The God of Football Starts With Passive Skills

Chapter 563: Chapter 111: Bicycle Kick! Matching a Legend! Consecutive Hat-tricks! Nesta, Our Duel Begins Now

Perhaps it was an enhancement from the Ball God System, combined with his own observations and instincts during matches, but Wang Shuo found his eye for talent was becoming increasingly sharp.

It was a very special feeling!

For example, back when they played against Lech Poznan, he had taken note of Lewandowski.

After Lewandowski joined Dortmund, Wang Shuo found that he was indeed a top-tier player.

Later, when playing against Ajax, he encountered Suarez. That Uruguayan striker went on to be a breakout star at the World Cup and subsequently made a high-profile transfer to the powerhouse club Liverpool.

There were also players from Benfica like Di María, David Luis, and Ramirez.

Events later proved that they were all indeed exceptionally talented players.

But in the domain of goalkeepers, one person had left the deepest impression on Wang Shuo.

That was Schalke 04’s Neuer!

Wang Shuo had noticed him long before Neuer had even made the national team.

The kid was unbelievably fast when charging out, incredibly strong, and had great footwork to boot.

Most importantly, he was anything but a conventional goalkeeper, constantly charging out of the penalty area.

Despite all that, Wang Shuo still believed Neuer was an incredibly skilled player.

Within the German Football Scene, opinions on Neuer were always divided. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen’s "Little Eagle," Adler, was universally praised.

That was understandable. Who would want a goalkeeper who gives you a heart attack every other play?

But that all changed dramatically after the 2010 World Cup.

Although injury and a bit of luck had helped him rise to the top, Neuer’s outstanding performance at the World Cup earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his position as the national team’s starting goalkeeper.

Back at Schalke 04, Neuer’s performance was also excellent.

Especially when he was on form!

So far this season, Schalke 04 was ranked 11th in the Bundesliga, having scored 26 goals and conceded 26.

Their goal-scoring record was quite poor for the Bundesliga, but their goals-conceded record was surprisingly impressive.

Neuer was the reason for it.

Some even said that if it weren’t for Neuer, Schalke 04 would be in the relegation zone by now.

After being thrashed 5-0 by Dortmund and knocked out of the DFB-Pokal, Schalke 04 was hit with a tidal wave of criticism.

Everyone from head coach Magat to the other players on the team was blasted, with one exception: Neuer. Despite conceding five goals, he escaped the criticism because he had truly done everything he could.

February brought the 21st matchday of the Bundesliga and the third Ruhr Derby of the season.

This time, the match was at Dortmund’s home stadium.

Buoyed by the intimidating atmosphere created by their home fans, the Bumblebees launched a relentless assault on Schalke 04 right from the kickoff.

But time and again, Neuer denied Dortmund’s attempts on goal.

Even the Bundesliga commentator couldn’t help but remark with admiration.

"When Neuer is in top form, he’s worth Schalke 04’s entire backline by himself!"

"His performance in front of goal this season has been absolutely outstanding!"

Since the start of the match, Neuer had already made several crucial saves.

This included two excellent blocks against Wang Shuo himself.

The most dangerous moment came in the 35th minute.

Wang Shuo was at the top of the penalty arc, positioned between Schalke 04’s two center-backs, Hewedes and Metzelder.

Receiving a through ball from Götze, Wang Shuo controlled it and turned in one swift motion.

He was so fast that the two center-backs had no time to react.

But just as he turned and was about to shoot, that madman Neuer had already charged off his line. He pounced on the ball Wang Shuo had just controlled, lunging like a ferocious tiger.

Neuer stood 1.93 meters tall and weighed 90 kilograms.

Seriously.

When he spread his arms and lunged forward like that, he looked just like a tiger descending a mountain.

More importantly, he was too close; every possible shooting angle was cut off.

Wang Shuo’s reaction was lightning-fast, too.

He had just turned and immediately flicked his foot out, trying to drag the ball back with his left.

But it was too late.

The guy used his body like a weapon, smothering the ball and clutching it tightly to his chest.

"Good thing I pulled my foot back. If I were a dirtier player, I’d have ’accidentally’ followed through and kicked you into next week."

Wang Shuo didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he looked down at Neuer, who was curled up on the grass at his feet like a giant lobster, clutching the ball for dear life.

The Schalke 04 captain looked up at Wang Shuo from the ground and grinned. "I know you wouldn’t."

"Bullshit! We’re mortal enemies right now!"

Wang Shuo spat the harsh words, but immediately turned and jogged away.

He was giving Neuer time to get back on his feet.

"Manuel, that was a really dangerous charge," Metzelder said, still startled.

By the time he realized Wang Shuo had the ball, it was already too late to stop him.

"If I hadn’t done that, there’s no way I could have stopped him!" Neuer glanced at the two teammates in front of him, his tone far less friendly than it had been with Wang Shuo.

’These two were always leaving me out to dry!’

"We’re up against Wang Shuo! If we don’t go all out and give it everything we’ve got, who’s going to stop him?"

Neuer’s words made both Hewedes and Metzelder flush with shame.

Neuer was truly getting disappointed with Schalke 04.

Especially with Magat.

’So much investment, going all in trying to get results... and what came of it? Not just a crushing defeat, but a mountain of debt.’

’The Schalke 04 of today could no longer satisfy him.’

’I need to reconsider my options!’

But the thought only flashed through Neuer’s mind for an instant before he quickly scrambled up from the grass.