The All-Around Center Forward

Chapter 648: Chapter 648: The Star Effect



Suker's goal put immense pressure on Ajax.

Ajax was a team made up of young players, and high morale was very important. No one expected them to play as steadily as seasoned veterans; their hallmark was their aggressive, all-out style.

But now, Suker's goal hit them like a heavy blow to the head, making them feel pain and shock.

"What do we do?"

Vertonghen made a pushing motion with his hands, helpless: "I just can't push him away!"

"You have to push even if you can't!" Vermaelen said seriously. "As long as we hold them off, our forwards can score."

They had a lot of confidence in Suárez.

Besides, AC Milan's defense wasn't especially solid.

All they needed was to hold on!

An ideal thought, but facing Suker's repeated attacks — with his superior technique, physique, and other qualities — Ajax's defense kept getting harassed relentlessly.

"Suker's coming again! He's breaking through on the left, using his speed to outpace the defender, sending a sweeping cross into the box!"

"Pirlo's long pass, Suker controls it beautifully, turns and shoots directly!"

"Suker! Again, Suker!"

The Dutch commentator clenched his fists, his expression extremely tense. Watching Milan suppress Ajax over and over, every Suker break and shot made him sweat nervously.

The fame is well deserved!Suker showed all the qualities of a top striker in this match.

Meanwhile, Suárez watched anxiously.

Their defense was constantly under Suker's assault. How long could Vermaelen and Vertonghen hold out was uncertain.

Moreover, with Suker pushing forward, Pato and Kaká were also stirring.

If AC Milan managed to break open their attack, Ajax would be in danger.

"Pass it here!"

Suárez shouted loudly.

The ball flew toward Suárez's front, and he suddenly accelerated, rushing to the landing point.

Just as he was about to reach the spot, a figure dashed in from the side.

Gattuso jumped near the landing point, knocking the ball to Jankulovski without controlling it.

Jankulovski immediately passed to Beckham.

Beckham glanced toward Suker far away and instantly set up for a long pass.

A classic "Beckham curve"!

Suker sprinted sideways.

"This is mine!"

Vermaelen shouted, signaling that he would clear the ball.

He stood on the landing spot, waiting for the ball to drop.

But Suker rushed past from the side.

Suker lightly jumped and used his chest to bring the ball forward.

"Damn!"

Vermaelen immediately chased after him.

At the moment Vermaelen stretched out his foot to block, Suker twisted his waist, moved his feet deftly, and executed a stop + lateral drag with his right foot, forcing his body to turn sharply.

Vermaelen leaned forward and charged past Suker.

Suker looked up at the goal.

He saw Ajax goalkeeper Stekelenburg's panicked eyes, pupils trembling wildly like in an earthquake.

This was pure terror.

Suker immediately set up his shooting posture, while Stekelenburg lowered his center of gravity.

At this moment, Suker flicked his ankle and kicked the ball toward the left goalpost.

The shot wasn't fast but had a tricky angle.

"Chance!"

Stekelenburg immediately made a save attempt, spreading his hands wide to increase coverage.

Just when he thought he blocked the ball's path, the ball suddenly dipped, bounced off the ground, and slipped through Stekelenburg's hands.

At 39 minutes,

Suker scored again.

AC Milan 2:0 Ajax!

Milan held a two-goal advantage and a huge lead.

Ajax was completely suppressed and couldn't find any attacking opportunities.

"Milan radiates their frontline's advantage to midfield. Ajax can't spare more players to join the attack, making their offense very thin. Suárez is a talented player, but he hasn't fully matured yet. Compared to Suker's absolute influence, he still has a long way to go!"

The Dutch commentator's tone was somewhat helpless.

Though only half the game had been played, the pressure was overwhelming.

This didn't look like the strength of a Europa League team!

Even in the Champions League, Milan would have some competitiveness.

Of course, that depended on Suker being on the pitch.

Milan's elimination from the Champions League was largely due to Suker's absence caused by injury.

Now that Suker had returned, he was still in brilliant form.

One could say Milan were fishing in a barrel in the Europa League.

How many teams could really challenge Milan?

At halftime,

Both teams headed to the locker rooms.

Ajax had lost the initial momentum.

Suker's two goals had stunned them.

Especially Vermaelen and Vertonghen, the center-backs.

They had been dominant in the Eredivisie and were praised by the media. Though not arrogant, they did have some inflated ego.

They hoped to make a name for themselves by shining against Suker.

But a genius who becomes famous from one goal was rare, especially when facing a current top star like Suker!

"I'm sorry we couldn't stop Suker!"

In the locker room, Vermaelen self-criticized.

He could only apologize. After the first half, he clearly realized the gap in ability.

A star like Suker was absolutely impossible to stop.

"Can't stop him at all," Vertonghen said unwillingly. "We need to throw more defensive players at him — at least three in defense when marking Suker!"

"But then it's hard to launch counterattacks," Wil added.

Silence filled the room.

This was the paradox of having a star player!

A team with a star can build around him, expanding his influence and effect.

Just like Milan now.

Defending against Suker required multiple players, but that left fewer for quick counters.

Suker attracted so much attention and manpower.

On the other side, Milan's locker room was full of joy.

Holding the lead and playing so comfortably,

The Milan players were naturally very happy.

Compared to the frustrating first half of the season, Milan's performance had changed drastically after Suker's return.

"Let's score a few more in the second half!"

"I haven't scored yet!"

"Let's go! Let's crush them!"

The spirits were high.

Suker sat on the bench, wiping sweat with a towel.

His body was tired but still manageable.

After this injury experience,

Suker had learned his lesson. He wouldn't use his recovery card at halftime again and risk injury like at the European Championship.

The locker room was lively.

Beckham was also smiling happily.

He joined Milan to get back into the national team.

Now, his performance was very good, especially with Suker increasing his assist ability.

Beckham was truly in his second spring in the Europa League.

Of course, some players still struggled.

For example, Shevchenko.

Shevchenko looked gloomy.

In Milan, he was no longer the absolute core.

After three years away, things had changed.

Milan hadn't given up on him. Even during Suker's injury, they tried to revive the Ukrainian cannon.

But Shevchenko's form was too poor, and he ended up on the bench.

Watching everyone gather around Suker,

Shevchenko felt a little sour.

Three years ago, he was Milan's absolute core, and Suker had to yield tactical resources to him.

Three years later, Suker held two Ballon d'Or awards and a FIFA World Player of the Year.

He was the most threatening striker in Europe and the world.

His era at Milan was over.

Now was Suker's time!

"Get ready to go on!"

Staff knocked, signaling the second half was about to begin.

Everyone got up.

Suker loosened up, feeling good.

With a two-goal lead, they could play more relaxed in the second half.

Besides, it was uncertain if Ajax could recover.

Milan just needed to play steadily to win and advance to the round of 16.

Of course, Ajax still had threats, like Suárez.

But Suker believed they could handle it!

Not to say keep a clean sheet, since Milan's defense was somewhat shaky.

But hey... they had a badass striker!


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