Chapter Forty-Six: Ding Yu’s Guidance

"That's right, a tactical center forward, also called a pillar-style striker," Ding Yu said leisurely. "Modern football has developed for over a hundred years. In the earliest days, there was no offside rule. Back then, most teams played with a 9-forwards-1-defender formation—nine attackers up front, a lone defender at the back. Once the ball was played forward, it would be a chaotic siege around the opponent's goal. Just imagine, the defender and the goalkeeper were truly pitiable in those days—two players facing nine opponents, and none of their teammates would come back to help defend..."

Hearing this, Long Bisheng couldn't help but laugh. That scene was comical just to picture. Fortunately, those times are long gone; few, if any, who witnessed such matches are still alive today, and there could be no video footage left.

"Gradually, formations evolved—from 9-forwards-1-defender to 8-2, then to 7-3. After the offside rule was introduced in 1925, the 2-3-5 formation became the preferred choice for European teams. At that time, nearly all teams across Europe used this setup. Entering the 1930s, Chapman of England's Arsenal, Pozzo of the Italian national team, and Rappan of the Swiss national team began to employ a central defender between the two fullbacks. If you connected all the players with lines, the shape would resemble the letters W-M. This was the revolutionary 'W-M' formation in football history, which swept through the 1930s and '40s. It prevailed until the 1950s, when the Hungarian national team rose to prominence with a stunning four-forward attack, dominating Europe—beating England 6–3 at Wembley, and thrashing them 7–1 at home. Unfortunately, in the 1954 World Cup final, they lost 3–2 to a tactically adept West Germany. This marked the third revolution in modern football. Then, in the 1960s, England's national team first adopted the 4-4-2 formation, which became the standard for most teams in the latter half of the twentieth century. Later formations like 4-3-3 and 3-3-3-1 all evolved from this strategy."

Ding Yu's eloquence was remarkable; he recounted the evolution of modern football tactics with such clarity that Long Bisheng was left holding his breath.

"From nine forwards and one defender to the most defensive 5-4-1 formation today, do you notice anything?" Ding Yu suddenly asked.

Such an abrupt question wasn't really suited to Long Bisheng's temperament. He was stunned for a moment before, after much thought, he gave Ding Yu a thoroughly disappointing answer: "I don't know."

Ding Yu's shoulders slumped. He realized that using this kind of conversational technique with Long Bisheng was like playing music to a cow. With Long Bisheng's capacity and personality, it was better to speak plainly.

"From nine forwards to one, the history of modern football is, in a sense, the history of steadily reducing the number of attackers—though that's a bit of an oversimplification, it's not without merit. As the number of forwards decreased and defenders increased, it meant a greater emphasis on defense. Forwards are now under more and more pressure—their partners are fewer, and they're up against more defenders. This means that a forward must shoulder more responsibility in attack; more goals are expected from them. That's why I agree with what you said—that scoring goals is the most important value of a forward."

"But you don't really agree with that," Long Bisheng said, more confused than ever.

"It's not that I disagree," Ding Yu sighed, "but scoring goals, though important, is not everything for a forward. No forward in the world can score in every single match. What I want to talk to you about now is the different types of forwards."

"There are wingers and center forwards. As the names suggest, wingers are mainly responsible for attacking down the flanks, while center forwards compete for position in the middle. But actually, the distinctions go much deeper. For example, Italy has its unique 'shadow striker,' who links midfield and attack, able to drop back and organize or move forward to finish. Even among center forwards, there are various types: players like Michael Owen rely on pace; Bierhoff was an aerial threat. The former needs the midfield to provide precise through balls to utilize his speed, while the latter depends on wingers to cross for him. Of course, forwards like Ronaldo, Shevchenko, and Vieri are every coach's dream—they have skill, speed, and power, able to attack alone, score, and create chances for teammates. There's also Italy's Inzaghi, who is quick but can't sprint long distances; he's physically slight, but with sharp instincts and an uncanny ability to play on the offside line—a true poacher. These are what we call opportunist strikers." Ding Yu paused briefly. "Of course, there are many types of forwards. The four I've just mentioned are all goal-scorers who can lead their teams to victory; we can categorize them as 'scoring forwards.' But there's another type—they may not score many goals, but their role in the team's tactics is crucial. They help the team gain a greater tactical advantage and offer more attacking options. Among forwards, these players may be unsung, but they are indispensable for many teams."

