Chapter 220 – Show and Prove (2)

220

False 9 means fake striker.
It has faded a lot now, but originally, in the soccer world, number 9 is a back number that means a goal-getter called a central striker or a frontline striker, and the word created by attaching the meaning of fake to this is the pulse nine.

As the name suggests, the fake striker is asked to play as a striker, but not as a striker.
Rather than competing directly with the defenders, he goes down to the midfield area from time to time, attracts them to create space, and helps linkages by gaining an advantage in the number fight in the midfield area.

In terms of role, the difference between an orthodox striker and a false nine stands out in the attacking situation.

An orthodox striker is positioned at the forefront of the team in an attacking situation and focuses on the point of attack.
On the other hand, the striker in the role of the pulse nine often descends to the midfield area to participate in the build-up, and focuses on creating space by luring the opponent’s center back.

In other words, in the final panatration process of advancing the ball to the opponent’s penalty box, if an orthodox striker receives a pass as the final stop of the build-up and finishes with a shot, attempts a momentary line-breaking, or competes with the opposing center-back to create space, the pulse The nine come down, engage in the build-up process, and lure the centre-backs to create space for teammates to penetrate.

The so-called ‘transformation of the striker into a midfielder’, which shows the movement of a midfielder in the position of an attacker, is a word that well describes the false nine.

However, with modern football, the distinction between the roles of traditional striker and false nine has faded.
In the past, the virtues required of orthodox strikers were strong physical and scoring ability, but modern strikers are required to be more versatile.

The existing virtues of physicality and scoring are natural, and here, linkage, off the ball, vigorous activity, and defensive participation.

In fact, a perfect player with all the abilities as a striker and midfielder, the so-called hexagonal ability, became an ideal striker.

Traditional strikers who only use physical and scoring power as weapons can no longer become first-class players.
Combining the ability of an attacker with the ability of a midfielder is the striker that modern soccer aims for, and this is in line with the false nine, so the role distinction has become blurred.

Strikers are no longer confined to the penalty box.
It has been a long time since any type of striker actively participated in the build-up phase, actively pressing forward and participating in the defense.

That’s why the pulse nine also adapted to modern soccer through various variations.

“Think, think and move! Your opponent is not a doll! Do you think you will be meekly enticed by simply coming down? It is important to shake the opponent’s judgment. It’s supposed to confuse you.”

The tactical training time drastically increased, Director Lauren Botman’s cry resonates.
Admiration burst out everywhere at the sight of Hong Min-joon sweeping his sweat-soaked hair with a face full of annoyance.

“Wow sir… I keep feeling that Hong is really handsome.”
“If you want to confuse the defenders, it would be faster to just use a handsome guy rather than training like this.”

The whispering players soon had to face the manager’s angry gaze.

“Concentration! Position again, this time practicing the build-up process.”

Tactical training started again with the whistle.

“No! It never comes down! That’s why it’s just a simple pulse nine!”
“You have to come down now! If a wide attacker penetrates, you’ll have to create space! Come down and create an edge in the midfield area numbers fight!”
“Hold on! Compete actively! Min-jun, you are by no means a player who lacks physical strength! Do you think they put you there to play a simple pulse nine role? Show some more skills!!”
“Use the dribble actively! Don’t be afraid to fail, break through!”
“You have to use the pass! Why are you only trying to break through when you see a good opportunity!”

The atmosphere was rapidly cooled by the director’s constant criticism and Hong Min-joon’s nervous kicking of the grass.

While the players were watching, the two axes of tactical training and Hong Min-joon headed to the corner of the ground.

“It’s cheap, isn’t it a fight?”
“Oh no way.”

Contrary to the excitement of the players, coach and Hong Min-joon only talked about this and that with serious expressions in front of the tactical board.

Only when the two axes of tactical training disappear, sighs leak out from here and there.

“Haaaaa~ It really kills the atmosphere. The director isn’t really like this.”
“Isn’t that what fighting is all about? It’s the first time I’ve seen the manager get so angry.”
“Ugh… If it were me, I probably wouldn’t have been able to hold on and go home. It’s been several hours. If you keep pointing out, soccer will become boring. Contrary to what it looks like, Hong is also poisonous.”
“Nothing to worry about, kids.”

The eyes of the players were focused on Baum Johan.
Newcastle’s captain and the only veteran in his 30s among the main field players said while looking at the coach who was explaining hard and Hong Min-joon nodding his head, even gesturing with his hands.

“That’s not fighting. It’s going to come together.”
“Ah~ You’re saying that’s putting the sum together? Why is the director so angry?”
“Hong was just annoyed. It’s the first time I’ve seen Hong get angry.”

Baum Johann smiled bitterly.
Now, like young players in their early and mid-20s, they lack experience. Especially since they are players who have grown up with Newcastle since their mid-teens, and with the current manager.

