Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

27 – Showcase Stage

027

It’s been just over four minutes since the match began.

Not even five minutes have passed, but Coach Jang Ki-seok was anxiously pacing along the touchline, gesturing continuously.

“What are you doing? Don’t just pivot there, move forward! Push ahead! Play aggressively! Oh, seriously! Hey! Hey, Ju Ji-tae! Move forward! Pierce through!”

The thunderous shouts, as if denying the fact that he didn’t hold the captaincy for nothing during his active playing days, echoed through the ground.

Ju Ji-tae subtly raised his hand in acknowledgment.

But nothing changed.

Although there was a noticeable increase in forward passes compared to just moments ago, and the ball spent more time in the opponent’s half, the situation remained frustrating.

Jang Ki-seok kicked his foot in frustration.

“Is it because Ji-tae’s position is lower? No. The position is lower than usual, but the forward passes are still sharp and precise. But why does it feel like there’s an issue on his side? Strangely, my attention keeps going there.”

Ju Ji-tae, showcasing the forward passing ability too valuable to be just a defender, seemed different today. Something more… stable than usual.

Jang Ki-seok finally realized.

At a glance, it seemed the same as usual but it was different.

“It’s not the recklessly aggressive and seemingly reckless passes he used to make. His unique, heart-pounding plays with a tremendous success rate… it’s not the usual Ji-tae style.”

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The forward passes were the same, but this stable feeling was not typical of Ju Ji-tae.

Already struggling against the physicality of Jo Jae-shin and Yoo Gi-tae, who were the focal points of the attack, it seemed like a moment for a decisive move from the rear.

Jang Ki-seok bit his lip, his forehead creased in thought.

“It’s been… now 8 minutes. Today, things aren’t moving according to the plan. Well, that’s how football is. The previous games were too easily solved; this is normal. Let’s just observe for now.”

Despite momentarily forgetting about Ju Ji-tae and Jo Jae-shin, two players who were performing overwhelmingly beyond their usual standards, football is inherently unpredictable.

More often than not, things don’t go as planned, far more than the overwhelming victories.

That’s why one of the important virtues for a coach is to read the flow of the game in real-time and take appropriate measures, and the role of a player acting as a field commander, substituting for the coach, is not trivial.

“Well, the situation isn’t bad for now… even though the flow is frustrating, the defense is holding up well as planned. Ju Ji-tae, even during training, I felt it, but his play is not just veteran-like; it’s exceptional.”

Unlike the frustrating offensive efforts, the defense was smooth.

From the beginning, Ghana adopted a defensive posture, and Ju Ji-tae, leading the defense from the back with center-backs on both sides, was exceptionally adept at intercepting dangerous situations with readings better than expected.

“Go out! I’ll cover the back, so stick close!”

“I’m turning to the side! Follow me! Don’t get too close, just block the passage while pressing!”

“Man on! Spread out!”

The instructions were precise and quick, as if foreseeing the outcome two or three seconds into the future, nullifying Ghana’s counterattacks.

Feeling a bit relieved at the consistently anticlimactic endings to Ghana’s counterattacks, Jang Ki-seok checked the time once again, suppressing the rising frustration, deciding to watch the game a bit more.

Defense moved according to plan, but strangely, the offense was the only thing deviating from the plan. Well… plans tend to go awry in the course of a game.

‘Jitae is surprisingly stable in his play today. Unusual for him, but… it can’t be helped. He’s been performing so well lately that I almost forgot he’s still a 17-year-old youngster. It’s natural to be tense in a match like this with the World Cup spot on the line. Trying to rush him in this situation would only add to the pressure.’

Although he’s not usually exceptional, he continues to display flawless defense, even in a different style than usual, and in the attack, there’s just the absence of his distinctive ‘heart-pounding’ plays; otherwise, he’s doing everything else.

Jang Kisuk’s gaze quickly shifted to the offensive line.

‘Jaeshin, on the other hand… seems like he’s still not physically there. Pressed down too much by the Ghana players. It’s unavoidable, but… it feels strangely off watching those two.’

