Ling massaged his numb arm, instinctively shaking his head.
It took him a while to fully wake up before he checked his phone.
Had he slept for over two hours?
He searched his mind and realized it seemed to contain much more knowledge about curling shots.
So he formed a hypothesis: perhaps this skill came naturally to Ronaldinho, but for him, it was different.
Therefore, the system converted it into more accessible knowledge.
With proper training, he could quickly master it.
Thinking this, he eagerly changed into his gear and headed downstairs.
...
Soon after.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound of boots striking the ball echoed across the pitch.
After some simple experimentation, Ling realized he had underestimated the effectiveness of the "Elastico."
First, Ronaldinho's preparation for the curling shot is extremely concise, requiring minimal adjustment space before he can directly strike the ball.
By the time defenders attempt to close him down, it's already too late.
Second, his unique method of applying force allows the football to curve with a much greater arc.
Of course, This requires a high level of proficiency.
However, Ling had a very clear sense that, with the system's assistance, each training session seemed to make him more adept at mastering such techniques.
He grew increasingly excited, and his thoughts began to wander.
He could fully imitate Robben—making consecutive vertical cuts inside before directly curling the ball into the far corner.
Perhaps he couldn't achieve the same level of unstoppability, but at the very least, it could serve as a regular weapon, making it harder for defenders to predict his attacking intentions.
So, after training ended.
Ling sought out Faria and asked him to help adjust his upcoming plan, increasing the proportion of curling shot training.
This left Faria quite puzzled.
As Ling's training supervisor, he was naturally very familiar with the young player's technical characteristics.
How does this kid manage to master a new skill every so often?
For example, the Matthews Shoulder Drop Dribble and the recently emerged curling shot.
Although he was baffled, he didn't jump to conclusions about cheating, simply attributing it to Ling being in a rapid development phase.
Over the next few days, Ling immersed himself completely in training, and his various stats and curling shot proficiency rapidly improved.
...
Soon, it was October 12th, two days before the Premier League resumed.
Melwood Training Ground.
"Run! Everyone keep moving, the pressing in the forward line needs to be organized!"
Klopp, wearing a baseball cap, shouted loudly across the pitch.
From a bird's-eye view, Liverpool's overall formation was highly unified, executing an intense pressing and tackling strategy.
Like a roaring steam locomotive, with the players acting as the coal, providing the energy source.
This was precisely Klopp's highly distinctive tactical style.
Whether at Mainz, Dortmund, or Liverpool, his approach was always filled with passion and energy.
In just half an hour, the players on the field were already exhausted.
Salah, who had just transferred from Roma in the summer window, gasped for breath and asked in confusion.
"Huff.... is our training intensity always this high?"
"This is nothing. The winter training camp is even more intense—it can push you to the point of vomiting."
Firmino, who had joined Liverpool two years earlier, was already deeply familiar with Klopp's habits.
"Stop chatting, the next set of drills is about to start!" Henderson called out loudly.
Since Gerrard's departure, he had become the team's captain, shouldering the responsibility of carrying on Liverpool's spirit.
The two immediately fell silent upon hearing this.
At the sidelines, Klopp wore a slightly worried expression.
He noticed that after the two-week international break, the players' form had clearly declined.
A classic case of the FIFA virus.
This made it difficult to fully dominate Manchester United or create many chances.
After all, his false nine system primarily relied on high pressing to break down packed defenses.
But perhaps they could exploit Manchester United's weaknesses—their low defensive efficiency and lack of coordination in rotations—by having agile players like Salah and Coutinho use their individual skills to break through and try to open up the game.
Klopp gradually formed a new idea in his mind and immediately gathered the players to make tactical adjustments.
....
At the same time, Carrington Training Base.
"Boss, Fellaini and Bailly are injured again. What should we do?" Faria looked worried.
Liverpool's greatest strength lies in their individual combat ability, and now our defensive pillars are injured again.
It's like the thing you fear most always happens.
"It's fine. First, we'll focus on defending to withstand Liverpool's peak offensive period, then create threats through counterattacks."
"For this match, we aim to secure a draw while striving for a win." Mourinho wasn't too troubled.
Instead, he curiously looked toward the green pitch, where an internal training match was underway.
Ling received a pass from Herrera on the wing, made two quick changes of pace to shake off Valencia, and broke toward the byline.
The latter burst into an astonishing sprint to chase back.
After a brief tussle, Ling suddenly slowed down and stopped abruptly, leaving Valencia stumbling forward.
He then cut inside toward the center, feigning a cross.
Smalling hurriedly stepped out to block.
But to his surprise, it was a dummy. By the time he realized, Ling had already swept past him.
In an instant, Ling adjusted his posture for the shot, twisting his body parallel to the ball before curling it with a sudden strike.
Thump!
A dull sound echoed.
The ball spun fiercely, tracing an exaggerated arc straight toward the top right corner of the goal.
De Gea, truly in his prime, though weaker in distribution, showcased world-class shot-stopping skills.
He leaped into a full-stretch dive, extending his body to the limit.
But Ling's pre-shot movement was too deceptive, leaving little time to react.
The ball eventually brushed past his fingertips and nestled into the net.
The Manchester United players wore expressions of astonishment, thinking to themselves how every time they left the training base and returned, they'd find Ling's abilities had leaped forward.
And what about that stunning curled shot? Surely it couldn't have been a fluke?
"Ling, have you been secretly training again?" McTominay's tone was full of resentment.
"Ahem, I train right in front of everyone. Oh, the coach is looking for us." Ling casually joked before turning away decisively.
"Keep it up." Matic suddenly patted Valencia on the shoulder, speaking meaningfully.
"Get lost! I'm a full-back, do I need that?" Valencia, understanding the dig at his lack of shooting ability, scowled and cursed.
Soon, Mourinho convened a tactical meeting, first announcing the starting lineup for the upcoming match.
Ling wasn't surprised to hear his name.
After all, everyone had participated in international duty, and his form was undoubtedly the best in the squad.
Mourinho then emphasized tactical details before dismissing the team to rest early, conserving energy for the tough battle ahead.
...
Days turned into nights. Time quietly arrived at October 14th.
Ling and his teammates traveled to Liverpool, a city steeped in history.
The annual English football spectacle, the North West Derby, was about to begin!