With the bell ringing on February 20, Beijing time, the exciting match of the second round of the AFC Champions League 1/8 finals came to an end. Shandong Taishan reversed Kawasaki Striker 4-2 in the second stage and eliminated their opponents with a thrilling total score of 6-5, advancing into the last eight of the AFC Champions League for the third time, equaling the team's best record.
In this fierce battle, Taishan managed to keep their two foreign stars, Cressan and Jadson, while the local midfielder, 30-year-old Lee Won-yi, also shone. Coach Choi Kang-hee's use of Lee Won-yi was obvious to all. Just 8 minutes into the match, Lee made a steal in front of the field and then skillfully carried the ball into the Kawasaki forward's penalty area, opening the door for Kressan to win.
Li Yuanyi's good form continued until the end of the game. In extra time, Li Yuanyi almost helped Taishan to seal the win. He shot without hesitation from the top of the penalty area with amazing power. Had it not been for the heroic save of former South Korean national goalkeeper Jung Sung Ryong, Lee might have been able to write a myth for the Taishan team four minutes earlier.
In the authoritative rating agency sofascore's post-game rating, Li Yuanyi harvested a high score of 7.6 points, second only to Cressan and Jadson. Numerous netizens have praised: "China Modric", "the current best Chinese midfielder", "Why can't such a level be selected for the Asian Cup?"
Up to now, Li Yuanyi has played 36 matches for Taishan, making 29 starts and contributing 3 goals and 7 assists, which is an impressive midfield performance. Unfortunately, he failed to make the national team.
Looking back at the last Asian Cup, Lee Won-yi, who was highly touted, was not even called up. The weakness of the national team's midfield was also the key to their failure in the group stage. Imagine, if Sankovic can summon Li Yuanyi, his tireless running may help the Chinese men's football team to get rid of the embarrassment of the worst record in the Asian Cup.
