Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

161 – Goal

161

The morning training started slowly and ended early in the afternoon.

Coach Jose’s wrap-up was also quick.

“Everyone worked hard, so don’t party like it’s Patini’s club, and go home to rest. Rest is part of training.”

Among the scattered players, Zhu Jiatai was also there.

Normally, he would stay behind for individual training until evening, but lately, he would rush home as soon as regular training ended.

It’s not that he’s neglecting training because he’s doing well recently.

It’s just that the harsh schedule has left him with no energy for individual training. Therefore, his training with Miguel Gomez was replaced with video analysis and indoor soccer.

“Hey, Miguel. Even if we can’t train, don’t forget to analyze at home.”

“Of course. Don’t worry. I’m working harder than I did in my youth.”

Feeling like a commuter going home from work on a sunny day, Zhu Jiatai returned home to a house bustling with people.

“Are you back? You’re coming home too early these days, aren’t you? Then you can’t do anything. A rice plant that grows too fast will eventually bow its head. You have to work hard and do your best.”

“Ah, Mom, why are you like this to a child who’s doing well? Can’t I take care of myself?”

From his parents, who were relaxed and comfortable at home,

“Good morning~”

To his sister, who was still sleepy and rubbing her eyes,

“What time is it now? Did you just wake up?”

“Uh-huh. I’m a sleeping beauty.”

“…….”

“Did the goddess wake up? Want to go shopping with Mom today~?”

“Ahh! Yes! I’ll get dressed quickly and come out!”

“Zhu Jiatai’s dad, don’t sleep in and get up quickly. You have to drive us.”

“Hey, can’t you just take a taxi and go?”

“There are only two beauties walking around, it’s dangerous!”

“Hmph.”

“What’s going on? Hurry up and get dressed!”

“Eh-huh.”

Joo Ji-tae let out a bitter laugh.

Is this what it feels like to be ignored by your family? Of course not.

After his family noisily went out shopping, Joo Ji-tae was finally able to turn on the TV in the quiet house.

Originally, he should be training at this time, but since he’s been getting off work early lately, he’s developed a hobby of watching TV. As someone who’s more of an indoor person than an outdoor person, Joo Ji-tae usually prefers to stay at home and watch TV rather than going out… But going out also requires energy. He’s too tired to go anywhere, so what’s the point?

Games?

Games are also tiring when you’re exhausted.

So, he chose to watch TV. He could just lie on the sofa and watch it lazily. Why is it that idiots always say stupid things?

Today, Joo Ji-tae’s chosen channel was a famous Spanish football program.

On the huge panel next to the MC, his face was plastered in a giant size, and he couldn’t help but stare.

[Recently, a defensive player who scores goals, also known as a “Sweeper,” has been gaining attention.]

[Barcelona’s main player has already scored 15 goals this season, and including assists, he’s recorded an impressive attacking point. He’s truly an amazing player.]

[However, this achievement isn’t unique to Joo Ji-tae alone. According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), there are two defensive players who have scored over 100 goals since the 21st century.]

[Wow! A defensive player scoring 100 goals?]

[Yes, that’s right. And he’s a center-back. Do you know who it is?]

[One of them is definitely Sergio Ramos!]

[That’s correct. Who’s the other one?]

[100 goals… Is there another defensive player who has scored over 100 goals in the 21st century?]

The guest, who was tilting his head in confusion, was met with the MC’s laughter as he announced the answer.

[It’s Danaka Marcus Tulio!]

[Uh… I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of him before.]

Joo Ji-tae, who was lazily watching TV, also tilted his head in confusion.

Danaka Marcus Tulio? Who’s that?

[That’s understandable. This player is a Brazilian-Japanese mixed-blood who played his entire career in Japan’s J-League.]

Joo Ji-tae, who was listening intently, burst out laughing.

How could someone with a Japanese-sounding name be a defensive player who scores 100 goals? And he’s Japanese, too. But how could he score 100 goals?

[Well, Sergio Ramos is very famous, so let’s move on. This Danaka player naturalized to Japan and played 45 games for the Japanese national team, scoring 8 goals.]

[It’s a shame he only played in the J-League, but it’s impressive that he scored over 100 goals as a center-back. He’s a goal-scoring defender.]

[That’s right. Along with Sergio Ramos, he’s one of the few defensive players who have scored 100 goals in the 21st century.]

Wow, this is interesting.

The broadcast, which had been talking about the two players for a while, was now heading towards the 20th century.

[We compared Joo Ji-tae, who has been gaining attention as a recent goal-scoring defender, to Sergio Ramos. But I think we should compare Joo Ji-tae to players from the 20th century instead.]