“The director is not angry. He’s just focusing too much on the player who will embody his ideals on the field. Right. It must have been Director Hong’s persona. He thought he would be one of the little ones… After all, can’t a natural genius surpass that?”
“Yes? What is your claim?”
“No. Just don’t worry Director and Hong are just trying to improve, not fighting.”

Then, beyond the relieved players, Baum Yohan’s eyes turned to the manager and Hong Min-jun.
The director constantly explaining things, and Hong Min-joon nodding his head as if he understood and asking questions intermittently.

‘The director’s persona… I envy you.’

Bitter feelings for a while. Baum Johann took all his heart.
If you don’t have genius talent, you’ll just chase after it with effort. Even if it won’t be narrowed down forever… No, even if it is a gap that will continue to grow, I will not give up and will try.

Because that is the strength that Baum Johan has endured in the pro so far.

“Back to position! This time, it is a movement when switching from defense to attack. Everyone move!”

* * *

One month after the EPL kicks off.
There is still a lot of season left, but now that the 4th round has been played, a rough outline is already showing.

“The leaderboard is very interesting. There is a very unfamiliar team at number one.”

Jermaine Jenas applauds loudly as Ian Wright bursts into laughter.

“This is Newcastle! It is very strange to see Man City in second place and Liverpool in third place.”
“Come to think of it, didn’t Jermaine play for Newcastle?”
“Right. He played for Newcastle from 2002 to 2005. It reminds me of the wonderful appearance of St. James Park and the fantastic support of Toon Army.”

Jermaine Jenners smiled happily at the question of Laura Woods, who once made a name for herself as a beauty host.

“Oh, I remember. Jermaine at Newcastle was amazing. You won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Right?”

The story, which went off topic for a while, headed back to the league table.

“Last season, Newcastle surprised a lot by finishing fourth, but few expected them to be this strong this season. Yes?”
“No~ no~”

Ian Wright wags his finger at Laura’s question.

“I expected it. Newcastle, which also had momentum last season, was amazing in the first half. But who came this year?”
“I’m Hong Min-joon.”
“Okay! An Asian prince, an oriental jewel, and a German conqueror joined with a whopping 100 million euros! He’s a genius! Really, Laura.”
“I know. What a great player Hong is.”
“But. It’s Laura Hong’s fan club, right?”

After a brief chatter, the screen changes.

“The German king seems to be thinking of conquering the EPL as well. Look, he’s the sole leader in scoring with 7 goals already in 4 games.”
“Newcastle have signed a very good player. But there is one thing I don’t understand.”

As Jermaine gestured, scenes from Newcastle’s last 1 to 4 rounds were played on a screen divided into 4 parts.

“Newcastle’s young coach Lauren Botman seems to be still thinking about how to use Hong. Look. In the first two games, Hong played as a left striker and took the typical inside forward movement. He comes in from the side and shoots! And goal!”

When the refreshing goal scene following Hong Min-joon’s spectacular dribble breakthrough was played on the screen, the three applauded in unison.

“I always feel that he is a great dribbler. What’s really great about Hong is that he changes his dribbling stance from time to time. See, here they dribble like Messi. But in this scene? No Neymar! This reminds me of Jack Grealish.”
“Calm down Ian. I’m not done yet.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. Don’t mind me and keep going.”
“Okay then, shall we watch the next match? It’s a match against Southampton in the third round of the league. Here, too, he played as an attacker on the left flank, but can be seen actively switching plays with the right side. And in the 4th round, unlike before, I stay in the center and move big up and down.”

Then, when the heat map appeared on the screen, the difference became more pronounced.

“Director Lauren Bortman is constantly looking for the best position for Hong. In that sense, today’s interview was very meaningful.”

An interview scene with director Lauren Botman is played on the switched screen.

—This time against Liverpool, we will see a new side of Hong. It will be very fun and interesting. I bet you.
—Hong will play more centrally and in a higher position. He’s capable enough. His ability to break through Liverpool’s pressure and deliver incredible performances.

“Look at this. Director Lauren Botman suggested another way to use Hong. I don’t know exactly what he said, but he’s going to experiment with using Hong against Liverpool… I’m pretty excited.”
“Well… Personally, I am concerned.”

Ian chose his words carefully.

“Hong has been showing outstanding performances since his debut. But this is because Hong’s analysis was not done properly. This is because Hong’s physical ability has changed tremendously from last season to this season. But the match against Liverpool is different. Now all EPL clubs must have finished analyzing Hong. Besides, so far Hong has been playing against low-mid-tier teams. I don’t doubt his skills, but Liverpool are a top-notch team.”

Various stories came and went, worries and expectations intersected.

“This. Only then will I have no choice but to watch the match between Newcastle and Liverpool.”
Haha, that’s right. I want to see it even if I’m curious.”
“Okay. In the end, we can only tell by watching the game whether Hong Min-joon’s performance will shine or not, and whether coach Lauren Bortman’s experiment will succeed or fail.”

Ian Wright said with a strange expression.

“After all, it’s Show and Prove.”