China's national soccer team will soon embark on a trip to New Zealand to prepare for two friendly matches with the New Zealand national team, which also marks the successful conclusion of the "first phase" of Jankovic's coaching career. Yankovic's tactical intentions have become clear in the recent warm-up matches of the national team. Undoubtedly, the national team's side attack will continue to occupy the core position, and Wu Lei will continue to shoulder the heavy responsibility.
In goal, Shanghai Harbor's Yan Junling is expected to be the starter. Despite his mediocre performance in last season's Hong Kong tournament, Yan Junling's solid performance is undoubtedly a "stable" choice for Jankovic compared to Liu Dianzuo and Wang Dalei. In the back line, Li Shuai, Liu Yang, Wang Shangyuan, Sun Guowen and Deng Hanwen are all excellent wingbacks with strong assisting abilities.
At center back, the departures of Jiang Guangtai, Ren Hang and Liu Yiming have left the national team slightly weak in that position. Even if Zhu Chenjie returns, the thickness of the squad is still insufficient. Against this backdrop, Jankovic may face a challenge in utilizing the three center backs tactic. In the face of New Zealand's challenge, the national team is expected to use a four-guard formation.
In the middle of the midfield, the national team is slightly short of candidates. Players such as He Chao, Wang Shangyuan, Xu Xin, Zhang Jiaqi and Wu Xi are all in contention. Given the strengths of these players, either two out of five or three out of five are stretched. It also means that Jankovic won't be making many changes to his midfield setup. However, on the wings, the national team has a number of powerful players, such as Lin Liangming, Xie Pengfei, Liu Binbin, and even the courageous Wu Lei, all have the ability to create threats on the sides.
Accordingly, the arrangement of the formation of the national football team tends to be clear, will be in the 433 and 451 flexible switching. If the 433 formation, Xu Xin, He Chao and Wu Xi are expected to guard the center, Xie Pengfei and Lin Liangming in the two wings, by virtue of their excellent ability to score, help reduce the pressure of Wu Lei's front line. If the 451 formation, Wu Xi and Xu Xin will partner the back, Xie Pengfei and Lin Liangming respectively, Wu Lei's position will be adjusted, the front line may be arranged Tan Long or other candidates.
Currently, Wei Shihao has become the biggest variable in the national team. He is highly overlapping with Wu Lei in the field position and is expected to be Jankovic's replacement. After all, Wei Shihao's playing time in national team matches is limited, but with his excellent ability, he is fully capable of occupying a key attacking position in a 433 or 451 formation. I believe Jankovic will not make him wait too long.
