Chapter 821 Charge! Unstoppable Wang Shuo! The Fastest Hat-Trick in History! De Bruyne’s Lethal Diagonal Pass!

"Although Liverpool is currently sitting seventh in the standings, they have only conceded 23 goals this season, second only to Manchester City’s 19. They are one of the best defensive teams in the Premier League this season.

"The real reason for Liverpool’s slide down the table lies in their attack. They have only scored 32 goals, ranking 13th in the Premier League.

"Now, time is running out for Arsenal.

"The ball is passed back to Alexandre Song to reorganize."

De Bruyne panted heavily as he jogged back along the right channel of the attacking half. The match was about to end. The score was still tied at 2-2! But the Gunners were still patiently creating chances. No one was willing to settle for a draw.

The Belgian turned his head and glanced at Wang Shuo in the middle. He noticed that Wang Shuo wasn’t standing between Kalg and Skrtel, but between Skrtel and right-back Martin Kelly. It was obvious he had moved over there earlier to support the left flank. Now, he was tracking back as Liverpool’s defensive line pushed forward, avoiding the offside trap.

De Bruyne had always known that he was an unpopular lone wolf. It had been that way since he was a child. But after arriving at Arsenal, Wang Shuo had extended an olive branch to him. It happened one evening after a training session. Wang Shuo always stayed behind after daily training to do extra work, practicing repetitively. De Bruyne had watched him for many days until one day, Wang Shuo suddenly asked him, "I think your Passing is very interesting, but I can never seem to receive it well. Can you help me practice?"

De Bruyne was stunned. He was proud, but he knew his place. The gap between him and Wang Shuo was astronomical. It was unbelievable that a favorite for the Golden Ball Award would take the initiative to ask a youngster for help. Nobody would believe it if word got out. Moreover, Wang Shuo was the team captain.

De Bruyne had no reason to refuse. Gradually, he got used to it, often staying behind to practice with Wang Shuo. He slowly realized that Wang Shuo was actually trying to help him integrate into the team.

"You have a very special ability," Wang Shuo had said. "It’s like you can always spot the gap between me and the goal, and put the ball exactly where it needs to be."

He wondered, "Is that so?" De Bruyne went from being suspicious to noticing it himself, and now, he was accustomed to it. To him, this wasn’t some special ability. He could indeed see the gaps because he was good at observing. But not every situation he observed was suitable for Passing.

Just like now. Anyone could see the gap between Wang Shuo and the goalkeeper Reina. If the ball could be passed into that space, it would create chaos in the defense and give Wang Shuo a chance to face the goal directly. The problem was, how to get it there?

De Bruyne was in the right channel, while Wang Shuo was in the left. Vertically, there were two defensive lines between them. Horizontally, there were also many defenders blocking the way. How could he pass?

De Bruyne raised his hand, asking for the ball. Alexandre Song distributed the ball to him.

The Belgian controlled the ball directly into his path and accelerated forward, half-turned toward the direction of the attack. To confuse the opponents, he didn’t run straight ahead but angled his run toward the right wing. To him, there really wasn’t much difference between being closer to the center or the wing. After all, he was Passing, not Shooting.

As he drove toward the wing, De Bruyne kept observing the positions of Kalg, Skrtel, and Wang Shuo. A Passing route was rapidly sketched out in his mind. He simulated Kalg and Skrtel’s interceptions, and factored in Wang Shuo’s speed. It was a pure feeling. It was a chemistry they had developed from practicing together every afternoon.

Using the inside of his right foot, he sent a low, diagonal pass across the pitch—just like they did every day. The ball hugged the turf, traveling at extreme speed with a certain curve, which was the hallmark of a pass with the inside of the foot. The curve allowed the ball to bypass Kalg’s interception and glide toward the far post.

Then, he saw that familiar figure wearing the number 9 jersey. Wang Shuo quickly shook off Skrtel, cutting into the left side of the six-yard box just in time to meet De Bruyne’s diagonal pass, striking a left-footed volley. The two had repeatedly practiced various types of Passing. De Bruyne knew exactly which direction the ball should come from and what technique to use, and Wang Shuo was equally clear on it.

The ball was struck by Wang Shuo’s left foot and drilled straight into the near corner of Liverpool’s goal. The goalkeeper Reina didn’t even have time to react.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

"3-2!

"Wang Shuo scores!!!

"A lethal diagonal pass from De Bruyne!

"My God, that pass was absolutely wicked! So beautiful!

"I simply can’t believe it. How on earth did De Bruyne see Wang Shuo?"

Immediately after scoring, Wang Shuo turned and sprinted toward their right flank, making a beeline for De Bruyne.

The Belgian Midfielder was actually thrilled inside, but he appeared very calm on the surface. He didn’t think there was anything special about this pass. After all, he and Wang Shuo had practiced this countless times, along with passes far more complex and difficult.

It wasn’t until Wang Shuo rushed over, scooped him up by the waist, and carried him to the sidelines to celebrate in front of the live cameras that De Bruyne finally smiled, hugging Wang Shuo tightly.

Since he was a child, he never had any friends. Everyone thought he was withdrawn and weird. But, since who knows when, Wang Shuo had become one!