The All-Around Center Forward

Suárez was a bit confused.

He looked at the energy drink Suker handed him and at Suker stretching and warming up nearby, not quite sure what was going on.

"Is your training base close to here?" Suker asked casually.

Suárez instinctively answered, "Not close, but it's very close to my dorm."

Suker nodded and glanced at Suárez holding the energy drink, then smiled: "Drink it! After running so long, aren't you thirsty?"

Only then did Suárez twist open the bottle cap and gulp down several mouthfuls. He was indeed thirsty.

"Do you know me?" Suárez asked.

Suker nodded: "Of course. I watch every opponent's game; how could I not know you?"

"You're starting today, right?" Suárez felt like he'd asked a silly question.

As Milan's top star, how could Suker not start?

"Of course!" Suker smiled. "You guys play very well, we'll take this seriously too."

After speaking, Suker pointed at the hotel: "I have to go back now."

"Okay!" Suárez nodded.

But Suker didn't leave immediately; he kept staring at Suárez.

Suárez was puzzled.

Suker sighed and pointed at the energy drink bottle: "Give me back the bottle!"

Suárez looked embarrassed but handed it over.

Suker took it and smiled: "You drank my drink, so you can't bite me now."

"Huh?"

Suárez was confused: "Why would I bite you?"

Suker smiled but didn't reply and turned to leave.

Suárez watched Suker's departing back, scratched his head, still confused, and eventually returned the same way.

Suker returned to the hotel to start preparations for today's match.

Since it was match day, training was light.

Tassotti continued Ancelotti's tactical style, strengthening midfield control.

But Suker thought more focus should be on defense.

Tassotti gladly accepted Suker's suggestion, making Suker feel a little embarrassed.

He wasn't trying to pressure Tassotti; this guy was just very obedient.

The Dutch tactic is all-out attack and defense.

Fast-paced, relying on youth and stamina, their offense is aggressive.

Milan competing with Ajax in midfield and running was an unreasonable strategy.

Better to play dense defense and counterattack.

This was currently the most suitable style for Milan, since after attacking, they couldn't quickly get back.

At least, their retreat would be slower than Ajax's counterattack.

So playing a stable, familiar tactic was key.

In the afternoon, the entire AC Milan team arrived at the Amsterdam Arena, which would soon be renamed 'Johan Cruyff Arena' to honor the Dutch football legend.

For now, it was still called Amsterdam Arena.

During the hour-long field inspection, Milan players adjusted their form to better adapt to the match environment.

After the inspection, everyone returned to the hotel to wait for the evening match.

At night, the 2008/2009 Europa League Round of 32 knockout match was about to start.

Under the night sky, the Amsterdam Arena was brightly lit.

Large numbers of Ajax fans flooded the stadium.

Ajax felt some psychological pressure facing AC Milan.

After all, their youthful storm had been abruptly stopped by AC Milan.

The storm had reached the Apennine Peninsula but could blow no further.

Of course, AC Milan wasn't as strong as before, but the residual strength remained, especially with Suker, the super striker.

Their mentality was very serious.

"This is the Europa League Round of 32 knockout match. Ajax faces AC Milan here at the Amsterdam Arena!"

"The young lads of Ajax face the mighty AC Milan. We can look forward to the performance of Uruguay's talented Luis Suárez, who has already scored 18 league goals. Can he perform well against AC Milan and Suker? Let's wait and see!"

Under the Dutch commentator's introduction, both teams began to enter the field.

The starting lineups:

Ajax (4-2-3-1):Goalkeeper: StekelenburgDefenders: Skirde, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, EmanuelsonMidfielders: Gabriel, Sulemani, Wil, De Jong, Robben-WiForward: Suárez

AC Milan (4-4-2):Goalkeeper: AbbiatiDefenders: Zambrotta, Kaladze, Simunic, JankulovskiMidfielders: Kaká, Gattuso, Pirlo, BeckhamForwards: Pato, Suker

The Amsterdam Arena was boiling with excitement.

Ajax players had flames in their eyes, extremely excited.

For them, facing AC Milan was a highlight in their careers; a strong performance could make their name overnight.

Especially Ajax's defenders.

Even Vermaelen, the captain, stared at Suker like a predator eyeing a dazzling diamond.

Anyone who performed well against Suker would gain enough fame.

They wanted to use Suker as a stepping stone for their brilliant future.

But dreams are big, reality is harsh!

"Milan have stabilized the midfield and launched an attack down the right. Kaká holds the ball on the flank, looks up toward the far side. Suker has already charged into the penalty box. Kaká sends a long pass to Suker!"

Vermaelen immediately shouted, "Press him!"

Vertonghen rushed over, just as he was about to mark Suker tightly, Suker lowered his center of gravity and used his hip to firmly block Vertonghen behind him.

Damn it!Vertonghen pushed hard but couldn't budge Suker.

Suker's feet were rooted, steady as a mountain.

He slightly raised his toes; the ball stopped one meter in front of his body. Then Suker leaned back and shoved Vertonghen away.

"I got this!" Vermaelen charged forward to block.

At this moment, Suker faked a shot but actually nudged the ball forward, creating a gap.

Damn!

Vermaelen scrambled to turn.

But Suker's right foot struck the ball hard.

The ball slipped through the crowd, grazed the right goalpost, and rolled into the net.

Beep!The referee blew the whistle and pointed to the center circle.

Goal valid!

Just 8 minutes into the match, Suker used his superb individual ability in front of goal to score.

"Oh my God!"

The Dutch commentator held his head.

"Vertonghen and Vermaelen failed to contain Suker. Suker was too calm in front of goal, his control was perfect—no adjustment needed. He just pushed the ball to create space and scored!"

"If Vermaelen had been a little slower, Suker could have shot directly!"

The commentator sighed, "We still can't stop Suker."

The whole Amsterdam Arena was stunned.

Ajax fans had seen Suker's great performance in the European Championship, but seeing it live was a different feeling.

That ball control.That strength in duels.That shooting ability.

How to defend?!

Vertonghen's body was strong but still couldn't shake Suker. This goal was a complete demolition of their defense.

On the Italian commentary, Aldo Cerera smiled broadly: "This is Suker's ability!"

"Ajax plays all-out attack and defense, but Milan has Kaká, Pirlo, Beckham—all masters of long passes. As long as they send the ball into the box, Suker's personal skills get unleashed, and Ajax can't retreat in time!"

"They simply can't outrun a passed ball!"

Scoring first, and with such dominance,

Suker once again showed his sharp teeth in European competition.

For Ajax, this goal left them stunned.

They hadn't met such a player in their league.

To stop Suker, they can't give him any chance to shoot.

But that's almost impossible!

Suker scores in so many ways; he can even pull out to organize play.

If they had prevented this goal, it'd be one thing, but having failed, Suker would only get stronger.