It is worth mentioning that it is highly likely that Ivankovic will break the rule and boldly use naturalized players without any quota restriction. As long as these players perform well on the pitch and meet 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 might miss the door of the national team.
In the first round of the Super League, three naturalized players did not appear on the field: Chengdu Rongcheng's Eckerson, Shanghai Shenhua's Dai Weijun and Beijing Guoan's Li Ke. Ackerson and Li may have their national team careers jeopardized, while Dai Weijun's fate depends on his recovery from injury.
If the national team can deploy naturalized players at the front, back and midfield, it will be more secure against Singapore in March. The use of naturalized players by Asian teams has become a trend that has not been utilized to its full potential, despite the fact that the national team has many such players. The arrival of Ivankovic may break this deadlock and help the national team to make a solid start to the 2026 World Cup campaign.
