Chapter 13: Integration and System Upgrade
Chapter 13: Integration and System Upgrade
Gary Neville’s perspective was widely shared among England’s football legends and experts.
“The ‘Van Persie replacement’ label is just a gimmick.”
It was a sensational hook used by the media to grab attention.
It simply wasn’t to be taken seriously.
Yet in the Dragon Kingdom, many media outlets followed the English press in hyping the idea of a “Van Persie replacement.”
“The Van Persie replacement is actually him!”
“A Dragon Kingdom prodigy lands in the Premier League! Is he the next Dong Yuanzhuo?”
“At seventeen, valued at two million, his worth surpasses all national team players!”
For a time, domestic media in the Dragon Kingdom erupted with fervent debate.
Fans were either excited, mocking, or lamenting due to Li Mo’s Italian heritage—each reaction varied.
In short, Li Mo had not only made a name for himself in England but had also become a household name back home.
Suddenly thrust into the media spotlight, it was hardly a blessing for him personally.
In truth, the concerns were justified.
Arsène Wenger was deeply angered by the irresponsible comments circulating in the media.
He feared such pressure could weigh heavily on Li Mo.
But when he saw Li Mo at the training base, those worries began to fade.
Wenger had received Li Mo’s physical assessment report.
In terms of strength, speed, and explosiveness, Li Mo’s performance wasn’t outstanding, but it was certainly adequate.
Far better than when Wenger first met him over two months ago.
This indicated significant progress through training—a logical development for a seventeen or eighteen-year-old, whose physical condition was naturally evolving toward adulthood, marking a crucial period for growth.
It wasn’t unusual for players to improve rapidly at this stage.
Li Mo had already undergone a medical examination in Milan.
At that time, the check was merely to confirm he was physically fit to become a professional athlete.
Afterward, Arsenal signed him.
It was only upon arriving at the Colney training ground that Arsenal’s medical team conducted a comprehensive physical examination.
The complete medical report landed in Wenger’s hands, and he was thoroughly satisfied.
“His speed is showing signs of returning!”
Speed was Wenger’s highest priority.
Scout reports had extensively described Li Mo’s previous playing style.
Li Mo had grown up in Milan’s youth academy, not in some obscure region of the East or South America.
His background was well documented.
Wenger knew about Li Mo’s height concerns and the transformation he had undergone in the past six months—this only piqued his interest further.
Completing such a transition within half a year indicated that Li Mo wasn’t merely a player who relied on speed and explosiveness—a type abundant in England.
What mattered most to Wenger was Li Mo’s football intelligence.
And his attitude.
Training attitude.
And, crucially, his psychological resilience after enduring a major setback.
Sometimes, these qualities determined whether a talented player ultimately became a star.
During subsequent training sessions, Wenger closely observed Li Mo’s conduct.
He found him diligent and hardworking.
Even in training matches, paired with youth players, Li Mo still showcased his unique traits.
Wenger also noticed something else.
He turned to his assistant.
“Steve, have you noticed?”
Steve Bould, Arsenal’s first-team assistant coach and an eleven-season veteran at the club, was equally surprised.
“This kid seems to be two-footed!”
“That’s something we can test—he’s equally skilled with both feet!”
Wenger rubbed his hands excitedly.
He was beginning to see Li Mo as a treasure trove, discovering new strengths almost every time.
On the training field, Li Mo’s performances earned recognition from some first-team players—after all, the internationals hadn’t returned yet.
At least, he got along well with the midfield stalwarts Arteta and Cazorla, both of whom had missed out on Spain’s national team but remained key players for Arsenal.
Especially Cazorla.
Li Mo consistently received his through balls and finished decisively.
After enduring Olivier Giroud’s so-called “joyful football” for three consecutive games, Cazorla now found Li Mo quite pleasing to watch.
Among Arsenal’s ranks, Italian goalkeeper Mannone also looked out for Li Mo, his fellow countryman.
Li Mo’s English was still not fluent, but his Spanish was quite good—due to the similarities between Italian and Spanish.
To draw a parallel with Chinese dialects, it was like the difference between Beijing and Chongqing accents.
Thus, for Italians, learning Spanish was not particularly difficult.
Li Mo could communicate privately with teammates in Italian and Spanish.
Yet on the training ground, he insisted on using English.
He was determined to integrate into the team quickly—not just tactically but linguistically as well.
These days of training pleased Wenger greatly.
After watching Li Mo once again receive a precise through ball from Cazorla and expertly convert a one-on-one chance into a goal, Wenger told his assistant with satisfaction:
“His composure in front of goal is excellent. He can be included in the squad for the next match.”
“We’re playing at the Etihad against Manchester City next—maybe not the best debut opportunity,” Bould expressed some concern.
“I know. Let him sit on the bench first. I’ll consider the right moment,” Wenger replied.
He understood well that gradually integrating a youth player into professional matches was like releasing a small fish from a tank into a wild, roaring river.
The timing had to be right, and utmost care was essential.
At that moment, a cheer erupted on the pitch.
“Beautiful!”
Bould, standing beside Wenger, shouted excitedly.
Wenger quickly turned his head.
There was Li Mo, wearing the number 19 jersey, arms outstretched in celebration—his Arsenal number.
Number 19.
Not a first-team number, but far better than 39, 47, 69, or 96.
Bigger numbers weren’t always better.
Wenger knew it was Li Mo who had scored.
Unfortunately, it was a training match.
No video replay was available yet.
“A volley! Did you see that, Arsène? The kid scored with a volley!”
Bould was ecstatic.
On the pitch, Cazorla, Arteta, and even Mannone, guarding the goal behind, rushed over.
“Beautiful!”
“Oh wow! That goal! Stunning!”
“At one moment, I really saw Van Persie in him.”
“Can we not mention that guy?”
They all crowded around Li Mo in celebration.
Li Mo was just as thrilled.
Just a minute earlier, he had fully absorbed the “Van Persie volley shooting template”—all in just five days.
Coincidentally, a cross from Cazorla arrived.
Li Mo, inspired, swung his left foot for a volley.
The strike was exquisite—speed and angle both cunning.
The substitute goalkeeper Fabianski was utterly helpless.
This spectacular goal boosted Li Mo’s confidence.
For a striker, confidence often determined whether good form could be sustained.
Wenger watched the entire goal process on a tablet handed to him by a staff member.
As Cazorla received the ball on the wing, Li Mo began lateral movement.
At the moment Cazorla crossed, Li Mo suddenly turned his back and executed a hook run, shaking off his defender before unleashing a left-footed shot.
“Really impressive!”
Wenger’s gaze darkened as he recalled the Dutchman.
But he quickly cast aside the negative thoughts.
“Looks like this kid is integrating quite well!”
After finishing his celebration and returning to the pitch, Li Mo activated his system in his mind.
“[Football Bond System] upgraded to Level 2.”
“[Basic Shooting Training Module], [Basic Dribbling Training Module], [Basic Passing Training Module] loaded! Please check!”
Update schedule correction:
Two chapters of 4,000 words each daily, updating at midnight and noon.
After launching, rapid updates! Rapid updates! Rapid updates!!
Quality guaranteed.
Seeking support, hoping for a surge in data—honestly, it’s been a bit slow.
The early buildup was admittedly long, but some groundwork was necessary.
Also, not hiding the fact there’s some intention to hold back the climax for better recommendations, haha.
Rest assured, an exciting mini-climax is coming, connecting to the grand climax at launch.
(End of chapter)