Looking at the French national team in the World Cup, one knows the seriousness of this matter. Cao Baiming alone can achieve what he has now returned to Arsenal. So many geniuses assist him, and even the changes and choices are more. The seriousness of the matter is self-evident.
On the last day of training, both sides made some new tactical adjustments and conducted final training sessions with specific focuses.
In the evening, Cao Baiming received several calls; the arrangements for the birthday party were almost complete.
Now that everything is ready, all that's left is to achieve a good result in the match against Chelsea. Perhaps the best birthday gift in the world would be to completely blow away the opponent on the field with a perfect score, earning the respect of fans and even opponents.
This match was not as easy as imagined.
In the absence of Hengli, Messi was placed at the forefront of the tactical lineup. However, once on the field, he would still frequently drop back to play the role of a false nine.
This position, or rather the tactic it entailed, was tailor-made for Messi by Guardiola during his time at Barcelona. It is likely that only Messi could execute it to perfection.
Because under normal circumstances, if a player chooses to personally retreat to midfield, they can only complete some receiving and passing in the midfield, or even initiate attacks. In terms of offensive organization, they can only deliver key assists or passes.
But if that person is Messi, then there is an additional option: to dribble all the way forward, break through numerous obstacles, and score.
This option, for others, or for normal people, simply does not exist.
Those who "fed the饼" (assisted goals) for Messi during his Barcelona days likely understand this point very deeply.
When others receive a "饼", they need to move to the edge of the penalty box, have it fed directly to their mouths, and even the speed, power, and curve of the pass must be controlled very well. They also need to avoid opponents interfering nearby. But for Messi, the "饼" only needs to be passed to his feet around the halfway line, making it incredibly easy.
This evening, Arteta gave the final pre-match talk to everyone in the locker room.
Tomorrow they will take to the field to face Chelsea, a team that absolutely cannot be underestimated. At this moment, everyone in the locker room does not underestimate this opponent.
On match day, the players from both teams arrived on the field.
Cao Baiming's eyes flickered as he contemplated the final outcome of this match. What kind of result would be worthy of a perfect symbol to mark his last game before his birthday?
If nothing else, he should at least break a record.
Regarding the system's rewards, a considerable amount of time has passed, and some patterns have been discovered. Rewards for league goals and goals in other competitions might be average. Completing system-assigned seasonal tasks or timed tasks directly elevates the rewards by a large margin.
What is truly important is that if a record is broken in a competition, and the significance of that record is enough to shake the entire football world, then the reward will be the greatest.
This is precisely what is needed now. His mood and preparations are all in place.
He can only hope that the opponent will give him some face, considering his upcoming birthday.
What Cao Baiming needs is not for the opponent to go easy, but for them to play this match with their all, to maximize the quality of the game. This is what he truly desires.
As for goals and statistics, these will not be significantly affected no matter what the other side does.
There are only 10 minutes left before the match begins. The commentators and other related personnel are all ready. During this time, they are broadcasting the past encounters and historical data of the two teams.
Both teams have star players, and this match, like every other match Arsenal has played before, has the stands filled with fans, not an empty seat in sight.
"The match is about to begin. Let us await with excited hearts as the players enter the field!"
"This match is of crucial importance for Arsenal. In the previous 18 matches, they have remained undefeated consecutively. This match will be their 19th!"
"Whether it has meaning or not, this 20-match unbeaten streak is a very impressive number. Only two more matches remain!"
"However, today Arsenal will face Chelsea, a Chelsea that is in very good form throughout the season and is still improving!"
"With Henry absent from the team, can Cao Baiming and Messi lead the team to victory? This is something all fans are eagerly awaiting."
The spectators at the venue have already begun to express their excitement, creating a charged atmosphere.
Soon, the players began to emerge from the tunnel.
Cao Baiming still stood at the end of the line, his gaze as calm as ever, as if this match were just another routine affair, with the outcome already long decided.
The fans cheered loudly, calling his name. Today, he is still the most eye-catching person on the field, the brightest superstar, overshadowing Messi and Drogba.
He is not only the pride of Tang Guo people but has now truly become the world's most popular football star.
Ultimately, it is because Cao Baiming's style of play is unprecedented and will never be replicated.
Before him, no fan had ever seen a clearance from the defensive half fly directly towards the opponent's goal, nor had anyone witnessed a thunderous shot that directly shattered a goalkeeper's arm.
These are feats only Cao Baiming can achieve, and the probability of anyone else accomplishing them in the future is almost zero.
With a light gait, Cao Baiming surveyed his surroundings as he walked towards the center circle. The referee was already prepared at the sideline.
The match should begin shortly. His teammates naturally know that Cao Baiming's birthday is in two days, and this match is the last one before his birthday.
The most important task today is to win this match. Beyond that, they must create as many opportunities as possible for Cao Baiming, to let him "eat more饼" (receive more assists) and score more goals.
Although birthday gifts will be calculated separately, achieving these things on the field would be the best.