Focusing on the future of Chinese soccer, the U21 League, which is organized by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and allows clubs to rank themselves, is about to kick off. In the announced team list, the name of Jiang Shenglong, the main player of the Chinese Super League powerhouse Chongqing, unexpectedly appeared in the U21 Chongqing team lineup. Beijing Guoan's "iron U23" Gao Tianyi is also on the list.
Jiang Shenglong, on loan from Shanghai Shenhua to Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic this season, played steadily in the first three league games, making consecutive starts. However, unfortunately, Jiang Shenglong was injured in the pre-match warm-up for the fourth match against Henan and missed the next two rounds.
Chongqing's inclusion of Jiang Shenglong in the U21 League roster may be in the hope that the youngster can make up for missed competitive form due to injury with more playing opportunities.
Gao Tianyi, who was transferred from Jiangsu to Guoan, has become the second choice for the "U23" starter of Guoan in the new season. Coach Bilic even played Gao Tianyi in two matches. Guoan let the overage player participate in the U21 League, perhaps also to accelerate the training of newcomers.
Jiang Shenglong and Gao Tianyi will undoubtedly show their special strengths in the U21 League matches. However, the risk of injury is always present in formal, high-intensity, confrontational matches. Therefore, they must be careful so as not to jeopardize their performance in the Chinese Super League where they are really needed.
