Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 50: You—Start Practicing Forward Runs

After four straight wins, Milan was on fire in Serie A.

In a league full of unpredictable results and inconsistent rivals, Milan's stability and efficiency made them look every bit the title favorite.

In Italy, if you want to win the Scudetto, you don't necessarily need the most goals, or the most wins, or even the highest goal difference.

But you must have the most consistent defense and control.

That's what Milan had become: a machine built to dismantle the league's lesser sides.

Don't worry about how long they had to defend against Cesena.

Don't stress about the ugly grind in Lecce.

They won. That was all that mattered.

While Inter and Lazio stumbled, Milan beat teams they were supposed to beat.

Eight points clear.

That's a three-game cushion.

No wonder Allegri was bursting with confidence.

But it was still early.

The season wasn't over.

And Allegri saw more room for refinement—especially in their evolving tactical approach.

On January 26, newly signed veteran midfielder Mark van Bommel arrived at Milanello after completing a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Allegri wasted no time.

With Pirlo previously operating as the deep-lying playmaker, Li Ang and Gattuso had focused their energy on protecting the middle.

But now, if van Bommel played that holding role, Li Ang and Gattuso would be freed up to support the attack.

Of course, replacing Pirlo was easier said than done.

Pirlo was still brilliant. His tactical vision was unmatched.

Allegri couldn't just shove him aside.

But Pirlo's stamina wasn't what it once was.

He needed rotation.

So Allegri issued a new command for Li Ang—one that made the youngster blink in surprise.

"You want me… to practice forward runs?"

January 27. Li Ang was getting ready to stay behind and work on short passing after training when Allegri hit him with the order.

"Yeah. You. Start practicing forward runs from now on."

"But we already have Kevin. Boateng's runs are way better than mine…"

"That's why I want both of you.

He's got the long-range shot.

You've got the header.

You two charge forward together—double the threat."

Li Ang stared at his coach, utterly dismayed.

It's not like he didn't want to attack—he just… didn't have any experience making timed forward runs into the box.

Could he really pull it off?

He wasn't sure.

Still, he followed Allegri's lead and started working on off-the-ball movements and forward sprints, practicing coordination with Boateng.

On January 28, forwards like Ibrahimović, Robinho, and Pato joined in to integrate the new offensive routines.

Li Ang quickly grasped what Allegri was actually trying to do.

The system was simple.

Option one: The forwards pulled defenders away while Li Ang and Boateng made late runs into the box, attacking crosses.

Option two: Li Ang and Boateng made the first wave run, drawing attention and disrupting defensive lines. Zlatan and the others would arrive as the second wave, exploiting chaos.

"So it's still about creating disorder and striking in the chaos…"

Li Ang felt a little more reassured.

After all, he wasn't being asked to score goals.

He just had to be the battering ram—draw defenders, create space for others.

He could do that.

After several focused training sessions, January 30 arrived.

Milan headed south to face Catania, a team hovering just above the relegation zone.

Another relegation battler.

No real danger.

Even van Bommel looked relaxed once he read the scouting reports.

And Allegri?

Maybe he'd seen enough in training—or maybe Pirlo just needed rest—but he started van Bommel in midfield.

Which meant Gattuso would still focus on link-up play…

And Li Ang?

Would be running forward for real.

"This isn't training anymore," he thought nervously.

"This is a real match."

But Allegri gave him no time to overthink.

3:00 p.m. sharp. Whistle blows. The match begins.

Van Bommel as holding mid.

Ibra and Pato as strikers.

Boateng in the hole.

Li Ang on the left. Gattuso on the right.

Nesta and Thiago Silva at center-back.

Abate and Zambrotta at fullback.

Abbiati in goal.

Catania's lineup?

Honestly, Li Ang barely recognized anyone.

Only Maxi López and Papu Gómez rang a bell.

Maxi would later become famous for his messy love triangle involving Wanda Nara and Icardi.

Gómez would shine at Atalanta.

But right now?

They were average.

Catania, like most struggling Serie A sides, couldn't score and leaked goals.

Which made Allegri's decision to test his new offense today quite reasonable.

Li Ang gritted his teeth and followed Boateng's lead, charging forward on every signal.

And you know what?

Having a defensive anchor behind you feels damn good.

For the first time in his career, Li Ang was given license to attack, and after a few awkward runs, he started to get the hang of it.

In the 14th minute, he found space and got his first header attempt.

It sailed a little wide under pressure—but Allegri was grinning.

Boateng with the long shot.

Li Ang with the header.

Midfield overload achieved.

"Who says I don't know how to design offense?"

Allegri glanced at Li Ang jogging back to his position, already locking horns with Catania's attackers again.

"This kid really can do everything…

I need to dig deeper."

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10