Superb Ball Control, Heynckes' Astonishment

Gomez's unexpected injury forced Heynckes to substitute another backup striker, Mandzukic.

Mandzukic, a new acquisition brought back from Wolfsburg in the summer for 13 million euros, had significant differences from Gomez. While Gomez excelled in shooting accuracy, sharp instincts, and seizing opportunities in front of goal, Mandzukic fell short in all aspects.

However, Mandzukic possessed strong mental attributes, showing tenacity on the field, never giving up even in adversity.

Once he entered the game, Mandzukic vigorously pressured Werder Bremen's ball carriers through active interceptions and tireless running, creating immense pressure.

Inspired by his efforts, Bayern's front players intensified their pressing.

As a result, Werder Bremen's players struggled to hold onto the ball, making more mistakes.

In the 51st minute, Robben's shot went over the crossbar after a breakthrough. Two minutes later, Ribery's cross from the left was deflected off by a defending player, amid Bayern's siege.

Upon seeing their team under siege, Werder Bremen's goalkeeper, Mielitz, sought to delay time by taking the goal kick, allowing his teammates a breather.

He fiddled with the ball on the ground, even treading on the turf as if dissatisfied. The Bayern players protested to the referee, perceiving it as intentional time-wasting. The referee promptly cautioned Mielitz with a yellow card.

After the booking, Mielitz promptly took the goal kick to the front, given that the defenders struggled to retain possession. The farther, the better.

In Werder Bremen's front court, only Arnautovic faced the opponent's defenders. Yet, he managed to win the ball's aerial duel against the backline, heading it back to Lin.

After receiving the ball, Lin faced Kroos's pressing. Bayern, learning from their previous mistakes, was aware of the need to impede Lin's pace.

Facing Kroos's pressure, Lin calmly swerved past him with a skillful spin.

However, as Lahm arrived from the flank, Boateng and Gustavo blocked his path, engaging in a four-man encirclement.

Unable to advance, Lin immediately adjusted his route, moving horizontally to the left side of the field.

Observing Lin's move to the wing, the Bayern players hesitated for a moment.

Except for Lahm, who continued marking him and coordinating with Kroos for recovery, neither Boateng nor Gustavo dared to move further.

Being cautious defenders, they didn't want to leave their positions, fearing that the opponent's strikers might exploit the gap.

Lahm, with quick speed, caught up to Lin and attempted a direct tackle.

While the tackle didn't succeed, it knocked Lin off balance. Yet, he persevered, moving the ball to the sideline. When Lahm attempted another tackle, Lin kicked the ball off Lahm's feet out of play.

The linesman flagged, signifying Werder Bremen's ball possession.

Instead of taking the throw-in himself, Lin signaled for his teammate to do so.

De Bruyne understood his intention, strolling over casually.

Although it appeared as a run, it was slower than a walk.

Seeing no favorable passing option, De Bruyne returned the ball to the team's defense.

The Bayern players rushed toward Werder Bremen's ball carrier, who then passed it back to the defender.

As the defender passed it back to the goalkeeper in wait, he treaded on the ball; as the opponents almost caught up, he sent a long kick to the front.

The charging Bayern players were left utterly exasperated. They felt played by their opponents, as if they'd been led around like dogs on a leash.

Already fatigued in the second half, their breathing rate increased during the sprint.

After the goal kick, the goalkeeper Mielitz glanced at the Bayern players with a hint of taunt in his eyes: "You like chasing balls, don't you? Then go ahead! However, it's quite a distance; you'll need to run quite a bit."

Arnautovic had few opportunities in the front court in this game; there were limited chances with Werder Bremen's possession, making it difficult for him to receive the ball in the front.

Hadn't sweat much outside a few aerial duels, ensuring his energy remained plentiful.

Upon receiving an incoming ball, Arnautovic leaped up vigorously, once again securing the first touch.

Observing his teammate's success, Lin dashed toward the left; he knew Arnautovic's tendencies—he liked playing the ball to the left.

As expected, the ball landed right in front of Lin as he began his movement.

While Kroos made a tireless effort in the pursuit, he couldn't keep up. This caused a delay, allowing Lin to surpass him by at least 2 meters!

Two meters isn't far, and if it were an average player, catching up in time is possible.

Because a player's speed while dribbling is slower than when not.

Kroos vigorously chased from behind, with Lahm already in position ahead, determined not to let the opponent past him this time.

As Kroos pursued, he realized something was off.

The distance between them hadn't closed much!

It seemed like the guy's speed with the ball was almost the same as without it, hardly decreasing at all!

How is that possible?

Kroos was shaken; he didn't think he could do this! Not only him, but no one he knew could either! Except that guy, Barcelona's number ten!

To achieve this, an outstanding sense of the ball is required!

And Messi happens to possess a historically outstanding ball sense!

Could it be that this guy's ball sense rivals Messi's?

Impossible!

Absolutely impossible!

Lin seems to have inherited Messi's attributes, thus naturally gaining that superb ball sense.

So, he's effortlessly performing this incredibly astonishing dribbling in the eyes of others.

In fact, upon closer observation,

Lin's every touch on the ball is extremely precise, with consistent force, and the ball never strays more than a meter from his body, even while moving at high speeds.

Just this alone is enough to prove his ability, something a experienced player can see at a glance!

Phew!

Bayern's 68-year-old coach Heynckes couldn't sit still; he stood up, involuntarily clenching his fists.

At this moment, he realized that he had underestimated this young player on the other side.

This young man is even more outstanding than he imagined, even stronger than Messi when he emerged!

Kroos failed; he couldn't catch up to Lin.

And at that moment, Lin once again faced off one-on-one against Bayern's left-back—Philip Lahm!