What exactly is to be tested in Chapter 008

Which is more important, tactics or technology

The TIPS standard, in this context, can only be considered as the foundation of foundations

The material selection criteria that Freddy inquired about earlier: TIPS

Regardless, the other party has arrived and holds a letter of recommendation. After confirming with the satellite club in Africa, Rick Link acknowledged Qin Xiong's qualification for the trial.

Qin Xiong said solemnly: "Sir, I will!"

Rick Link stood up and led the two individuals outside, then pointed to a building and said to Qin Xiong: "There is a changing room over there. You can go inside to change into your jersey and shoes. It doesn't matter what you wear; you will be given a training shirt shortly."

During the two days of preparation for the trial, Qin Xiong did not visit the bustling Amsterdam; instead, he only jogged around his accommodation in the morning, afternoon, and evening, performed light exercises in his room, and ensured reasonable and sufficient rest

However, he did not intend to make things difficult for Qin Xiong and Freddy

Undoubtedly, Ajax's youth training system, which emphasizes nurturing their own talent, is one of their key characteristics

To speak more broadly, the root cause of this situation is established by the overall tone of the development of Dutch football

That is the "sword energy dispute" within Dutch football

Although the Netherlands has its own language, the predominant language in this country is still English, even the homeless beggars on the streets can speak English

After Michels led the Netherlands to the title of the Uncrowned King with an all-out attacking and defending strategy, this football tactic became a global sensation, earning worldwide acclaim.

Rick Link is not foolish; there must be something fishy about this!

Rick Link did not mind Freddy's frankness, so he spoke directly: "The new season has already begun, and this young man did not come here on draft day. We have not scouted him before. The standard you mentioned is merely the most basic of basics. Perhaps you are not familiar with our situation; I can provide you with a detailed introduction."

In this context, Ajax has three avenues for absorbing youth training talents

Qin Xiong is already 18 years old. Whether he meets Ajax's selection criteria is no longer solely assessed by the TIPS standard. It is necessary to further observe his team awareness based on TIPS, while also finding a balance within it. In other words, he must not only obey and serve the team but also find his own role within it and express his individuality.

That is relative to younger players; the younger the player, the greater their plasticity!

In other words, TIPS is merely the minimum standard for entry. Otherwise, Ajax would have thousands of children coming for trials each year, yet year after year, it is impossible for only a little over 200 youth training players to remain here, not to mention the addition of talents recommended by satellite clubs.

Thirdly, Ajax's overseas satellite clubs recommend talents, such as Pienaar from South Africa and Shabalala, who is not yet 18 years old. Their ability to cross oceans to join Ajax is a testament to the contributions of the Ajax satellite club system. Furthermore, Qin Xiong's trial qualification also stems from behind-the-scenes dealings between the Tang Group and Ajax's overseas satellite clubs.

Rick Link does not have a favorable view of Qin Xiong for this reason. In a place like China, it is possible to produce players who are fast, strong, skilled, and possess keen insight. However, in the complex environment of a team where 11 individuals must collaborate, he does not believe that Chinese players can perform better than local Dutch players if they are not patiently and actively guided and nurtured from a young age

There are 7 full-sized courts here, and the training conditions are evidently outstanding. However, it is the scenery here that stirs a sense of excitement deep within Qin Xiong.

In his view, perhaps it was merely to allow Qin Xiong to have a day trip here

He is not here to join Ajax's youth training system; he is merely here for a trial. If successful, his goal will be to enter the first team. It can be said that he does not expect Ajax to nurture or reshape him; he needs a stage to showcase his abilities. He believes that he already possesses strong skills, and the efforts of the past 15 years form the foundation of his confidence.

In the morning, Freddy and Qin Xiong arrived at Ajax Club's youth training facility: De Toekomst

Since the 1960s, the high-quality production efficiency of the Ajax Youth Academy has created the myth of Ajax's youth training.

