Inside FC Schalke 04's training ground!
Su and Hao brought Zhang and Wu with them onto the pitch.
Among Bundesliga teams, FC Schalke 04's facilities could only be considered average, but to Wu and Zhang, they seemed incredibly professional compared to what they were used to back home.
Since the team had just won the championship, Magath had given everyone three days off.
Many players were confused about why they'd been suddenly recalled.
Annan started complaining the moment he stepped onto the training ground:
"I spent a fortune on vacation packages! Not easy to pack everything just to get called back! And still missing several items!"
Looking at the grumbling Annan, Su could only shake his head in silence.
About an hour later, most of FC Schalke 04's players had arrived.
Raul made an appearance too.
When Wu and Zhang saw Raul, they immediately turned into starstruck fans and rushed over.
After Hao introduced them, Raul greeted them warmly.
Then Magath strode onto the training ground with her head held high.
The players smirked at Magath's cheerful expression.
"Gathered you all here for nothing special - just an intra-squad training match!"
Without further ado, Magath gave a perfunctory nod toward Wu and Zhang and had Hughes organize the teams.
Team A consisted mostly of starters, while Su joined Team B temporarily since both Zhang and Wu were placed there.
The match began shortly after.
Magath watched Wu and Zhang moving on the pitch with an expectant expression.
Truth be told, Magath had been somewhat disappointed at first sight.
Chinese players!
Known for their unrefined technique and poor game intelligence, Magath had hoped Su would bring another Vardy-like talent for him to work with.
Especially that Wu - skinny as a chicken, looking like he might fall apart at the slightest contact!
Carvajal stood quietly beside Magath.
As a well-connected agent, Carvajal already knew about Magath's secret meeting with München 1860.
But he wasn't foolish enough to bring it up with Magath directly.
On the pitch...
Team B kicked off first!
Su controlled the ball, and Baby Baumann immediately pressed toward him.
Usually Baumann would be defending against Su on Team B - this was his first time marking Su while on Team A!
Facing Baby Baumann, Su easily bypassed him with a La Croqueta.
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Though beaten, Baumann still watched Su's retreating figure with admiration.
So cool!
Even beating opponents looks handsome!
At that moment!
Su noticed Wu in the attacking third, darting between defenders like an eel!
Without hesitation, Su delivered a sharp inside-out pass with his right foot directly into Team A's penalty area.
That spot!
Wu was already charging toward it like mad.
A solid first touch!
On the sideline!
Magath's interest was immediately piqued by Wu's movement.
This kid is really clever - he initially drifted left, then the moment he saw Su beat his man, he instantly changed direction and darted forward, creating space beside Metzelder!
This...
This kid shows promise!
Could he have stumbled upon a gem?
However, the next moment thoroughly disappointed Magath.
Su's pass was perfect!
Wu's first touch was equally good, but then!
Wu kept his head down and blasted his shot!
Even worse, the shot lacked power.
Neuer gathered it comfortably.
Seeing his weak attempt, Wu looked toward midfield Su with an embarrassed expression, raising his hand in apology.
Su could only smile wryly at Wu's reaction.
Just like in the original timeline - world-class movement, but finishing...
While Magath was disappointed, Carvajal grew excited.
Forget the shot - that positioning was absolutely brilliant.
That kind of spatial awareness can't be taught - it's pure instinct.
But finishing? That can be trained.
Based solely on his movement, this kid could definitely play in 2. Bundesliga, especially considering the massive market he represents.
Worth developing. Plus, he's only 19 - plenty of time to improve!
Carvajal was already planning Wu's career path.
The match continued!
Wu had shown his qualities - now it was Zhang's turn.
Compared to Wu, Zhang appeared much stronger physically, at least matching up well against Uchida.
Magath pointed to Team A's left flank.
Boujellab obeyed, quickly passing to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
No support.
Huntelaar received the ball and immediately drove at Zhang.
Facing the former Eredivisie Golden Boot winner, Zhang stayed completely focused.
Before Huntelaar reached him, Zhang subtly angled his body.
Just as predicted!
As Huntelaar approached, he tried to knock the ball past Zhang with his right foot!
But!
Zhang used his excellent core strength to stay with Huntelaar through the turn.
That single turn and burst of acceleration...
Magath's eyes widened on the sidelines!
This kid's physical attributes are legit!
With that kind of turning speed alone, he could keep up in the Bundesliga.
Seeing Zhang match him, Huntelaar immediately switched to serious mode.
With his right foot, he dragged the ball behind him and came to an abrupt stop!
Again, Zhang halted his pursuit.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was waiting for Zhang to be thrown off by his change of pace.
Seeing Zhang stop, Huntelaar quickly pushed the ball forward, preparing to accelerate away.
However, Zhang reacted faster than he anticipated!
The moment Huntelaar touched the ball, Zhang went into a full slide tackle!
His right foot connected cleanly with the ball!
Sending it straight out of play!
"Great defending!"
Hughes on the sidelines couldn't help but cheer at Zhang's successful challenge!
...............
The match concluded after just thirty minutes!
This scrimmage was specifically to evaluate Wu and Zhang's abilities.
FC Schalke 04's players deliberately targeted them in attack.
Team B lost.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored twice, while Wu squandered two one-on-one opportunities and fluffed a clear chance.
Wu looked ready to cry after the match!
Su's passes were perfectly weighted - served on a silver platter - but his own finishing was abysmal, as if his legs turned to jelly in front of goal.
Similarly, Zhang received a thirty-minute masterclass from Huntelaar. Apart from that opening defensive play, he was routinely outsmarted by the Dutchman's experience.
Two dream-chasing youngsters had been given a harsh reality check.
Their current level compared to Bundesliga champions FC Schalke 04?
One might play in 2. Bundesliga, the other could barely make a relegation-threatened Bundesliga team's rotation.
But Carvajal, having finished recording, closed his camera with satisfaction.
"Su!"
"No problem!"
"If they can resolve their Chinese club situations, I guarantee they'll be playing in Bundesliga or 2. Bundesliga next season!"
Carvajal assured Su.
At that moment, Magath unexpectedly approached Zhang!
The manager studied the still-composed defender closely,
then gave his shoulder an approving pat.
Though no words were exchanged, Su recognized Magath's impressed expression.
No surprise!
Zhang's physical attributes alone surpassed most peers.
This kid was about to get his big break!
After the match, Su and Hao escorted the pair to the airport.
Carvajal had exchanged contacts with both,
even promising - with hand on heart - to bring them to Germany or Spain that summer!
Wu and Zhang were buzzing with excitement.
Su generously offered his direct line for any future difficulties,
a gesture that moved the youngsters to tears.
With everything settled, Su remembered Bunny waiting at the hotel.
After saying goodbye to Hao, he hailed a cab straight for the clinic!
..........