De Bruyne looked up, panting, and glanced at the scoreboard.
Seventy-six minutes had passed.
He was truly exhausted.
He had never imagined that the intensity of Premier League matches would be this high. The Belgian domestic league couldn't even compare, and there was far more physical contact in the Premier League.
Just moments ago, he had a great chance to play a through ball to his teammate during a counterattack, but Essien tracked back just in time and bumped him, making it impossible for him to control the pass.
What frustrated him most was that the referee didn't even blow the whistle.
My God, the level of intensity and physicality is just overwhelming!
De Bruyne finally understood why, when he first joined Manchester City, everyone had told him that his small frame wouldn't be able to handle the Premier League.
Buenaventura and Pintus's preseason training had been grueling, but after getting through it, he felt that his potential had been tapped into. His physical condition had improved, and he was much stronger. He'd thought he was finally ready for the Premier League.
But now, he realized he was still too young and inexperienced.
It was already the 76th minute, and the head coach still hadn't subbed him off. Clearly, he intended for De Bruyne to play the full match.
Before the game, the coach had called him into the office to talk. He had mentioned this and told him to speak up if he couldn't make it through the game. But he'd managed to hold on this long.
Even so, every time he paused, he could feel his legs trembling slightly.
That was a sign that his energy was nearly depleted.
Thanks to Pintus and those long runs after every training session, he was still able to persevere.
…
After taking a deep breath, De Bruyne saw the ball coming his way again and instantly started running. Yet his mind couldn't help but drift to the coach's instructions and the reminders given before the match.
After arriving at Manchester City, De Bruyne truly felt what a professional team was like.
Gao Shen, along with the coaching and analysis staff, had focused specifically on his training and preseason performances. They thoroughly analyzed his technical traits and gave him very targeted advice.
He had good ball control and dribbling, and was skilled at getting out of tight situations. But his greatest strength was his diagonal passing.
Gao Shen had told him, "I see the shadow of Beckham in you."
That compliment had flattered De Bruyne.
Beckham was a global superstar, once a top-three contender for the Ballon d'Or.
Even more importantly, Gao Shen had been Beckham's head coach. A compliment from Gao Shen carried serious weight.
Throughout the preseason, Gao Shen and the staff helped De Bruyne analyze his strengths and unique qualities.
As modern football tactics became more compact, diagonal passes were becoming rarer.
There were more direct passes and horizontal combinations.
But diagonal passes had a distinct advantage. They were less predictable and much more dangerous.
Gao Shen even placed the diagonal pass on the same level as the inverted triangle pass.
That was saying a lot. The inverted triangle pass had long been considered one of the most lethal, especially when the receiving player was facing the goal—those situations were extremely hard to defend.
Robben had trained his diagonal passes relentlessly. After cutting in from the right, his favored move, he would use his left foot to send a diagonal ball toward the back post. It was deadly.
Gao Shen used tons of examples, videos, and even hand-drawn illustrations to explain the mechanics and benefits of diagonal passing to De Bruyne.
In the Belgian league, De Bruyne's passing had already been a key asset for his team. But people only knew he was a good passer. No one had ever explained exactly why he was good, or what made his passes effective.
And no one had ever shown him how his skill set could translate to one of the top four leagues.
At Manchester City, for the first time, someone had shown him how to exploit defensive blind spots with diagonal passes. How to deliver assists that made it easier for teammates to finish. And how to select the right type of pass in complex, high-pressure situations.
It was a systematic education that had opened a whole new door for him.
He now had a much clearer understanding of both his strengths and weaknesses. And he knew that if he wanted to secure a place at Manchester City, in the Premier League, and at the top level of world football, he needed a signature weapon.
And what Gao Shen had taught him—that was his trump card.
In addition, Gao Shen emphasized the need to strengthen his fitness and physical condition.
"A passer has to run," he said. "Otherwise, you'll get locked down, just like Beckham used to."
After just one short preseason, De Bruyne had been completely convinced by Gao Shen.
He finally understood why Hazard had progressed so rapidly under him in just one season.
He finally understood how Gao Shen had developed so many stars.
…
Manchester City launched a fast counterattack after winning the ball in midfield.
Hazard dribbled down the left and passed to David Silva.
