Zhang Yudong's Football Career and Shenzhen New Pengcheng
A July 28 report revealed that Zhang Yudong, the midfield soul of Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, has become an indispensable member of the team with his frequent appearances and huge playing hours. Recently, he received an exclusive interview with Shenzhen New Pengcheng Club and talked about his soccer career.
You were born and raised in Shanghai and started your soccer career in this city, so how did you fall in love with soccer at first sight and eventually embark on the path of a professional player?
Zhang Yudong revealed: "I just started playing soccer in the first grade of elementary school, which is a late start compared to my friends who have been playing soccer since kindergarten. In Shanghai, the youth training system for soccer is quite good. In elementary school, my teachers told me I had a talent for playing soccer, so I gradually developed a passion for it. By junior high school, my skills had also improved significantly, and then I entered the Genbao soccer base in Chongming and started professional training, which led to a professional soccer career."
It takes a lot of courage to pursue a professional dream from your hometown, what drove you to choose to join Shenzhen New Pengcheng?
Zhang Yudong lamented, "In 2012, I got my first opportunity to play in the Chinese Super League at Shanghai Shenxin. During my years at Shenxin, I accumulated a wealth of experience in the Chinese Super League. However, Shenxin was later relegated to the Central League and the team faced many challenges. Facing the pressure of life, I had to make a choice. So I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join Kunshan. After communicating with my family, I chose to represent Shenzhen Xinpengcheng in the Chinese Super League."
What's the most profound change you've made this season with the jump from the First Division to the Premier League?
Zhang Yudong said, "The gap between the Chinese League and the Chinese Super League is far beyond imagination, whether it is the intensity of the game or the quality of the players, there is an essential difference. You can't feel the intensity of the game and the intensity of the confrontation just by looking at photos and videos. When you really stand on the field, you will find that many things are very different from what you imagined."
After the break, the team's performance in the last few games has improved significantly. What steps have you and your teammates taken to help the team get out of the rut?
Zhang Yudong said, "As a newcomer to the Chinese Super League, we have to be fully prepared for difficulties in our first year. There is a huge gap between the Chinese Super League and the Chinese First Division, which is a brand new challenge for our club. Our goal is to adapt as quickly as possible, while shortening the adaptation time. With only 30 rounds in the league, time is short. My teammates and I are working hard and I believe our team will get stronger and stronger."
