Stars like Ye Chen, who acquire a second nationality, often experience some fluctuation in popularity.
However, this doesn't seem to apply to Ye Chen... or rather, it does - but in the opposite way.
It feels like even more people are starting to like him!
Of course, even with his newly acquired German nationality, this doesn't guarantee he'll play in the World Cup.
After all, player chemistry with the team, individual form, and injury status are crucial factors!
As a result, every one of Ye Chen's matches garners significant attention...
What does this feel like?
A character development game!
Ye Chen's influence in China is unparalleled. Messi and Ronaldo took years to gain traction there.
But as soon as Ye Chen signed an endorsement deal with Adidas, his signature shoes sold 300,000 pairs right after launch!
To be honest, there probably aren't that many people playing soccer in China, but the sales speak for themselves.
And that's exactly what Ye Chen hopes to see.
He doesn't expect everyone to become professional players-he just wants more people to love the sport!
You can be a doctor who plays soccer, or a teacher who plays soccer. Your profession doesn't matter - passion does.
When this passion accumulates, the next generation, and the generation after that...
Ye Chen once mentioned two key points during a conversation with his coach:
First is promotion.
Second is improvement.
Promotion means getting more people to fall in love with the sport, while improvement focuses on selecting and nurturing talent from the crowd.
Of course, Ye Chen isn't an expert in this area-he's just sharing his thoughts.
As for how to implement and execute this, that's not something Ye Chen can handle!
On the pitch, the match has officially begun.
Hertha Berlin's starting lineup is out in full force, determined to defend their home turf.
But Dortmund's De Bruyne is showcasing tremendous control. He and Wang Chu aren't positioned as an attacking midfielder and central midfielder-they're playing as dual attacking midfielders!
This adds some pressure on Kehl in defense.
However, Virgil van Dijk, the future world-class center-back, demonstrates incredible intercepting ability.
At 34:28 and 42:58, Hertha's midfield breaks through, and Rafael and Ebert continuously test the defense.
But van Dijk shows everyone what it means to be an impenetrable wall!
On the sidelines, Klopp keeps nodding in approval-this young guy named van Dijk is something else.
His front-line defending is so solid it's hard to believe he's just another young Eredivisie center-back.
Most impressively, despite his size, he turns quickly.
No slow, cumbersome turns like steering an aircraft carrier...
But Wang Tao's prediction of a scoreless first half turns out to be accurate-stalemate!
Dortmund's best chance came from De Bruyne and Mané's combination.
Unfortunately, Mané's shot was blocked-by Kraft's face!
Kraft, a Bayern Munich youth academy graduate and former understudy to Oliver Kahn, has two Bundesliga titles and a DFB-Pokal to his name.
His scouting report highlights one glaring weakness-close-range shot-stopping.
But today, he literally used his face to defy that report!
Well, his face might hurt a little...
At halftime, Klopp's frustration shows as he berates Kuba relentlessly.
Poor Kuba... originally a right winger, occasionally filling in as a midfielder. But this season, he's been forced into a striker role-it's tough.
Yet, with such fierce competition at Dortmund, if he admits he's not up to the task, even a substitute spot could slip away!
At that moment, De Bruyne offers a suggestion-swap Mané and Kuba's positions, putting Mané up front.
Klopp approves of this adjustment.
Sure enough, after this match, Kuba drops down the pecking order behind Mané for the backup striker role...
The game resumes!
Dortmund finally seizes a golden opportunity at 66:24!
Wang Chu drives forward from midfield, spotting Mané's movement ahead. He fakes a through pass.
As Hertha's center-backs close in, Wang Chu uses the outside of his boot to deliver the ball to Kuba on the right.
Kuba takes the ball and crosses immediately.
Mané, nimble as ever, slips between the two center-backs to win the aerial duel.
Mané's powerful header is met by Kraft once again.
His reflex save pushes the ball away, but GroÃkreutz, clad in black, reacts quickly and taps the ball in!
Klopp finally exhales in relief.
He was considering subbing in Ye Chen, but with the lead secured, there's no rush.
He subs Pisczek for Azpilicueta and Santana for SubotiÄ.
If nothing unexpected happens, SubotiÄ will pair with Hummels for the next European match.
On the sidelines, Shinji Kagawa sits next to Ye Chen.
Kagawa watches Wang Chu, "Ye, this guy is good. How come I've never heard of him before?"
Ye Chen chuckles, "There are so many players out there. It's normal not to know one or two. By the way, I heard Manchester United is interested in you. Would you go?"
Kagawa looks surprised. "How do you know? The media hasn't reported it!"
"Just a wild guess," Ye Chen smirks.
Of course, he can't tell Kagawa that he remembers this summer Kagawa will leave Dortmund for United.
Ye Chen also recalls that while Kagawa started well at United, the lack of a traditional attacking midfielder system ultimately led to his decline.
But for now, Kagawa reigns as Asia's top player... in another reality.
Ye Chen could have claimed that title, but with his German citizenship and upcoming appearances for Germany, he's now part of the European scene!
"Ye, warm up!" BuvaÄ suddenly calls out.
"Huh?" Ye Chen pauses, "Oh, on it!"
Subbing in now?
Is Klopp messing with him?
Ye Chen is just a few games away from breaking the Bundesliga's consecutive scoring record, but with barely ten minutes left...
Clearly, Klopp isn't concerned about that. He pulls Ye Chen aside. "You'll play left winger. Get comfortable. If all goes well, you'll start on the left in the next Champions League match."
"Got it!" Ye Chen nods.
As Ye Chen warms up, the crowd starts chanting his name.
"Ye Chen!"
"Ye Chen!"
"Ye Chen!"
It seems his switch to Germany has ignited even more anticipation.
Ye Chen waves to the stands, and the stadium erupts in cheers.
Warmth fills his heart-perhaps this is the passion of football.