The perfect center forward: Becoming a soccer king from the corner of Chuanu Chapter 300

The entry wasn’t too overpowered, so there weren’t many side effects. The only unsatisfactory thing was that the progress of the competition was difficult to acquire.

However, being handsome is for life, and after gaining the entry, Lucia felt that he couldn’t wait to dance on the field.

This Bulgarian star also left his own record on the green pitch.

However, this record was somewhat negative. Berbatov was more inclined towards the elegant style of playing football, like the Brazilian legend Falcao, reaching a state where his underwear wasn’t even wet after 90 minutes.

So, he himself was as lazy as possible, hating ineffective running and pursuing a fatal blow. Berba would rest whenever possible on the field.

The ball might not go in, the game might be lost, but the hairstyle couldn’t be messy, and the swagger couldn’t be lost!

In the World Cup qualifier against Italy, Berbatov, wearing the captain’s armband, set a career-low single-game running distance of 2032 meters, a significant portion of which was walking.

He was ridiculed by the TV commentator at the time, saying that his running distance in one game was less than a table tennis player’s running distance in an entire series!

2032 meters was absolutely a true “King of Laziness” possession. Other famous “strolling emperors,” like Riquelme, also known for their low running, had very few matches below 5000 meters.

Looking at the upgrade conditions, Lucia felt that this entry was completely incompatible with his previous “desperate hard worker” style of overwhelming opponents with speed and physicality.

However, the good news was that the ability improvements were quite decent, especially gaining insight, passing accuracy, and through-ball ability improvements while “Half-Step King” was developed to 35%.

This way, he could occasionally change his style and become a “playmaker,” elegantly solving problems. After all, this was the “King’s” way of playing in the eyes of Cici fans.

Moreover, the “effortless” and “at ease” strolling would make Lucia appear even more formidable in the eyes of highlight-reel fans, making him an absolute master at gaining fans off the field.

More importantly, the training progress depended on himself. In easy games, he could be a “strolling king,” and in crucial matches, he could transform into a “super striker.”

Combining elegance and power, a double harvest of fans, directly making Bro Ronaldo eat dust when looking at his own fan count~

He chuckled, satisfied, and pulled Kelly away for recovery training.

Using his enhanced insight, Lucia directly made the British “blank paper” Kelly tremble uncontrollably, exposing her GPA.

No more!

She was already dehydrated during the exercise, and if this continued, she would be completely dehydrated!!

Kelly, completely relaxed, quickly begged for mercy. However, her broken sentences and occasional upward-rolling eyes made it difficult to distinguish whether she wanted to stop or not.

Half an hour later, Lucia, entering his “sage mode,” began to study Berbatov’s playing techniques.

The phenomenon of the Bulgarian’s severely insufficient running yet still maintaining efficient goal-scoring was closely related to his unique personal technique, tactical positioning, and football philosophy.

Firstly, his top-notch ball control and trapping ability. Berba’s touch on the ball was like glue, able to control the ball in a reasonable position at the moment of reception through delicate insight and touch, avoiding secondary running to compensate for trapping errors.

Now, with Lucia’s greatly improved insight, he should also see significant enhancement in this area.

Secondly, his shot selection. Berbatov was more adept at observing and capturing static opportunities in the penalty area rather than shooting after a sprinting dribble, such as a sudden turn and shot after holding the ball with his back to goal, or a volley after a teammate’s cross.

These types of shots relied less on running but required extremely strong insight and exquisite shooting skills. It’s worth noting that out of his 20 goals during the 2010- 11 Premier League Golden Boot season, 14 were calm finishes from inside the penalty area.

Lucia could already learn from this. With improved insight and his own honed shooting skills, surpassing his predecessor wouldn’t be a big problem.

In addition, Berba ran less because he often dropped back to midfield to act as a temporary attacking midfielder, creating opportunities for teammates with one-touch passes or through balls, reducing the running required for individual breakthroughs.

Utilizing the entry’s improvements to passing accuracy and through-ball ability, coupled with the development effect of “Half-Step King,” Lucia could completely become a permanent attacking midfielder instead of a temporary one, dropping back to create space while directly distributing passes to teammates.

Furthermore, Berba’s tactical positioning in the team aligned with his “energy-saving mode.” Although he wore the No. 9 jersey, he didn’t undertake the pressing tasks of a traditional center forward. Instead, he dropped back to the center circle to receive the ball, orchestrating attacks with his passing. This positioning significantly reduced the need for sprint runs.

