Duan Liuyu's increasingly marginalized situation at Shandong Taishan seems to signal a turning point in his career. In comparison, Duan has no obvious advantage in the same position, and his defensive shortcomings in the midfield are in stark contrast to Li Yuan's strong performance this season - he has contributed two goals and six assists on the offensive side. Duan Liuyu's attacking ability is a little less impressive compared to the defensive back. Choi Kang-hee has begun to develop new players, and young player Xie Wenneng is emerging as a player whose style of play is favored by the team.
In addition to Duan Liuyu, Shandong Taishan team has other outstanding attackers, such as Abdul Meat Suli, who is more suitable for the front waist position, more prominent physical confrontation; the side of the road there is Liu Guobao's figure. Duan Liuyu seems to have lost his original position in the Taishan team. Unlike past loan players, Duan is about to turn 26 years old and lacks potential. Choi Kang-hee has promoted a new star with more strength. Taishan is facing numerous player adjustments, including some questionable players. The team has yet to officially release Duan Liuyu from his contract, but under Choi Kanghee's coaching, Duan Liuyu's chances seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer.
With three rounds left in the Chinese Super League and Wuhan facing the challenge of the AFC Champions League, Duan Liuyu still has a chance to prove his worth. Even if he is unable to extend his contract with Shandong Taishan, he can start a new chapter by moving to another team. Duan Liuyu needs to join a mid- to lower-tier team with him at the center, like Dalian Shide's Lin Liangming, who didn't have a brilliant initial career but eventually became a member of the national team thanks to ample playing opportunities. Xiaoduan's peak came in the 2019 season, but has made few breakthroughs since then. This situation may have something to do with the three head coaching changes at Shandong Taishan.
