Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 16: How Could He Not Be Considered a Promising Young Talent?

Some midfielders are incredibly accurate and stable with their long passes, but in prioritizing precision, the pace of the ball inevitably slows—a drawback in counterattacking play.

Others prioritize speed, launching quick, powerful passes, but at the cost of accuracy.

These two seemingly irreconcilable contradictions, however, rarely appear in the long passes of Xabi Alonso.

Because he can do both—fast and accurate.

That's his trademark—sharp, ruthless, effective.

Barely five minutes into the second half, freed from his earlier defensive overload, Alonso had already delivered two perfect long balls for counterattacks.

Sure, Benzema had fluffed one, and Ronaldo's final cross was blocked by Osasuna's center-back, meaning the scoreline remained unchanged.

But anyone who understood the game could see—Real Madrid had adjusted.

With Alonso back in full control of the midfield, their attacks began to flow.

In a team filled with explosive attackers, sharp finishers, and individual brilliance, what Madrid needed was simple: balance.

Balance between attack and defense. Clear distribution of possession. And against a mid-table La Liga team like Osasuna, that should be more than enough to dominate at the Bernabéu.

Mourinho nodded to himself and leaned toward Karanka, the two scribbling notes and quietly discussing adjustments.

This was only the second league match of the new season, and many issues had already surfaced.

Mourinho's overhaul of the squad's play style was still a work in progress.

Plenty of things needed fixing, but overall, he was quite pleased with the foundation left behind by his predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini.

From forwards to defenders, most of Madrid's current roster suited his footballing philosophy.

And Alonso? A dream midfield general. Absolutely irreplaceable.

There was only one area where he felt partially satisfied—defensive midfield.

He couldn't quite say he was content, but he wasn't completely dissatisfied either.

At least until Lassana Diarra returned from injury, Mourinho had only one holding midfielder he felt he could truly trust:

Nineteen-year-old Li Ang.

Until Khedira showed a clear shift in mindset and fully embraced his defensive responsibilities, Mourinho had no intention of starting him again.

As for whether Li Ang had enough experience or ability to handle consistent minutes...

That would be observed and judged over time.

But there was one thing Mourinho knew he didn't need to worry about.

Li Ang's mentality.

In the past, Mourinho had been cautious about using young players because he didn't trust their ability to handle pressure or regulate their emotions.

But with Li Ang, he didn't have to lower his expectations during training or games.

The kid could take it.

In fact, his mental strength already surpassed that of many so-called "mature" professionals.

If Mourinho had been pleasantly surprised by Li Ang's debut performance in the first match, now he was convinced—Li Ang would be given more chances.

Because this kid was a genuine defensive talent—worth betting on.

"Coach, I got it! Let me take it!"

In the 56th minute of the second half, Alonso was about to position himself to contest an aerial ball against Osasuna striker Aranda.

But a familiar voice shouted from behind, and Alonso instinctively yielded the spot.

To the roar of the 80,000-strong Bernabéu crowd, Li Ang launched into a jump, smashing into Aranda mid-air.

At 1.83 meters, Li Ang wasn't as tall as the 1.86-meter Aranda. And at 78 kilograms, he was lighter than Aranda's 84.

But he still won the duel cleanly, powering the ball back into Osasuna's half.

Because he had better timing, stronger hops, and rock-solid core strength.

Li Ang's heading talent cap was rated at 88. Add in years of diligent practice, and it would be surprising if he didn't excel in aerial duels.

Aranda, after landing, turned to glance at the youngster who had just bested him.

He couldn't help but mutter in awe—Real Madrid's academy really was something else.

Only nineteen and already so complete: good in the air, strong in tackles, and technically solid. On the market, this kid would easily be worth ten million euros or more.

It was just Real Madrid being Real Madrid—able to pull a midfielder like this out of nowhere.

Aranda didn't know that Li Ang had been one of Castilla's most reliable deep-lying defensive midfielders in recent years.

Betis had specifically requested to loan him last season to patch up their squad—and he'd helped them earn promotion from Segunda.

But his low-key playing style had kept him out of the spotlight.

Even though he'd helped Betis reach La Liga, he barely made a ripple in the Spanish media.

That same unfamiliarity, and misjudgment, was shared by most fans across Spain.

But even if they didn't know who he was yet, it was clear—

If Li Ang kept performing like this, it wouldn't be long before his name was everywhere.

It was rare for a defensive midfielder to become an overnight sensation in their La Liga debut season.

But if he could earn a place at Real Madrid, his career trajectory and reputation were guaranteed to soar.

With growing curiosity and scrutiny, more and more La Liga fans began to pay attention to Li Ang.

And with this Real Madrid vs. Osasuna match being the only one broadcast live during the evening slot, the nationwide viewership was high.

Across the globe, countless fans were watching this nineteen-year-old put in a stable, assured performance.

After his standout debut, many Real Madrid fans had started researching him.

A homegrown product from La Fábrica, playing in a position that had become increasingly rare in world football, and actually playing well?

Of course they had to support him.

Sure, he wasn't flashy. Not many fans were shouting his name just yet.

But so what?

The world was full of flashy "wonderkids." In contrast, solid, disciplined young defensive midfielders like Li Ang were becoming rarer by the year.

Rarity equals value.

And just as Madridistas were scratching their heads, wondering how best to praise their newest youth product—

Li Ang once again read the play.

Osasuna tried to move the ball through midfield, and he intercepted the pass line before it even reached its target.

But this time, he didn't immediately play the safe pass to Alonso.

He took a bold step forward—

And fired a driven, pinpoint ground pass straight through the lines!

On the right, Di María, already starting his run, blinked in surprise—but the pass arrived at his feet like it was magnetized.

Gasps filled the Bernabéu.

Di María was onside.

And now clean through, with a semi one-on-one chance developing!

In homes across Spain, Real Madrid fans leapt to their feet, their earlier worries washed away.

Rarity?

Forget that.

Look at the talent this kid just flashed.

A midfielder who could defend like a beast and play a pass like that?

How could anyone say he wasn't a rising star?

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10