And Berbatov hardly participated in defense, averaging only 0.3 tackles per game in the Premier League. For comparison, Drogba at the same time averaged 1.2 tackles, which was completely incomparable to Lucia, who was given a B 2B striker role by Mourinho!

To run less yet still pose a threat, Berbatov’s style was very much worth emulating.

He concentrated his running on the offensive end, aiming to create maximum value with the fewest movements, and maintained stamina on the field through walking-like movements, only accelerating suddenly when receiving the ball or shooting.

Of course, this guy benefited from the dividends of his era. The Premier League at that time had not yet fully popularized high pressing, and the defensive tasks of center forwards were lighter, so Berba’s energy-saving style was more accepted at the time.

Another factor was his status. As the absolute core of the team, he could enjoy the privilege of low running.

So Lucia had firmly decided to leave Manchester United this summer window.

Firstly, Manchester United offered the lowest salary. The American owners were still not as generous as the oil tycoons and member-based clubs.

Secondly, the Premier League had high intensity and many strong matchups, which would definitely slow down the progress of his “Mr. Swagger” entry.

Thirdly, his promise to the fans had been fulfilled. With his KPIs perfectly met, Lucia chose to embark on a new challenge.

Leading a team that had won the Champions League to another trophy? How could that compare to building a new dynasty from scratch to elevate his historical status?

Therefore, the only remaining eligible team was the French Ligue 1 giant that had also been pursuing Lucia.

Paris Saint-Germain.

They dominated the league, allowing for “fishing” during regular games, were willing to pay a high transfer fee, and Nasser even agreed to Lucia taking a management role in the team. It was truly the most suitable team for the Ballon d’Or winner.

Not only could “Mr. Swagger” grow steadily, but Lucia could also gradually participate in team management, laying the foundation for becoming a major shareholder of AC Milan in the future.

Moreover, the team’s strength was decent, with strong league dominance, allowing Lucia to comfortably switch his playing style.

As for strong matchups, he could completely forgo the temptation of a game progress and lead the team to win crucial matches.

The more Lucia thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. By then, he would be like the “Solar Warrior” nickname, able to transform from an elegant playmaker to a brutal finisher~

During minor games, he could let Neymar and Mbappé run more, and at crucial moments, he would come on with his “Mr. Clutch” to unleash his power, emphasizing that “Old Master Lu” was both tall and tough~

As for whether Mbappé and Neymar would be unconvinced?

His stats and market value spoke for themselves, not to mention the direct confrontation they had this season!

Of course, even though he had made up his mind, Lucia, currently being fought over, would not abandon his own interests.

Lucia: [Compare offers from three parties. I want salary, image rights, and absolute tactical core status!]

Raiola: [OK, it’s a seller’s market now. What if Manchester United doesn’t agree?]

Lucia: [I will communicate with the club. Of course, if Manchester United is willing to match, staying at Old Trafford is also an option, but the new contract needs to include a release clause after two years.]

Raiola: [Understood, Boss~]

Raiola was in a great mood. Thinking of his commission, he decided to go to bed early and personally pick up his big client at Malpensa Airport tomorrow.

—————–

The next day, back in Italy, Lucia had already reunited with his national team teammates at the Milanello training ground.

The Rossoneri shareholder wasn’t there for club matters or to meet with his agent but to lead the Azzurri in the semi-finals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League.

Italy, having successfully bid to host the Nations League finals, could enjoy the home advantage.

This was good news for Lucia’s “Half-Step King” entry. With 35% development currently, this championship would further boost his “King’s Road.”

Lucia, with a new hairstyle, was full of vigor. Having not returned to the national team for a long time, Lucia had recently received another epic boost.

Although the “Salary-Boosting King” Easter egg entry obtained from Cici had disappeared after this season, returning to the national team, Lucia triggered Bro Ronaldo’s “Versatile Hairstyle.”

Currently, fully progressed entries include: “Push-and-Nudge Corner,” which improves shooting and guarantees goals.

“Three-Bar Captain,” inheriting De Rossi’s strength, flexibility, and heading.

“World’s Best Left-Back,” greatly improving explosiveness and speed.

“Henry’s Ball Control is Like Mine,” unlocked from the Emperor.

“Benzema’s Only Superstar,” from the scapegoat.

“Mr. Clutch,” who becomes stronger in big matches.

“Beckham’s Signature Bending Free Kick,” slightly less handsome than himself.

