Last season, individual giants in the Chinese Super League were average, and Guoan was one of them. Compared to the past, Guoan was very stable, with no hopes of winning the title and no worries of relegation. The main reason for going from the top team in the league to a mid-table team is the declining strength of the lineup. Looking back at last season, Guoan's foreign aid portfolio was updated, with second- and even third-rate foreign aid from Europe joining the team, and the competitiveness could not be compared to the lineup led by Augusto, Bieira, Bakambu, and Kim Min-jae.
Fortunately, Guoan has adjusted its strategy in time, and instead of rushing to win the title, it has chosen to tap into the potential of its lineup, promoting many young players and facilitating the transition between the old and the new, as well as the emergence of new stars such as Leung Sao Van and Nguyen Chi Long, which have revitalized Guoan. Facing the 2023 season, Guoan does not want to remain lukewarm and has taken the initiative to seek changes, especially after new coach Stanley has gone through the adaptation period and will adjust his lineup, with a new major lineup on the horizon and Guoan looking to return to the league's powerhouse.
Indeed, Guoan's squad has always been the best in China, with the number of international players in the top three in the Chinese Super League and, more importantly, naturalized players as well - with the departure of Hou Yongyong, only Li Ke, the 29-year-old international, has been injured over the past two seasons, and then again after a brief return last season, with surgery.
Therefore, this return, Guoan also officially announced Li Ke status as a trial player, which is also surprising, after all, is an international midfielder, just two years to become a trial role, is also some good news.
Of course, if pros don't play for an extended period of time, their competitive status is bound to drop. Also, Rico's injuries are strange. Aside from the unknown status, the biggest concern for outsiders is the injuries. It is almost certain that once Li Ke's old injuries come back again, the ongoing injuries will likely break his career.
So, the status of trial player is actually a kind of protection, at least there will not be too much pressure. Once unable to keep up with the team's training rhythm, both sides have a step to take. Of course, the outside world still hope that the Arsenal youth training system growth of players can return to the national team, continue to contribute.
