One of Taiwan's top former juniors, ahead of Kao in 1 year (he was U18 no1, and Kao no 2), and 2nd place, only just behind Kao the next, both head to head still, until they too old for U19. Both are the same age, or 1 month apart to be exact.
and then the next year Kao boomed in the world and went to play Bundesliga in Germany (this season).
Some gap occurred and confidence level drop, with more youngsters challenging his spot in the national team.
A good kid, very well manners, very good academically too - someone any coach will just go the extra mile for in his allroundness.
He didn't cement a spot in the national team in 2024 - so there was no international match, so, I got him to go play in Spain super division and he struggled with his first trip.
There was pressure, as the club was going to get regulated, and needed all wins.
when I asked if conditions there are okay (meals, accommodation, training), I especially asked many times about if training is okay, he said it is perfect - didn't want me to worry (later I found out, training doesn't really meet my expectations and it was difficult for him to be in good form) - to be fair most places in Europe training doesn't meet my expectations - it is either quality, or quantity (not enough hours) or both.
His contract involved 2 trips
first trip for 3 weeks - 3 matches
and second trip was 5 weeks - 5 matches.
the 3 matches.... results are 1 win, 4 loss.... the win came in the last match of that trip
he managed to get his first career league win
The kid can play - USATT level of 2600+ (2700 if he is on a good day) but he was fighting to beat himself/his challenges, being away from home, not the best training conditions that he is used to, adjusting to cultural, dietary, language differences, it was difficult for a 20 year old there all alone (his first trip without a coach next to him to guide him), but he didn't let me worry of his challenges.
Many times I would call him and encourage him, as I believe he lacked confident in the execution on crucial shots.
I would play all star points and out rally opponents, only then to get stuck in a zone.
he came back, I told him to rest for his 2 weeks back, and enjoy time back at home and enjoy the missed foods.
I thought maybe the club doesn't want him for the 2nd trip, I mean, 20% win rate... I would understand.
He was worried the club didn't want him back too, but few days before the trip, the ticket was purchased and he was getting ready to fly back to Spain.
His second trip started with a 2-3 score loss, in the first match... he was up 2-0 and was leading in all 5 games.... I thought that was a huge blow to confidence. Luckily second match up he stood first and won 3-0
2nd trip resulted in 6 wins and 3 loss
giving him a total of 7 wins and 7 loss in his career debut season, not great results for his ability, but he is still young and learning. The turn around was very welcoming and I can see he has more confidence now.
the club actually helped a great deal, and especially with the leadership of the team captain and Spanish international player Carlos and I told Carlos that his care and warmth had made a difficult journey more pleasant.
These photos really touched my heart, and Wang Chen-You actually just landed back in Taiwan 10 mins ago.
at 50% win rate, he had better results than his club mates, so the club is likely going to regulate. Maybe I will find someone to help them promote to the next season. Right now Wang deserves a good rest, and I am busy arranging his next journey.
View attachment 35680
View attachment 35681
View attachment 35682