Adding the two currently improving entries, “Alien” and “Mr. Swagger,” the nearly graduated “God-tier” Lucia was full of confidence.

Coupled with the “Half-Step King” Easter egg entry developed to 35%, Lucia on the training ground directly transformed into Italy’s classic “number nine and a half.”

Mancini, watching from the sidelines, his eyes lit up. This flexibility, this exquisite footwork, this dribbling and passing!

Could the Premier League really train people so well?

Why didn’t Balotelli develop when he coached him before?

Forget it, how could a brainless player play well as a number nine and a half…

Mancini’s gaze, fixed on Lucia, became increasingly intense. This guy had some of his own style from his Sampdoria days!

Moreover, he also incorporated a bit of Baggio’s feeling. A 187cm tall center forward with such physicality and technique, Italy’s offense was invincible!!

Lucia on the training ground was perfectly showcasing all his abilities. His excellent overall vision gave him impressive sight from the attacking midfield position, coupled with precise passing and through balls, instantly increasing the threat.

His continuous exchanges with Belotti reminded Mancini of his past self, short passing combinations and team link-up play directly activating the attacking players upfront.

The scene then shifted, and Lucia used his individual ability to tear open the defense, delivering a through ball to Chiesa on the wing.

This serpentine movement combined with penetrating through balls truly had a Baggio-esque feel.

Being able to stop the attacking playmaking wasn’t enough; powerful long shots, exquisite chip shots, penalty area poaching, and direct turn-and-shoot efforts were also dazzling.

He was going to become a legendary Italian coach!!

Mancini, holding his tactics board, began to fantasize!!

The players’ abilities were up to par, so he also had to arrange the tactics properly, and he had to give the talented players ample freedom.

Reduce or even eliminate Lucia’s defensive tasks, allowing him to focus on offensive free play.

The entire midfield and front line must become his exclusive domain. Mancini continued to refine, besides dropping back to midfield to get the ball, he could also dribble horizontally to pull space.

He could not only arrange for Immobile to act as a target man to draw defenders for Lucia but also use Chiesa and Pellegrini on the wings to provide support.

Heh heh!

And Lucia wasn’t just limited to playing as a number nine and a half or an organizing attacking midfielder; he could provide a comprehensive threat.

His outstanding aerial dominance, unsolvable shooting skills, excellent explosiveness and technique, and exquisite passing footwork allowed Lucia to simultaneously be a goal scorer, a pivot, and an orchestrator.

He could receive the ball with his back to goal, then suddenly turn and break through to distribute the ball, or drop back to midfield to make long passes to wingers, or face the goal directly to increase the threat.

Opposing defenses would have to choose between marking the center forward’s pressure in the box and tracking the number nine and a half’s organization, making it very easy to be caught off guard.

If they opted for a double-team, they could fully utilize Lucia’s height advantage for a header flick to create a second-ball attack.

Moreover, Lucia didn’t have to worry about frequent dropping back and sprinting; his stamina had been fully verified, definitely possessing 120 minutes of long endurance.

Coupled with the rough training from Mourinho, Lucia’s defensive ability was also quite outstanding. This “can-be-unused-but-must-have” skill further enhanced Italy’s advantage.

Ah!

It was such a pity that this was only the Nations League finals. Touching his Richard Mille, Mancini was already looking forward to next summer and winter 2022!

Ah, but it was also good. He could use this time to properly fine-tune. This tactical system would definitely dominate Europe with Lucia.

If Mourinho had learned from him, Lucia could completely achieve 60+ 30 next season.

“Well done, I’ll adjust the personnel in the second half!”

“That’s right, give the damn ball to Lucia!”

Mancini observed and took notes, the Azzurri coach felt he was transitioning between classical art and modern efficiency.

A 187cm, 90kg super number nine and a half, capable of both physically overpowering defenses and technically dismantling compact defenses.

It had to be him; Ancelotti simply wouldn’t know how to use a genius like Lucia.

After training, Mancini, who was about to invite Lucia to his villa on Lake Como, suddenly remembered a rumor.

His youngest daughter was at home; he would talk to Lucia at the training ground tomorrow!

Time quickly arrived on June 6, 2019, as the first semi-final of the Nations League officially kicked off at San Siro.

Host Italy would face the Swiss army, with both sides vying for a ticket to the final.

In a sea of blue, the Rossoneri fans wearing national team jerseys had a very simple message.

“Attention, the team shareholder is warming up~~”