In the blink of an eye, Cao Baming had also been training in the Tang Kingdom for over a week. His biggest realization during this time was that his teammates were on a completely different level compared to those at his club.
However, this wasn't entirely surprising. If they possessed the skill level of top Premier League teams, they wouldn't have failed to qualify for the World Cup for so many years.
If that were the case, the Sea Cucumbers would truly be gods, perhaps even overshadowing the football players and becoming the real unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Returning early was indeed a wise decision. Sacrificing a mere tens of millions of Euros in salary, he gained the opportunity to understand the national team better, foster better chemistry, and develop greater synergy.
This would significantly boost their competitiveness in this World Cup!
This World Cup was not only a rare opportunity for the Tang Kingdom in many years, but it also coincided with a fierce battle among the gods and a chaotic, demon-dancing era. Without showcasing some real strength, forget about advancing; their defeat would likely be a gruesome one!
He recalled how, during their last World Cup qualification, they were ruthlessly slaughtered by the Samba nation in the group stage. He absolutely did not want to see such a tragedy repeat itself!
The players gradually came to understand Cao Baming. Every day, Cao Baming shattered his teammates' narrow perceptions. Even today, his teammates would sometimes let out ape-like cries on the field, unable to control their astonishment.
"A person's body can withstand a player running at high speed while in a stationary state, and even someone heavier than yourself! Newton, if you have the guts, come explain this!"
"The limit of speed is when you can't see the person at all, and they're already meters in front of you!"
"So, a volley can actually curve in an outrageous arc?!"
"So, a person's heel can actually shoot from a distance!"
...
The less experienced Sea Cucumber players naturally found it difficult to calm their emotions, but they had clearly adapted much better than at the beginning!
Cao Baming's relationship with the head coach grew stronger, and they began to communicate more about game tactics and the team's current strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking of weaknesses, there were naturally many. Compared to traditional powerhouses, they had to admit that they fell short in every aspect!
Cao Baming's individual ability was undoubtedly the team's biggest guarantee. Besides him, players like Zhang Yuning and Wu Lei could barely hold their own.
There were issues with the connection between offense and defense. If Cao Baming controlled the tempo in midfield, the flanks would become a huge vulnerability, and it would be difficult to contain attacks from both sides.
And if attention was focused on offense, defensive problems would arise in the back. Would they have to rely on the Sea Cucumber captain to chase down fast counter-attacks?
That was also unrealistic!
After weeks of reflection, Cao Baming had a clear understanding of his team's current situation – they indeed had many problems!
But there was good news too!
Didn't he have five top-tier talent cards that could be chosen at will, precisely for this moment?
The most important thing right now was his teammates. If there was a way to improve the team's strength, that would undoubtedly be the best option.
Regarding this, the reward from a previous mission had opened up a new world, at least proving that such talents existed!
With a hopeful heart, he submitted a request to the system!
As expected, after the system listed all the available talents, just by hearing their names, Cao Baming found two that seemed to enhance his teammates.
"【Attack Horn】 and 【Iron Wall】 are clearly one leaning towards offense, and the other towards defense!"
The two talents were selected, and the system provided a brief explanation.
"【Attack Horn】 can provide a strong attack aura for the entire team, increasing players' offensive enthusiasm. Active use can briefly enhance the team's dangerous pass accuracy and creativity, lasting for 30 seconds."
"【Iron Wall】 enhances one's own physical strength while also increasing the defensive toughness of teammates within 10 meters, effective for the entire game."
"It seems they are both related to improving the team as a whole. However, 【Iron Wall】 also includes self-improvement, and he already covers a radius of ten meters, so it's a bit of a waste."
Next, Cao Baming recalled a name that sounded somewhat special, 【Empty Fort Strategy】.
"【Empty Fort Strategy】 is a passive talent. The success rate of passes in the flank and front-to-back areas on the football field is increased by 100%, while the success rate of passes in the central area is decreased by 20%!"
Cao Baming's eyes lit up, his gaze gleaming.
"Excellent! This is exactly what I was waiting for!"
This talent skill card might not sound spectacular on the surface, and it even has the effect of reducing attributes!
However, it was also a rare talent that benefited the entire team. Those distant teammates would likely be strengthened without them even realizing it. They would probably attribute it to their persistent consumption of sea cucumbers, and in any case, they would certainly not notice anything unusual.
Most importantly, the tactical simulations with Li Gang over these past few days were primarily focused on the flanks. Although the central area of the field was not neglected, whoever was in the center had to go through Cao Baming.
The reason was that no matter who the opponent was, trying to win a direct skill battle in the center would be a disadvantage. To win the game, they would have to seek breakthroughs through unconventional means. Having Cao Baming in the center was more effective than having ten people!
Cao Baming's eyes flickered!
With his current passing ability, what did it matter if this 20% was reduced?
An improvement in passing ability not only enhanced offensive capability but also significantly reduced the possibility of turnovers, thereby undeniably strengthening ball control!
With such a rare and good card, Cao Baming, in a fit of resolve, used three of his chosen cards on this single talent, maxing it out!
After upgrading it to the maximum level, it indeed did not disappoint Cao Baming!
Not only did his flank passing ability increase to 200%, but it also added an enhancement to his passing vision, which would likely allow his teammates to enjoy a sliver of a God's-eye view bonus!
He had to admit, it felt wonderful. Let them discover it themselves!
Meanwhile, Cao Baming's passing ability in the center was reduced by a mere 5%. Indeed, the system did not deceive him; maxing out a top-tier skill card was sufficiently effective!
With only two cards left, he chose 【Attack Horn】 for one, which could be used at appropriate times, perhaps leading to a goal!
For the last card, he chose an improvement in speed.
"【Swiftness】 talent, greatly increases breakthrough speed, instant acceleration, and ball-carrying ability!"