"Talista just arrived and already has such chemistry with Lu Yang. This striking combo gives us great confidence for the upcoming Serie A!"
"Speaking of chemistry, Lu Yang and Morici are truly impressive. This back-heel pass to leave the ball was something only Morici could connect with. Look here, Morici started moving early, almost as if he knew Lu Yang would definitely leave the ball for him!"
Compared to the commentator’s excitement, there were some furrowed brows on the San Remo coaching staff’s side.
"Moriba’s play style is very risky." Old Tom shook his head and said, "In his position, if he loses the ball, it will greatly harm the team!"
Sotu nodded.
Even Lu Yang, when playing as a defensive midfielder before, primarily focused on simple passes.
Morici, although he played as an organizing defensive midfielder before, took real risks mostly in the midfield. Plus, he had Lu Yang beside him, who could cover most of Morici’s mistakes.
But Moriba doesn’t have another defensive midfielder beside him.
He is the team’s only defensive midfielder.
Old Tom’s words, as if jinxed.
In the 83rd minute, AC Milan, who never gave up, seized the opportunity.
They pressed the midfield.
Delarre passed back to Moriba, and after passing, he immediately retreated, keeping Moriba’s passing lanes open.
On the other side, Morici was also retreating.
Including Lu Yang, who moved from right forward to the right attacking midfielder position, providing a distant passing option when Moriba had no close ones.
In other words, San Remo had the ability and preparation to respond to this aggressive pressing.
But...
Moriba wasn’t afraid of making mistakes at all.
The kid is bold and refused to pass the ball, relying heavily on his footwork.
As a result, in a double-team, he messed up.
The ball was snatched by the advancing Andrés, and Moriba, along with another AC Milan midfielder, rolled to the ground.
The Main Referee didn’t blow the whistle.
He was right on the scene; it was a legitimate interception.
Moriba’s fall wasn’t caused by others but seemed more like a deliberate dive after losing the ball, trying to get a favorable call.
This behavior is very common on the football field and a necessary skill for professional players.
"Wasn’t that a foul?" Moriba shouted to the Main Referee, kneeling on the grass with his hands spread after falling.
The Main Referee ignored him.
Because Andrés was already charging toward the San Remo penalty area with the ball!
Losing the ball by the defensive midfielder!
The consequences are serious.
Andrés had a certain speed while dribbling and nearly broke into the penalty area.
Alme was positioned closer and moved out immediately.
Andrés and Alme met head-on, and with a flick of his ankle, Andrés smoothly executed a Rabona.
Alme didn’t expect Andrés to show such flair in that spot.
He rushed in for the tackle.
As a result, Andrés flicked the ball over, then collided with Alme’s leg, and fell to the ground.
Whistle!
The Main Referee pointed to the penalty spot!
Penalty!
At the same time, the Main Referee showed Alme a yellow card.
His tackle was too aggressive, with the intent to take the opponent down.
Alme covered his face and didn’t appeal for himself.
Because he was very upset about making such a mistake!
He underestimated Andrés.
This is Serie A, not the Second Division.
The opponent is AC Milan’s midfield core, not just some average player.
How could he defend against him in such a simple and crude manner?
Kids from La Masia are not fools; at least their football IQ is very high.
Alme immediately found the root of his error.
Compared to Alme, Moriba, who ran over and continued to complain to the Main Referee, seemed clueless.
"That was a foul; the interception was wrong and non-existent! Without that interception, there wouldn’t be a penalty!" Moriba kept arguing with the Main Referee.
Sotu and Old Tom exchanged glances.
These two new recruits have many issues, but also their strengths.
Alme made a careless mistake, but he’s good at self-reflection, which means he’ll continue to improve.
Moriba is quite capable, but he’s too confident, and this confidence can harm the team. However, the good part is that Moriba is very willing to argue with the opponent, including the Main Referee, for the sake of the team’s interests, showing good spirit.
"Moriba needs strict coaching," Old Tom said. "As for Alme, he needs some passion. Reflection is good, but in such situations, he should argue a bit to put pressure on the Main Referee’s decision-making afterward."
Sotu nodded and said, "The fortunate thing is that these qualities, Lu has them all. I believe Lu will teach them well!"
Sure enough, Lu Yang ran back from the front.
"Alme, it’s okay. This penalty isn’t your fault." Lu Yang came over and patted Alme’s shoulder. "But please promise me, do well in the defense to come, alright?"
"Okay." Alme nodded.
"Not enough! Tell me loudly, can you handle your defensive duties well going forward?" Lu Yang shook his head.
Alme gritted his teeth, "I can!"
"Still not enough, louder, can or can’t you!" Lu Yang locked his hands around Alme’s head, staring at him.
"I can! I can! Damn it, I can!" Alme, motivated by Lu Yang, shouted loudly, his neck turning red.