montella shrugged.
“There's no need to continue the match.”
He walked onto the training ground.
“Hey, young man, I have to admit, you've won me over,” Montella said, “Are you willing to sign a youth team contract with Roma?”
So… the trial was successful?
Although Ye Cheng had anticipated this outcome,
he still felt a moment of trance when he was actually able to sign with the Roma Youth Team.
Montella thought he didn't care for a youth team contract and explained, “The youth team contract is temporary; I will get the first team to sign you as soon as possible.”
“As long as you can impress the first team head coach, a professional contract will soon be presented to you,” Montella said.
Ye Cheng came to his senses.
Of course, he was willing to sign a contract with Roma.
He could go to other places for trials, but that would be a waste of time.
Moreover,
it was just a youth team contract.
The binding force was too low.
He wasn't worried at all that a youth team contract could tie him down.
What he needed now was an opportunity, a chance to play.
Ye Cheng knew his strengths and weaknesses.
A player with such distinct strengths and weaknesses,
especially needed the head coach's attention.
Clearly,
Montella clearly valued him highly.
Given that,
there was no need to try his luck with other teams.
After all, it was just a youth team contract.
Hearing Ye Cheng nod,
a smile appeared on Montella's lips.
“Young man, you won't regret your choice today.”
A smile also appeared on Ye Cheng's face.
Since youth team contracts did not require approval from the first team head coach,
Montella, as the head of the Roma Youth Academy, had the right to sign a youth team player himself.
Therefore,
in the office of the Youth Academy training base,
Ye Cheng signed his name on an A-level youth training contract—the so-called A-level being the highest-tier contract among Roma Youth Team's youth training contracts.
The annual salary wasn't high, only 100,000 euros.
But among youth team players, it was already considered a “tycoon version” contract.
As Ye Cheng signed his name on the contract,
in his mind,
the system's voice sounded.
【Ding! Side mission 【Pass Roma Trial】 completed】
【Received mission reward: 3000 experience points, random Jumping Candy +1!】
【Ding! Main mission 【Complete Team Signing】 completed】
【Received mission reward: 5000 experience points, Free Attribute Point +1, acquired skill: Strong as an Ox!】
【Main Mission System activated.】
【Training Ground System activated.】
【Exchange Shop System activated.】
A series of system prompts flashed through his mind.
......