Such matters are precisely what Qin Xiong excels at

Thus, when mentioning Dutch football, it is synonymous with attacking football, and when referring to books, it is almost invariably associated with the 4-3-3 formation

At 18 years old, Qin Xiong's speed, personality, insight, and skills alone are not sufficient

The youth teams participating in today's training match consist of players who train together every day and are very familiar with each other

First, focus on sourcing local talent within a sixty-kilometer radius centered around Amsterdam

Can you understand English

Freddy followed Ricklink to the training ground. On the way, Freddy curiously asked, "Aren't there any other tests? Ajax is renowned for its selection criteria: TIPS, skills, insight, personality, and speed. Relying solely on a brief training match seems insufficient to assess a player comprehensively"

One point that must be acknowledged is that, although it is a distortion of the facts to say that Ajax does not scout talent from abroad, the youth training director, Rickling, tirelessly asserts: "We will not look for children more than 60 kilometers outside of Amsterdam. We believe in our own culture, and we do not consider seeking young players abroad"

Although Ajax is renowned worldwide for its youth training, it still requires external players, specifically those acquired through the transfer market

For clubs like Ajax, which hold absolute superiority within the Netherlands, their selection and development of players is not merely based on the most fundamental characteristics as is the case with ordinary clubs

The Youth Academy is located next to the Amsterdam Arena. On this sunny day, with a gentle breeze blowing, Qin Xiong and Freddy naturally took in the scenery while walking into this training facility.

This also laid the foundation for the tactical supremacy philosophy that Dutch football would adhere to in the years to come

Qin Xiong keenly discerned from the other party's imposing demeanor that he seemed somewhat displeased

Whether it is personality or insight, technology or speed, all of these must serve the purpose of tactics

Of course, Qin Xiong is already 18 years old. His admiration for Ajax does not necessarily mean that he wants to become a true Ajax person

I would like to hear more details

Through Rick Link's introduction, Freddy gained an intuitive understanding of this place

An academy belonging to the future

Qin Xiong replied to him: "Sir, I can, general communication is not a problem"

Secondly, on the annual draft day, thousands of children come here to showcase their football skills to Ajax, hoping to impress the club and gain entry into this most renowned football academy in the Netherlands

To put it into practice, the development model of Ajax's youth training system is as follows: for teams under the age of 12, the core of match training focuses on the 3-4-3 formation, while for those aged 12 and above, the 4-3-3 formation is adopted

Freddy said with a charming smile

Especially, Qin Xiong is a stranger, an outsider

To clarify a complex situation, it is essential to identify one's position within the team and to find a breakthrough in an unfamiliar environment

In this youth training facility, known as Ajax Future, there are over 200 youth players divided into 7 groups, with each age group having its own tier, ranging from 7 to 19 years old

For example, the forward Ibrahimović from the first team was recruited from Ajax and - 图 - 书. Which club missed out on Ibrahimović? Arsenal

Freddy's expression remained unchanged; he had confidence in Qin Xiong, especially after understanding the specific focus of Ajax's player evaluations, which alleviated his concerns even further

Thus, a Chinese player came to Ajax for a trial, and openly presented a letter of recommendation from a satellite club in Africa

Just as the African continent witnesses daily the trafficking of children with dreams of becoming famous footballers by unscrupulous agents to Europe, such occurrences are not uncommon

Qin Xiong slung his shoulder bag and walked towards that building

In other words, it is to serve the team

Ajax has not yet established satellite clubs in China, particularly in terms of talent acquisition channels, and has not made such investments.

The youth training director, Rick Link, received two individuals in his office. As he reviewed the trial recommendation letter handed to him by Freddy, he scrutinized Qin Xiong with a discerning gaze

Yes, Rick Link certainly is not happy

This is inevitably related to the competitiveness of Chinese football, or more precisely, to the nurturing environment for football talent

If you violate this principle, then no matter how fast you are, how distinctive your personality is, how exceptional your insight may be, or how unparalleled your skills are, if you remain outside the tactical system, then, sorry, you are not the player Ajax desires

After Rick Link nodded, he said to him: "Wait a moment, there will be a warm-up match for the youth team. I will let you join one of the teams; this will be your trial. Make sure to seize the opportunity."

August 27, 2003