—

No matter how great and successful a player is, they can’t just ignore the coach’s instructions and move however they want. Unless they’re really a total rebel.

That’s something the past, first-generation troublemaker Jitae never did.

Back then, Jitae indulged in nightlife, pleasure, and women, but he still had a minimum sense of professionalism.

Not being late for training, earnestly participating in team practices, always giving his best in the game… Did he?

Actually, he didn’t always give his best in games. Considering the importance of matches in a tight schedule, you have to play reasonably, or you risk burning out when it really matters.

After training, it was a routine to drink and have a one-night stand at the club. The ostentatious display of luxury goods and supercars fueled by a huge salary, yet Jitae still had some boundaries. Of course, others didn’t acknowledge it.

Anyway, Jitae never openly defied the coach’s instructions.

Not to mention Jowishin, who was much more solid than Jitae, and even Jitae himself, whose first-generation image was slowly surfacing.

Ignoring the coach’s instructions is a stupid move that invites a direct power struggle with the coach.

Jitae was a troublemaker, not a complete idiot.

However, following the coach’s instructions and playing differently in actual games were two different things.

If training is the coach’s domain, once you step onto the field, it becomes the player’s territory.

So, giving Ghana opportunities in attack while appropriately adapting is just an ‘incident that can’t be avoided during a match.’

“Press number 9! Follow number 13 when he turns, Chanho, go in deeper so the opponent can’t come up! I’ll cut off the pass, so stick close!”

It’s not deliberately giving the ball to the opponent, but unless Jitae actively moves, it’s difficult for Korea to break through Ghana.

Even against a relatively weak team, it’s challenging to penetrate when they focus on defense, and considering Ghana’s overall physical superiority, it’s even more challenging.

If they can break through while defending against a team that lowers its line and aggressively clashes, that would be a top prospect. And top prospects don’t appear frequently.

However, not attacking is not an option, and as they attack, Ghana will inevitably get counterattack opportunities.

Jitae actively stepped into such situations.

Like a general leading soldiers, like a conductor directing an orchestra, Jitae commanded the players with loud shouts and exaggerated gestures that reverberated across the field.

Truly like the commander on the ground.

“This is surprising. Despite his young age, he’s taking on the role of the defensive leader. The fact that the players move without a hint of hesitation in response to number 18’s gestures shows how strong the trust is.”

“In the Argentina game, he showed all the offensive and forward plays a center-back can do, and in this game, he’s showing all the plays he can as the defensive leader.”

“Hmm. It’s not just outstanding individual skills. His defensive coordination and leadership are very impressive.”

Everyone watching was impressed by that unique ability.

Players with genius talent may be few, but they always emerge.

However, no matter how much of a genius one is, being a ‘skilled’ player is a different matter.

Especially for the leader of the defense, a field that requires abilities beyond individual player skills.

As a defender, where mistakes cannot be allowed more than any other position, one must be able to assess the situation with precise and quick judgment, instruct and coordinate with other players.

This is not something one can excel at alone.

One must understand the defensive capabilities and playing style that sync with the defensive line, and most importantly, there must be a strong trust with the defense.

Only then can one respond promptly to the leader’s instructions.

To be able to grasp the flow of the game, analyze the opponent, and earn the trust of teammates—all at once.

In short—

“Incredible. That player is a born leader.”

Talent as a team leader is essential.

Amidst the excitement of all the scouts watching, there were scouts, particularly, whose excitement stood out.

“That figure… that figure…”

“Der Kaiser!! Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer!!”

The scouts from Germany, the country of the greatest defender in football history, the ‘Emperor’ Franz Beckenbauer, were among them.

Amidst the subtly spreading enthusiasm among the scouts, Arda Güller, who was absentmindedly looking down at the field, couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“It’s over. Completely over. I thought it might be the second coming of Kim Min-jae, but never expected it to be Beckenbauer.”

Chelsea’s scout, John Greenwood, who was operating the tablet PC frantically, nodded unconsciously.

“As the second Franz Beckenbauer. To show such a performance… This… This is entirely the showcase stage for this player.”