The news of Iversen joining Chengdu Chengdu was initially just a gossip rumor. However, a report in Football Daily made the rumor "infinitely close" to reality, and the rumor of the naturalized player returning to the Chinese Super League is no longer empty. To describe it as "infinitely close" means that the salary issue has been settled and the biggest obstacle to cooperation between the two sides no longer exists.
Some have questioned whether Iverson is past his prime and whether the high salary is worth it. So, is it wise for Chengdu to bring him in? Let's find out by looking at strength, age and advantage.
Strength: still comparable to Chinese Super League foreign aiders
Despite his age, Iverson's speed and explosiveness have slipped. How has he fared in the CFL?
In the 2021 season, Ickxon played for Guangzhou and was only involved in the first phase of the Chinese Super League, contributing 11 goals and 3 assists in 13 games. The Chinese Super League's top scorer that season, Junior (14 goals), did not participate in all matches, and Iverson was second in the rankings. If Iversen had played the entire season, he would have likely won the CSL Golden Boot for the third time.
In the 2022 season, Ackerson played for Pakistan B Gremio. Affected by a long period of inactivity, he made a number of substitute appearances and scored only four goals, failing to join the team in the Pakistan First Division. However, Ackerson still made 22 appearances, showing that his strength is recognized by the manager. The level of Pakistan B is much higher than today's Chinese Super League, and his performance in the Super League is something to look forward to.
The performance of the last two seasons shows that with the current level of the Chinese Super League, Ickerson still has the strength of a foreigner.
Age: Physical fitness is not in jeopardy
At 33, Iverson isn't that old in the pros. As long as the self-discipline, 35 or 36 years old can still ride the field. In today's Chinese Super League, whether it is local players or foreign aid, it is not uncommon to see absolute mainstays in their 30s, and many veterans even outperform younger players.
Iverson may look "fat", but his body fat percentage is not high, and it is not due to lack of discipline. In the past 12 matches, he has not shown any obvious health problems. He has been playing in the Chinese Super League for a long time, and his professionalism and quality are well known. As long as he stays healthy, he will be able to play in the Chinese Super League for two more years without any doubt.
Chengdu Rongcheng has fully argued and investigated before choosing Ickerson, and will not choose a player who can't run as a starter.
Other advantages of Exxon.
1. Local player status, not taking up the foreign aid quota. This helps the team's strength and is equivalent to an additional foreign aid.
2, free transfer, no need to pay the transfer fee. The introduction of a strength of foreign aid, at least need to spend millions of euros, low-priced gold is unrealistic, the probability is very low, need to luck.
3、Familiar with the Chinese Super League, low risk of signing. The introduction of powerful foreign aid may face adaptation problems, while Exxon has no doubt in this regard, and basically can realize plug and play.
Overall, Chengdu Rongcheng should give full consideration to bringing in Ickerson, and not only focus on his first goal scorer in the history of the Chinese Super League. Eckerson could choose Chengdu Rongcheng and make concessions in terms of salary, after all, there is a relatively stable environment here and a chance to play for the national team again.
