Today, March 15, in the first game of the new season, Barton showed amazing strength, contributing key assists in two consecutive games, especially in the game against Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, Barton assisted Grant to break through the goal through accurate corner kicks. At this time, Ivankovic is with the national soccer team coaching group to observe the game, Barton's performance was very impressive.
Barton, the newly promoted member of the National Football Training List, is about to embark on a brand new challenge under Ivankovic. Sports New Vision revealed that Barton is expected to play an important role in Ivankovic's tactical system, and Ivankovic seems confident about it, knowing the power of the winger's offense.
Looking back at Ivankovic's coaching experience in Oman, his quick defense and counterattacking tactics caused headaches for opponents. Now, this tactic may be brought to the Chinese team by him. For the international players who have just joined the team, this is undoubtedly a brand new experience. On the training ground, Ivan emphasized "speed and accuracy" and set strict requirements for each player. He encouraged the players to be "full of confidence and make bold breakthroughs".
With reference to the Oman period, 4-4-2 and 4-3-1-2 were Ivanovic's usual formations. He favors fielding breakaway wingers on the wings, which is why he has recruited a number of wingers, including Barton. Barton will face as many as eight competitors for the winger position, including Wu Lei, Wei Shihao and Fernando.
Wu Lei, Wei Shihao and Fernando are undoubtedly powerhouse players and are expected to lock down the roster for the two Singapore matches in the new season. While Barton's competitors are mainly Xie Pengfei, Lin Liangming, Chen Pu, Xie Wenneng and Dai Weijun. In the first two rounds of the new season's Chinese Super League, Barton has earned more playing time and competitive status with his outstanding performance.
In the match between Nantong Zhiyun and Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, Barton averaged 84 minutes and provided key assists for Ademi and Grant. His rivals Lin Liangming, Xie Wenneng, Xie Pengfei and Chen Pu also made two appearances, but their average playing time was far from that of Barton, and these players did not score or assist.
Compared to those six players, Barton has a clear advantage on the offensive end. He has attempted 12 shots on goal, which ranks fourth in the CSL and is the only local player in the top ten. In terms of passing, Barton has completed 15 passes in two games, six successful and four key passes. He ranks third in the CSL in passes behind Shanghai Harbor's Oscar and Chengdu Rongcheng's Andrigo.
Looking at the player's technical characteristics, Barton excels in both offense and defense. Jinmen Tigers' tactics require him to strongly support the wing-backs. Although players such as Lin Liangming, Xie Pengfei and Dai Weijun are more prominent in breakthroughs and link-ups, Barton is more capable of getting up and down the pitch.
