And the real backbone of the Italy National Youth Team was merely wearing his medal, quietly watching his teammates’ wild celebrations from the sidelines, not disturbing or overshadowing their glory.
In fact, when the team’s substitute goalkeeper was celebrating, Lu Yang noticed that the media presence was sparse, so he proactively went forward to join the substitute goalkeeper and signaled the media to come over and capture it.
But this "outsider" mode didn’t last long.
The official interviews quickly surrounded Lu Yang, as they had countless interests in him.
Reporter: "Lu Yang, as a Chinese-heritage player achieving such tremendous success, do you have anything you’d like to say to Chinese and world football fans?"
Lu Yang: "Certainly! Although I haven’t played domestically, I hope to represent Chinese Football and make our voice heard in the center of World Football! In the future, I hope Chinese fans will also be able to engage in the highest level games in World Football!"
"This carries positive significance for Chinese Football, European Football, and World Football!"
Reporter: "Very sincere words! How would you evaluate the Spanish players from this match?"
Lu Yang: "The Spain U-21 National Team is very strong, their ball control kept us mostly chasing shadows throughout the match. Their number eight player controls the midfield without losing to Morici, who I consider the finest young midfielder."
"Enriquez is one of the strongest players of this age group that I’ve encountered. He made us doubt ourselves at times today; he is destined to become a superstar in the future."
Reporter: "Do you think Enriquez or Mancini is stronger? The media is engaged in endless debates about who is the number one young star between them."
Lu Yang: "Is that so? In that case, this question doesn’t need discussion in the future."
Reporter: "Watt? Do you already have an answer?"
Lu Yang patted his chest and said, "Of course! They are indeed both excellent, but differentiating between them is meaningless. Because I, who defeated both of them in this European Youth Championship, should be the finest young star on this planet!"
After finishing speaking, Lu Yang gave a slight smile to the camera, confident and sunny.
But the reporters beside him were completely stunned.
Because they were awakened by Lu Yang, only then realizing a huge blind spot!
That is... the little-known young player from Italy, Lu Yang, indeed overshadowed the two most outstanding young stars of the era in this European Youth Championship!
Not just overshadowed, but personally eliminated and defeated them!
If you want to say Lu Yang is arrogant, boastful, and seeking self-aggrandizement?
Nine goals, four assists!
European Youth Championship best player!
European Youth Championship Golden Boot!
European Youth Championship second assist leader!
Just tell me why he’s not qualified?
Fine, but if you want to say Lu Yang is on the same level as Mancini and Enriquez, it is indeed hard to accept.
After all, those players have been battling in top leagues for at least two years, and their fame isn’t just blown up.
Salah and Kane may be impressive, but to compare with Mei Luo, they’d have to sustain peak performances for six or seven years to have a chance.
No matter how strong Lu Yang performs now, without a prolonged period of high caliber play, he is not enough to compare with the two.
Not to mention these two, even compared with the slightly lower-ranked Pavovsky and Melcan, Lu Yang is somewhat lacking in credibility and popularity.
But alas... the reporters have thousands of rebuttal lines, all stuck in their throats, unable to speak out.
After all, the championship medal around his neck, the best player trophy from the European Youth Championship in his hand, all shine so brightly!