Before receiving the ball, the Spanish midfielder glanced up, then without stopping it, used his left foot to play the ball to Van Persie, who had dropped back. He then turned, bypassed Ramires, and moved laterally, raising his hand to call for the return pass.
"Here!"
Van Persie understood and played the ball into Silva's path, allowing him to avoid Ramires. As he received the ball, Silva looked to push forward, but Essien was already on him, forcing him to stop and turn to shield the ball.
One more step and Essien would've gone in for the challenge.
David Silva turned in a tight circle to shake off Essien, looked to his right, and saw De Bruyne waving for the ball in open space. He immediately passed it with his left foot.
The Belgian was out of breath, but he was still moving.
With his back to the right touchline, he had a wide view of the entire penalty area.
Gao Shen had told him: a great and intelligent passer must always stay alert.
You need to see both the big picture and the details. You must be aware of everyone's movements and constantly predict their intentions in your mind.
Just like now.
With a single glance, De Bruyne could see the entire penalty area clearly. At the same time, his mind was running through all the possible options and passing routes.
He could pass it back to Lichtsteiner, but that would waste a good attacking chance.
David Silva was in position, but Essien was tight on him and it wouldn't work.
Van Persie?
No. He had just dropped back outside the box. He wouldn't be able to return in time. The ball would likely be intercepted by Alex and Terry.
The best option was the left side. That part of the penalty area was a bit open. Hazard was about to cut in, and Ivanovic was too close to the center backs. The outside was wide open. If he passed it there, Hazard could receive it and be in a one-on-one.
If Hazard could beat Ivanovic and square the ball across goal, Van Persie would be right there for the finish.
All this info poured into De Bruyne's mind in an instant, forming a clear goal-scoring route.
He trapped Silva's pass with his right foot and let it roll forward, quickly catching up to it. Before Ashley Cole could close him down, he used his right foot to curl a diagonal pass.
The ball arced from the right side toward the left edge of the penalty area.
Hazard sprinted up and controlled the ball with his chest as Ivanovic closed in.
But Hazard didn't wait for him to set his feet. He feinted inside, throwing Ivanovic off, then quickly poked the ball to the byline, sprinted after it, and whipped in a low cross with his left foot in front of the six-yard box.
The Belgian winger could use both feet like a natural!
Ivanovic was left chasing shadows. Terry, trailing behind, was also caught off guard and instinctively yelled, "Danger!"
Behind him, Van Persie charged in and got ahead of Alex, sliding in and driving the low cross into Chelsea's net.
Cech dove to save it, but there was no way he could stop a shot from that close.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Seventy-seventh minute, Van Persie! It's Van Persie again!"
"Manchester City's attack was full of imagination, and Van Persie's finish was perfectly timed, ending Chelsea's unbeaten run this season!"
Van Persie ran straight toward Hazard in celebration, sprinting to the sideline to celebrate with the Belgian.
Behind him, Manchester City players chased after him one by one.
2–0. With only ten minutes left, Manchester City had essentially sealed the win.
Especially considering how few threats Chelsea had created all game.
"Let's take another look at this goal. David Silva—once again, the heartbeat of Manchester City's midfield. That one-two with Van Persie outside the box was beautiful."
"After Mikel went off, Manchester City found more space near Chelsea's penalty area. This looks like a deliberate tactical move. Watch Silva's escape—what footwork!"
"You rarely see such delicate touches and dribbling in the Premier League these days. Then he plays it to De Bruyne."
"Now watch De Bruyne's pass. My God, that was genius. A long diagonal ball that was completely unexpected, and absolutely brilliant. He had such great vision and Hazard received it perfectly."
"Hazard then destroyed Ivanovic one-on-one."
"This goal really showcases the individual brilliance and creativity of Manchester City's young players."
"You can see Gao Shen celebrating wildly on the touchline. He's clearly very happy with this goal."
"Of course. We all know Gao Shen has always favored attacking football. He loves technically gifted players. And now, Manchester City clearly reflects his philosophy. Even against Chelsea, they played beautifully."
"Chelsea, on the other hand, looked completely outclassed tonight."
"Tactically, even Ancelotti came up short."
(To be continued.)