Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 20: The Ironclad Midfield Trio

On the evening of September 15th, under the dazzling lights of the Santiago Bernabéu, both teams had completed their warmups and were jogging back down the tunnel for final preparations before kickoff.

Li Ang had once again been named in the starting lineup—a surprise to much of the media, but fully expected by many Real Madrid fans.

The Spanish press thought Mourinho was being a bit too bold.

Sure, Li Ang had played well in the first two league matches. He appeared calm, poised, and sharp-minded.

But the Champions League was a different beast.

Starting a 19-year-old, with practically no experience in elite-level competitions, as a defensive midfielder in a Champions League game?

Only the "Special One" could make such a call. Nothing Mourinho did followed convention. He wasn't afraid to put that kind of pressure on Li Ang.

The more "reasonable" approach, in the eyes of most managers, would have been to ease him in—have him come off the bench for 20–30 minutes in the early group matches. Once he'd adjusted to the pace and intensity of European football, then maybe consider starting him later on.

That was how most young players were gradually brought into the fold.

After all, it wasn't every day you got a debut like Wayne Rooney, who started in the Champions League at 18 and bagged a hat-trick in his first game.

Li Ang showed promise, sure. But to compare him to Rooney? Different league entirely.

But Real Madrid fans didn't quite see things the same way as the press.

They were more familiar with their own squad and, having watched the first two league matches, it was obvious.

Compared to Gago—willing to defend, but physically limited—and Khedira—physically capable but always caught out of position—Li Ang was currently the best fit to partner Alonso in midfield.

So Mourinho's decision wasn't really that surprising to most fans.

And if Mourinho had enough faith to start him, who were they to doubt?

The only head-scratcher was this:

Alongside Li Ang and Alonso, Khedira's name also appeared on the starting lineup sheet.

After his shaky performance last match, what was he doing back in?

Was Mourinho moving Alonso higher up the pitch, using Li Ang and Khedira as a double pivot?

Confused but curious, the fans eagerly awaited kickoff to see what kind of trick Mourinho was pulling this time.

At 8:40 PM, to thunderous cheers from the crowd, Real Madrid and Ajax players emerged from the tunnel, following the referee team onto the field.

As usual, Li Ang stood just behind Xabi Alonso in the lineup. The camera flashed past him briefly, but the composure and steadiness in his eyes instantly reassured countless Madrid fans watching.

"The camera catches Li Ang—calm as a still lake! You can't see a trace of nerves on his face. That kind of mentality is something else!"

In the ESPN Singapore studio, veteran commentator Jian Jun marveled at the young player's temperament.

He'd been following Li Ang for a while now.

Just earlier this year, Li Ang had been playing in Segunda División, caught in the middle of a massive media storm back in China.

Now, he was a starting XI regular for Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Over the past few years, most of the Chinese players who had gone abroad had either returned or flamed out.

Fans back home, disillusioned, had turned their attention to the handful of Chinese youth still grinding it out in Europe.

And among them, Li Ang, who had no ties to Chinese football politics and rose through La Fábrica on pure merit, was one of a kind.

Jian Jun still remembered that "tragic" decision Li Ang made earlier in the year.

The backlash from Chinese media and fans had been intense.

Sure, there were supporters, but just as many accused him of betrayal.

To put it bluntly, had Li Ang failed in Europe, he would've been finished back home.

No club would've dared to sign him—not because of his skill, but because of the politics.

But even under that kind of pressure, Li Ang had established himself in Segunda, become a starter for Real Betis, and helped them earn promotion.

Jian Jun had genuinely felt proud.

If he's not coming back, then so be it.

The football scene back home was a mess anyway.

Insiders like Jian Jun couldn't say it openly, but they quietly hoped players like Li Ang could forge a different path.

Still, even he hadn't expected things to move this fast.

He was now commentating a Champions League match where Li Ang was starting for Real Madrid.

And back in China, public opinion had begun to shift.

Yes, there were still angry detractors, but Li Ang's supporters were now the majority.

With a deep sigh, Jian Jun turned back to the screen and introduced the lineups:

"Real Madrid is starting in a more attack-oriented 4-3-3 formation tonight.

Casillas in goal.

The back four from left to right: Marcelo, Pepe, Carvalho, and Arbeloa.

In midfield, we have a surprise: Li Ang and Alonso in the double pivot, with Khedira pushed forward into an advanced central role.

Up front, it's Ronaldo on the left, Di María on the right, and Higuaín in the center. Benzema and new signing Ö—— remain on the bench."

As the lineups wrapped and the players moved to their positions, something caught the viewers' attention.

Li Ang and Khedira were side by side, heads nearly touching, covering their mouths and communicating intently.

There was no sign of animosity, no trace of the media-hyped rivalry between them.

On the sideline, Mourinho stood silently, eyes fixed on his new-look midfield.

Truth be told, back in preseason, he never imagined starting this trio together.

But after a couple of training scrimmages, this combination had impressed the entire coaching staff so much, he couldn't resist.

And so, he'd benched the original starting attacking midfielder—the one he brought in with high expectations.

Sure, having a world-class attacking midfielder might make the offense smoother.

But for Mourinho, balance between attack and defense was more important.

With this new trio, Mourinho felt like he'd finally found the key to challenging Barcelona.

And this Champions League group stage match?

The perfect tactical dress rehearsal.

He was eager to see how this lineup—jokingly dubbed by Li Ang as the "Ironclad Trio"—would fare against Ajax's crowded five-man midfield.

If they could control the match?

Then Mourinho would be 70% confident that this was the path forward.

Just two seasons—that's all he needed.

Two seasons to polish this new midfield until it shined.

Then he'd bring La Liga—and Europe—back under Real Madrid's control.

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