20th century.

Joo Ji-tae’s interest was suddenly piqued, and he unconsciously thought about who the goal-scoring defenders were.

The first person who came to mind was a player who had recently been active and was familiar to Koreans.

The main character who, due to Park Ji-sung’s influence, had made Koreans who were new to football shout “This is a striker, this is a defender!”

The closest partner and defender representing Chelsea.

As John Terry said, “My friend’s wife is the best.”

I searched my smartphone and found that he scored 41 goals in the Premier League alone.

“Hmm… 41 goals… it’s not bad. But who else is there?”

However, Joo Ji-tae’s thoughts didn’t continue.

The TV was already explaining it.

[I’d like to mention Laurent Blanc first. As a coach, he showed a crumbling image in every tournament, but as a player, Laurent was truly amazing.]

The famous coach Laurent Blanc, known for his 5 consecutive quarterfinals, appeared on TV.

To summarize, during his time at Montpellier, he scored over 10 goals in three consecutive seasons and scored a total of 125 goals in his career.

“Indeed. A player like NTR wouldn’t even be able to reveal their name.”

Joo Ji-tae nodded his head.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that his scoring record is jaw-dropping.

[I’d like to mention ‘Kaiser’ Franz Beckenbauer. Isn’t Joo Ji-tae’s nickname Beckenbauer? Their styles are indeed similar.]

Ah.

Franz Beckenbauer is acknowledged.

First of all, his nickname is already impressive.

This German legendary defender scored a total of 95 goals in his career. Although his goal count is lower than Laurent Blanc’s, his influence on the game was much greater.

[When I think of Beckenbauer, Daniel Passarella, the South American Beckenbauer, comes to mind. It’s famous for saying, “If there’s a Franz Beckenbauer in Europe, there’s a Daniel Passarella in South America.”]

[Wow, this player was amazing. Since he’s an old player, many viewers might not know him, so let me explain.]

Daniel Passarella?

Joo Ji-tae’s eyes widened at the mention of the name.

[Yes, this player. He’s famous for being an extremely short center-back at 173cm.]

Ah.

He was a hobbit among center-backs. But since his name is mentioned here, he’s a legendary hobbit, or rather, a professional-grade one.

[One famous anecdote about this Argentine is that he scored 24 goals in 35 games for River Plate. He’s a defender who scored goals like a top-tier league striker.]

[He also scored 22 goals in 70 games for the national team. He’s truly an amazing defender.]

Am I hearing this right?

Joo Ji-tae blinked his eyes.

35 games, 24 goals? Is this a game? Reality is more absurd than a game.

[Personally, I think this player can’t be excluded when it comes to goal-scoring defenders. He’s the owner of a brilliant career, having won 5 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, 4 Supercopa de España, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups, and 3 Champions League titles, and was the captain of Real Madrid.]

[Fernando Hierro, right?]

[That’s right. He’s too famous a player.]

[He scored a total of 163 goals in his career. The title of goal-scoring defender really suits him.]

[He also scored 29 goals in 89 games for the Spanish national team.]

Now, I’m laughing out loud.

Joo Ji-tae couldn’t hide his astonishment at this unbelievable record.

Isn’t it too many attack points for a defender? But now, it seems like he’s not even the weakest among the goal-scoring defender lineage.

[But when it comes to goal-scoring defenders, this player can’t be excluded.]

[That’s right. There’s still another player who hasn’t appeared yet. He’s the representative of goal-scoring defenders.]

But it’s not over yet.

Joo Ji-tae straightened his posture and opened his eyes wide. Well, come on. Who is this guy, anyway?

[Personally, I think Ronald Koeman is the player with the most similar style to Joo Ji-tae. Coincidentally, he’s a Barcelona legend.]

That’s right! Ronald Koeman!

[This Barcelona legend scored 239 goals in 685 professional games. It’s an insane record.]

[It’s not even unusual for a forward to have a record like that. 239 goals in professional games is just crazy.]

[He scored over 20 goals in every team he played for, and during his 6 seasons at Barcelona, he scored an astonishing 102 goals.]

This is crazy.

685 games, 239 goals? 102 goals in 6 seasons at Barcelona? Is this a defender or a forward?

Joo Ji-tae’s mouth dropped open.

He knew Ronald Koeman was a famous player, but he didn’t expect his scoring record to be this incredible.

[Especially the 93/94 season was legendary.]

[Ah, I remember. He scored 8 goals in the Champions League and won the top scorer title.]

Is this a joke or reality?

A center-back winning the Champions League top scorer title?

Joo Ji-tae quietly turned off the TV.

“…Score more goals.”

A goal was born.