Camihong, Palacios, Bernulin, Naji, Matias, Canyes, San Remo has a rather strong, cohesive, and complete starting lineup for the defensive line.
They even have two extra players.
These six players can entirely allow San Remo’s defensive line to rotate in full condition, coping with any emergencies.
Lam doesn’t have much competitiveness among them.
As a center back, he’s not as strong as Bernulin, not as stable or tall as Palacios, and neither as tall nor goal-scoring as Naji.
As a full-back, he’s even less specialized than a professional full-back.
Why did San Remo buy him?
"Lam, you’re a player with very distinctive characteristics. Lu talked to me about you a long time ago. To put it bluntly, we all agree that, unless you’re extraordinarily lucky, it’s hard for you to become a top center back." Sotu spoke in a way that indeed offended people.
But who the hell made him a butcher?
Lam didn’t dare to have any temper, he could only nod and listen.
"However... if you move forward a bit, your strengths would be greatly highlighted!" Sotu shifted his tone, "This idea also came from Lu Yang."
"Based on our signings this season, you can probably tell what San Remo needs most right now."
When the conversation reached this point, if Lam still didn’t get it, he’d be a fool. He replied, "A midfield pivot?"
Sotu nodded.
Yes, a pivot!
This is a dilemma that most teams in future football worlds will encounter, and San Remo is facing it now.
San Remo’s defensive midfielders are running short!
Among San Remo’s midfielders, Morici can play as a deep-lying playmaker. But this style is facing a football trend challenge, with new attacking midfielders led by Izalelt, and front-line high-pressure pressing led by Barça posing a huge threat to playmaking midfielders.
Versachi can temporarily play defensive midfielder, but it’s only temporary.
Latu Yidi can take on this role, but he’s already old, needing rotation is an issue, and being slow makes him vulnerable to fast players is another issue.
Lu Yang can indeed play defensive midfielder, and he’s excellent at it.
But... putting a player who can score sixty goals and provide thirty-three assists in a season in the defensive midfield position would be one of the most extravagant things in world football.
It’s like buying Messi for defense or C Luo as a goalkeeper.
Even if they could really do it, no one would use them that way, um... it seems Paris Head Coach Pochettino has a different view on this.
So, while having possibly the world’s best genius midfielder Lu Yang, San Remo really started lacking in midfield.
If the midfield is not strong, then no matter how strong the team is, it will fail.
Veteran "midfield researcher" Guardiola proved this point by sacrificing a Champions League trophy in hand.
That’s why San Remo made a bid for Cortino.
But unfortunately, Turin had sharp eyes and didn’t let him go.
Therefore, San Remo had to look elsewhere.
That’s when Lu Yang recommended Lam.
Perhaps among center backs, Lam’s frontal defense, physical confrontation, height, aerial duels, and defense might be rated below average.
But if placed in a defensive midfielder position, these disadvantages actually turn into advantages, and his speed advantage is even further enhanced.
He and Latu Yidi might be able to form Serie B’s strongest defensive midfield combination!
Of course, if Latu Yidi and Lam’s "Double La" combination are used simultaneously, how San Remo’s midfield would line up would become a new problem.
But that’s all solvable.
"In the new season, San Remo will adopt two main formations to deal with different challenges from the league and European Competition. In one of the formations, your main roles will be a rotating player for defensive midfield and center back, while in another formation... you’ll be the starting defensive midfielder or starting center back!" Sotu began.
Lam’s eyes immediately sparkled with light.
He had a premonition that he would follow San Remo in Serie B, and make a great impact!