"When defensive stars underperform, it's easier to dismiss it. Isn't it possible to blame the environment? Besides, Serie A defensive players, regardless of other qualities, excel in passing. Just this ability makes many head coaches hopelessly fond of them."
In the end, after some discussion, everyone felt Lu Yang's words made total sense.
It's not just the monthly awards; for many other accolades and even public opinion shaping, the Italian Football Association should provide enough support and exposure to defensive stars.
The club's strategy is the club's own, player development is decided by the player and their agent, and Serie A officials should also have an official approach.
Facts have proven that an official with a strategic plan, regardless of its correctness, develops far better than those leagues that grow freely without any direction!
Because as long as people have goals and are taking action, they will achieve some success.
If someone does nothing, they will get nothing... except for Beijing demolition residents and Shanghai landlords.
Exposed!
As night falls, Martivoni feels the time is about right and starts making a summary.
He suggests that this kind of tea party can happen more often in the future, as exchanging ideas proved to be fruitful.
Everyone agrees that the president of the association made valid points.
Before leaving, Lu Yang specifically said to Martivoni: "By the way, Mr. Martivoni, our team's Kaint is an exceptional defensive midfielder. His defensive stats are groundbreaking, and he has plenty of aspects worth discussing among fans and media."
Martivoni was stunned for a moment, then he understood and nodded.
After Lu Yang left, Martivoni instructed his secretary: "Get the data for that Kaint player from San Remo, I've heard his defense is quite impressive."
A few minutes later, Martivoni exclaimed, "Incredible!"
So Lu Yang, you're tricking Serie A officials into creating a defensive superstar just for your team's little guy to take the monthly award?
If we're talking about defense, it's absolutely unjust if Kaint doesn't win the Serie B March player of the month!
...
April 2nd, afternoon training session.
"Kaint, prepare yourself over the next few days. HXLT will officially sign with you and hold a signing ceremony," Lu Yang phones Kaint.
Kaint feels a bit disoriented.
A signing ceremony?
Is this the kind of treatment a little guy like him can enjoy?
Must be a mistake, right?
"Lu! You... don't need to specially negotiate with the brand for anything on my behalf. I know my position. I'm already very satisfied to get this endorsement," Kaint says sincerely.
HXLT offered him a two million euro endorsement fee and some honor bonuses.
While personal honors are unlikely, Saint Remo has some chance to compete for team honors.
This is a very generous shoe endorsement contract.
Chinese brands are impressive in their offers, signing third-tier stars but always willing to spend first-rate money, making it hard not to marvel.
But regarding the signing ceremony, Kaint knows he hasn't reached that caliber yet.
"You're overthinking it," Lu Yang shrugs, "Don't worry, Kaint. I didn't force the brand to give you anything. After comprehensive consideration, they decided to give you such treatment."
"Kaint, the wind is blowing, and you are standing at the forefront!"
Kaint finds it hard to comprehend Lu Yang's words.
But he remembers Lu Yang's kindness.
Lu Yang says he didn't demand anything, so Lu's opinion must have been submitted.
The comprehensive consideration definitely included a significant portion of Lu's opinion and the information he provided.
Players who can always predict the opponent's passing route correctly are not foolish.
Kaint knows Lu Yang helped him and that Lu Yang doesn't want to pose as a benefactor.
What a high level of character!
Such benefactors are more respectable and deserving of gratitude than those who claim to be benefactors.
Kaint vows that when Brother Lu calls, wherever he is, he will do everything possible to respond.
Whether it's in Italy, Spain, or England!
Brother Lu is always Kaint's brother!
On April 3rd, the Serie B March player of the month award is announced.
Unlike the usual announcement on the second, this time it seems a day late.
But many don't care.
A day's discrepancy isn't considered an error by Italians; that's within the reasonable range.
Whether something operated within this range, only the participants could know.
Logically, the "Monthly Best Player" award was highly anticipated initially because everyone wanted to see its impact.
So the attention this award received early on was nearly equivalent to the Premier League's monthly best player!
It's not exaggerated at all.
Especially after Lu Yang secured two consecutive wins.
But in the following two months, the attention drastically declined.
Following this trend, by next year, this award might become entirely ignored, getting only Serie B-level attention.
Because next year will have the "Serie A Monthly Best Player" award.
However... once this month's winner was announced, the award's influence soared back to the high point when Lu Yang won!
Because this period's awardee turned out to be San Remo's defensive midfielder Engel Cainte!
Height: 1.68 meters!
Spent ten years with a ninth-tier amateur team in France!
At seventeen, no professional team was willing to take him!
At eighteen, he luckily joined a Ligue 2 team.