However, it seems that Ivankovic intends to break the mold and embark on a strategy of using naturalized players without a quota. As long as the naturalized players perform well and fit the tactical requirements, they are expected to become part of the national team. However, those naturalized players who have not shown up in the Chinese Super League may miss the door of the national team as a result.
Three naturalized players missed the first round of Super League matches. They are Chengdu Rongcheng's Ekerson, Shanghai Shenhua's Dai Weijun and Beijing Guoan's Li Ke. Ackerson and Li may not be included in the national team list, while Dai Weijun's inclusion will depend on whether he is affected by injuries or not.
If the national team is equipped with naturalized players in the front, midfield and backfield, the match against Singapore in March will be more solid. There is a consensus that naturalized players are commonly used by Asian teams, and although there are many of them in the national team, they have not been utilized to their full potential. The addition of Ivankovic may reverse the tradition and help the national team make a solid push for the 2026 World Cup.
