Chapter 16: Creating Continuous Threats—Geniuses Are Indeed Different!
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Lu Junfeng quietly encouraged himself as he began pressing the opposing defender.
However, he didn't sprint at full speed, wanting to keep his pace a secret for now.
On the sidelines, assistant coach Bould said to Wenger:
"That chubby kid is putting in quite the effort."
Wenger smiled but didn't comment.
The opposing player dribbled around Lu Junfeng for a while but noticed other Arsenal players closing in. He decided to launch a long ball forward.
Soon after, Arsenal's midfielders, relying on their technical superiority, regained control of the ball.
Cazorla, seeing that the opponent's formation was pushed too far forward, quickly sent a long ball ahead and shouted:
"Lu! Run!"
On the sidelines, Wenger also couldn't help but stand up and wave, yelling:
"Lu! Run! Go forward!"
Lu Junfeng instinctively accelerated.
Cazorla's long pass was perfectly placed, landing just ahead of him!
The Montpellier players hadn't expected Lu Junfeng to be so fast and were instantly left behind!
Lu Junfeng's first touch was a bit heavy, but it didn't matter—there were no defenders ahead except the goalkeeper!
It was a one-on-one!
In China, commentator Zhang Jun exclaimed excitedly:
"Lu Junfeng is so fast!
He's much faster than Giroud!
This one-on-one is too easy!"
Co-commentator Zhan Lu added:
"Who would've thought? Lu Junfeng looks bulky, but he's so quick when he runs!
He reminds me of Adriano back in the day!
And Brazil's 'Spherical Lightning,' Aílton!
It seems he's truly a genius player!"
However, the opposing goalkeeper didn't rush out, which made Lu Junfeng hesitate.
He couldn't pull off a Ronaldo-esque feint and dribble past the keeper to score. He didn't have that level of skill yet.
Seeing the defenders closing in, Lu Junfeng, still lacking finesse, decided to take a shot!
This time, he adjusted his stride and struck the ball with his left foot!
"Shot!" Zhang Jun roared.
"Ah! It's saved!
Arsenal wins a corner."
Zhan Lu analyzed:
"That shot was too straight. Why didn't he use the inside of his left foot to curl it toward the far corner?
The power was good, but the angle was too central, making it easy for the keeper to save."
Online fans were also buzzing, flooding forums with posts.
They had been amazed by Lu Junfeng's athleticism, which had earned him such an easy one-on-one opportunity.
But then he wasted it!
Some fans were furious, commenting:
"Typical Chinese player. Even studying abroad from a young age doesn't help. His technique is too rough—he can't even finish a one-on-one."
"He might be the worst technical striker in Arsenal's history! Arsenal never buys these kinds of physical but unskilled players!"
"Right, his style is more like Drogba's. He should be at Chelsea."
"Don't insult Drogba! Would Drogba waste a one-on-one like that?"
Other fans defended Lu Junfeng:
"He just came on; he's not warmed up yet."
"Besides, he created that one-on-one chance himself! Why doesn't Giroud get one-on-ones? Because he doesn't have the speed, that's why!"
While fans argued, Arsenal players prepared to take the corner.
Wenger signaled from the sidelines, reminding the players to use the corner tactic they had recently practiced.
Arsenal's center-backs moved into the box, ready to attack the ball.
Especially the towering Mertesacker, standing at 198 cm, his presence alone was intimidating.
Captain Vermaelen whispered a few instructions to Lu Junfeng, reminding him of his movement.
Then, Cazorla raised his hand at the corner flag, signaling the play.
Lu Junfeng positioned himself at the far post.
Naturally, Montpellier's defenders didn't leave such a tall striker unmarked, assigning someone to cover him.
But as Cazorla delivered the corner, Lu Junfeng suddenly broke free and darted toward the near post!
The ball was aimed precisely at the near post!
Montpellier's defenders, focused on Mertesacker, failed to track Lu Junfeng's run!
Lu Junfeng leaped high and executed a powerful header!
The ball changed direction off his head!
The goalkeeper had no time to react!
But the ball struck the post and bounced out of play!
Montpellier's goal kick!
Lu Junfeng clutched his head in frustration.
Then he gave Cazorla a thumbs-up.
Praising teammates was essential to keep them passing to him.
"So close! That was almost a goal!
Lu Junfeng nearly scored!" Zhang Jun lamented.
"The tactic was executed perfectly, and the coordination was spot on. It's just a shame it didn't go in!
And it's clear that Lu Junfeng is the focal point of this tactic!
It seems he holds a significant position in the team, otherwise, he wouldn't be the tactical centerpiece!" Zhan Lu added.
This play also earned Lu Junfeng praise from online fans.
Although he didn't score, the threat was undeniable!
His height was clearly an asset!
He had just come on, and Arsenal had already created two golden opportunities!
If that's not a genius, what is?
On the sidelines, Montpellier's coaching staff also recognized Lu Junfeng's danger.
They quickly reminded their players to keep an eye on this new substitute.
The game continued, with Montpellier's goalkeeper launching another long ball forward.
After the two near-misses, Arsenal's morale was boosted!
They were so close to scoring!
One more push, and they could secure the victory!
So they pressed hard, winning the ball back from the opponents once again!
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 40 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 18 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.