At this point, Ding Yu gave Long Bisheng a long, meaningful look. "Forwards of this type are generally tall and strong, able to hold their ground in the box. They may not score the most goals, but they use their bodies to win the ball, act as a pivot, or even drop back to help defend. With them on the pitch, the team's burden is eased both in attack and defense. For example, our own club's Italian striker, Toni, is such a player. He scores about ten goals per season, ranking only fourth or fifth within the squad, yet he's the undisputed starting center forward."

By now, even Long Bisheng couldn't miss the point. "So, this is the tactical center forward you've been talking about?"

"Exactly!" Ding Yu nodded vigorously—finally, he understood. "With your attributes, you're well suited to this role. You're physically gifted, you have good leaping ability. While you're not the fastest, your speed is enough for a tactical center forward. What's more, your stamina is excellent—not like other big men who tire quickly. That's why we value you!"

"But even so, in training matches I can't do it. Li Jie isn't as tall or strong as me, but I still can't beat him in the air," Long Bisheng said, his initial excitement fading as harsh reality set in. "I've tried my best, but I just can't outdo him."

"Haha!" Ding Yu laughed. "That's only natural. Do you know how many years Li Jie has been playing football? Five! He started formal training at the age of five. And you? Even counting your time in Xi'an as formal training, it's only been a year. Do you realize the difference between one year and five? Reaction, positioning, judging the flight of the ball—these all require experience. He has much more than you do. So, for now, he's able to dominate you thanks to his experience. You have no reason to lose confidence because of this."

"Then what should I do?" Long Bisheng asked immediately—at least his reaction was quick at this point. Since Ding Yu had pointed out his path, and identified his shortcomings, surely he had a solution in mind.

Ding Yu glanced at him with a hint of surprise, then said, "It's simple: targeted training. In fact, as soon as each student joins the school, we watch them closely and tailor their training based on their characteristics, foundation, and most suitable position. You were the last to arrive, so your movements are less refined, and your foundation is less solid compared to the others. So recently, we've had you focus on basic skills. Soon, you'll get a new training schedule, highlighting the skills you need to practice most. But keep in mind—this isn't some secret manual, nor will it turn you into a professional overnight. While you focus on the new schedule, don't neglect your basic training. The solidity of a player's fundamental skills is the greatest factor determining how good they can be on the pitch. Do you understand?"

Instinctively, Long Bisheng stood up and answered loudly, "I understand!"

Ding Yu was startled, then broke into a smile. "You rascal!"

Seeing Long Bisheng on his feet, and having finished what he wanted to say, Ding Yu stood as well, patting him on the shoulder and speaking softly into his ear, "Kid, you have some outstanding roommates. Zhou Wei and Zhang Yi are both accurate crossers, Wu Bufan is an excellent attacker, and Li Jie is great at marking tall center forwards. In your free time, practice with them. This will give you more chances to compete for headers in the opponent's box and score. Understand?"

"Ah," Long Bisheng exclaimed, finally grasping Ding Yu's meaning.

Zhou Wei and Zhang Yi would provide crosses, while he would battle for headers in the middle against the defense of Li Jie and Wu Bufan. If he could shoot, he should; if not, he could set up Guangming, marked by Hu Gantang, to finish the play. Their seven-man dormitory could stage small-sided matches, benefiting everyone's growth.

"I truly understand now, Coach!" Long Bisheng said sincerely. Ding Yu smiled with satisfaction—this, after all, was exactly his goal.