Genius - Chapter 561: Can't You Stop Scoring? My Voice Can't Take It Anymore! (Patreon)

Gullit still had plenty of roaring ahead of him. Liverpool's next match was already approaching.

In Matchday 34 of the Premier League, they were facing Tottenham.

Over the years, few teams had left much of an impression on Leo, but Tottenham were one of them. He could always sense their passion on the pitch, even when their results were poor. It showed in the players' running and in their tactics. Tottenham loved to attack.

Unlike teams such as Leeds United, though, they didn't rely on just one approach. They could throw everyone forward or seize opportunities to counterattack, and those different methods produced different kinds of goals.

Some believed that variety was why Tottenham struggled to score consistently. Others thought it explained why they always managed at least one high-scoring match each season.

Whatever the reason, Tottenham still weren't particularly close to winning the title.

On April 22, for their Matchday 34 meeting with Liverpool, Tottenham once again started Son Heung-min, Kane, and Alli. But Alli's form had deteriorated even further since the first half of the season.

Gullit doubted that any manager could rescue him now, especially when Alli didn't seem willing to rescue himself.

"I'm afraid it'll be difficult for Alli to become a truly outstanding player. He's fallen so far below his previous level, especially compared with the last two seasons."

"I can't see him making use of his ability on the pitch anymore. That spark, that agility he used to have, is gradually disappearing. I really thought he could become one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history."

Who wouldn't want a promising youngster, one the fans had placed their hopes in, to develop into a star? Gullit couldn't help feeling disappointed.

But the moment he turned his attention back to Leo, his mood brightened. He would have another chance to roar over Leo's goals.

"I'm sure everyone listening can hear that I'm a little hoarse. I shouted far too much during the Champions League semifinal a few days ago."

"So I'm hoping Lin won't score today. A few assists for his teammates would be enough. Then maybe my voice can recover!"

Scholes, sitting beside him, laughed at that. After hosting his son's wedding, he was back in the commentary booth, and it felt wonderful.

"Look at this video. Lin recorded a special message for my son after the Champions League semifinal, congratulating him on his marriage."

"Even after such an intense match, he still remembered my son's wedding."

Scholes couldn't have looked prouder. Gullit pretended not to care.

"Scholes, if Lin had really cared that much, he'd have skipped the semifinal and gone straight to your son's wedding."

Scholes ignored the sour remark. Leo and the Tottenham players were already coming onto the pitch. Premier League Matchday 34 was officially underway.

"We all know Manchester City and Liverpool are now separated by less than one match's worth of points."

"If both teams win all four of their league matches from this round through Matchday 37, the title won't be decided until Matchday 38 is over. We haven't seen a Premier League title race this fierce in several seasons!"

Tottenham kicked off, and Gullit settled in to enjoy the action.

Kane was working tirelessly, perhaps inspired by all the trophies Leo had won over the years. Those titles seemed to have given him even more motivation. Alli was making aggressive runs too, sprinting toward the attacking third.

Lloris moved the ball forward. Rather than finding Alli directly, he passed to Ndombele, who immediately slipped a through ball down the right to Kane.

Kane took possession and quickly sent the ball toward the far post. Son was preparing to shoot, but Alisson came off his line early and gathered the ball in his arms.

"That cross came far too close to the goalkeeper. Of course Alisson was going to claim it. He controls a wider area than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League right now. He doesn't just guard the goalmouth. He's always ready to intercept crosses and short passes throughout the six-yard box!"

Alisson held the ball after his save. At first, he hadn't intended to start a quick attack. Tottenham had pushed so many players forward as part of their expansive approach that Liverpool had needed to pull several players back to cover them.

But one Liverpool player hadn't dropped back at all. Instead, he'd gone straight over to Davinson Sánchez.

Leo was standing right beside the defender, calmly watching Alisson.

Sánchez looked considerably less relaxed. Leo was too close for comfort. If Alisson sent an accurate long pass his way, Leo would leave him behind in an instant.

Sánchez reached out and grabbed Leo's arm, apparently hoping it would make him feel a little safer.

Leo pressed close to him, bracing his hip against Sánchez's from the side. Then Alisson launched a high, long throw downfield.

Liverpool were counterattacking after all!

Alli and Ndombele turned to look back from midfield. There was no chance they could get back in time to help their defenders unless they somehow flew alongside the ball.

And they weren't the only ones wishing they could fly. Davinson Sánchez felt exactly the same way.

He no longer felt safe at all. The player whose arm he'd been holding had broken free before he could react. Leo had even given his shoulder a quick shove as he set off, leaving Sánchez feeling more helpless than ever.

Only one player seemed capable of flying alongside that ball.

Leo.

He raced after it through the air and headed straight toward Tottenham's goal. The goalkeeper had no time to come out. Leo was moving so fast that he would reach the ball first, without a doubt.

The familiar figure, practically engraved in Gullit's memory, brought the ball toward goal.

Leo took his shot. Tottenham's net was breached almost as soon as the match had begun, and Gullit was already roaring.

"GOAAAAAAL!"

"Lin! Can't you stop scoring goals?!"

"My voice seriously can't take any more of this!"